Fairgrounds Nashville has started contract talks with Track Enterprises to promote races at the speedway for next year’s racing season.
Fairgrounds Director Laura Womack said Tuesday at the board’s monthly meeting that she has been in talks with a “reputable professional promoter” and will engage in further talks of a potential contract with the group for the upcoming season.
The Fair Board voted last month to end its contract with Formosa Productions, the current operators of Fairgrounds Speedway, saying the group has failed to pay its outstanding debt to the city.
The current contract will formally end in February 2020.
Fairgrounds spokesperson Holly McCall told The Tennessean on Wednesday the fairgrounds is looking to secure a deal with Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises for at least three races next seasons — with room for more potential races.
Mayor John Cooper has not yet said if he supports a deal to bring NASCAR to the fairgrounds. In his first official day at city hall as mayor, Cooper told reporters he needed more information about the MLS stadium financing and legal issues before making any decision.
Cooper’s spokesperson Chris Song confirmed Tuesday that the administration has received a new proposal from SMI, which is currently under review.
— Tennessean —