JASPER – Several business interests, based out of Lake Park, Ga., are still looking into the possibility of securing land in Hamilton County to develop it into a NASCAR and NHRA-sanctioned racing facility, according to county officials, which would involve a 1/2-mile oval track and a drag strip.



“I talked with developers for the racetrack last Sunday, and they will be back again this week to talk with us further,” said Bob Poor, Director of the Hamilton County Office of Tourism and Economic Development.



At press time for The Jasper News, Poor indicated he could not make any additional comments on the developing situation, but did indicate the developers reportedly interested in bringing a NASCAR and NHRA-sanctioned facility to Hamilton County include Larry Dean, Standard Contractors, Valdosta, Ga.; Harold Hughes, owner of the Farmhouse Restaurant, Lake Park, Ga.; and Tim Pafford, a businessman involved with several other race track projects.



The trio of businessmen have reportedly experienced some problems concerning property they sought to acquire in Cook County, Ga., which has led to their interest in acquiring property locally. The developers initially looked at land in Hamilton County on April 2-3.



According to county officials, Hamilton County is still anticipating knowing something within the next several business days regarding the final decision of the track’s developers to seek to locate the facility here.



Conflicts with the Georgia Department of Transportation have made Cook County, Ga. a less viable option for the developers, according to Poor, who indicated the Georgia DOT wanted to force the developers to spend $1.5 million on Interstate interchanges.



No vote or referendum for the NASCAR track and NHRA drag strip is necessary for the two racetrack projects proposing to come to Hamilton County, which is the case for the prospective Jai-Alai and Pari-mutuel wagering facility being proposed by Richmond Entertainment, Inc., which is still in the process of obtaining permits from the state enabling them to make a formal presentation before the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners.



According to Poor, the developers behind the NASCAR-NHRA track would need to get a special exemption for zoning and planning in that area.



The special exemption would be handled through the planning and zoning board and the County Commissioner’s Board. The developers would also have to get permits through the Water Management District.