A coalition dubbed Restore Our Fairgrounds is calling for a voter referendum to block NASCAR-style racing in favor of affordable housing and green space at the Fairgrounds in South Nashville, the latest measure in a two-decade effort to strip auto racing from the property.
The group said it filed paperwork [December 8] with the Metro Clerk to start a charter amendment ending auto racing at the Metro Nashville Fairgrounds amid rumors about Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Speedway Motorsports negotiating a deal for NASCAR-type expansion. The group says resumption of car races would hurt local taxpayers and cause more traffic and noise.
If successful, the amendment would undo a 2011 referendum that amended the charter to protect existing uses of the Fairgrounds, including auto racing. The measure passed with 72% of voters approving it.
Metro Nashville voters would have to vote in favor of a referendum to end racing at the Fairgrounds, which was home to different types of racing for more than 100 years.