THORNBURG, VA :: A public hearing has been scheduled by the Spotsylvania County Planning Commission for the Dominion Raceway motorsports complex for March 6th at 7 pm at the Spotsylvania County Government Building in Spotsylvania, VA. The physical address is 9104 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania VA.
The plan to build the multi-purpose motorsports complex has been greeted with widespread support but also with criticism from a group that calls themselves “The Coalition to Preserve the Thornburg Countryside”. The group cites the track’s location to nearby schools, environmental concerns and racetrack safety, among other things, in their opposition.
“Literally thousands of residents, businesses, fans and racers have expressed interest in Dominion Raceway and have already shown their support in numerous ways,” Steve Britt, owner of Old Dominion Speedway and Dominion Raceway applicant, said in an email sent to RACE22.com. “The biggest question has been ‘how can we help?’ The March 6 hearing represents the next big step in the approval process and this is where the legions of supporters can step forward.
“Your presence at the hearing is crucial and so is your show of support prior to the event. Contacting various government officials and media to voice your support will lay the foundation for future steps.”
The Thornburg complex would consist of a 4/10 mile oval, a dragstrip and a road course. Approval from the planning commission is just the first step for the speedway. They still must get approval for a rezoning and special-use permit which will also require public hearings.
The Dominion Raceway complex would replace Old Dominion Speedway as the premier racing destination in Northern Virginia. Old Dominion Speedway closed at the end of the 2012 season after 65 years of operation. If approved, the plan is to open Dominion Raceway in 2014. For the 2013 season, there will not be a NASCAR sanctioned Late Model venue in Northern Virginia. Asphalt venues Southside Speedway and Shenandoah Speedway will operate in 2013 but not under the NASCAR label. The Winchester Speedway dirt track will also operate in Northern Virginia on Saturday Nights. Potomac Speedway, a dirt track which is closer to DC, in Southern Maryland, will operate on Friday Nights.
