TN Senate Bill Could Give Raceway Licensing Control To Local Governments

CLEVELAND, TN, (WDEF)-Just a few decades ago Tennessee had 50 speedways now it has just 13.
 East TN legislators feel handing licensing decisions back to local government could reverse the slump.

Senator Mike Bell, District 9, (R),"From regulated at the state level to being regulated at the local level, it does not require any further insurance than currently in place, but it does require insurance and that has to now be filed at the local clerk’s office."

Bradley County Commission are in favor of the legislation feeling it could help funds as well as giving power away from state government and giving it back to local government".

Louie Alford, Chairman Bradley County Commission,"Since we are such a low tax county rate to start with, we are always looking for ways to increase money coming in to Bradley County, how much this would increase I don’t know but it does give the authority to deal with the raceway".

Cleveland Speedway currently employs more than 40 people.
Management are unsure if Senate Bill 0480 will have a major impact for their track but welcome any support in the fight to stay open.

Mike Simmons, Cleveland Speedway Management,"Some tax breaks may help with some of the amount of money we have to pay when it becomes for an amusement tax, you have to pay a tax on the amount of people that comes into the stand".

State representative Dan Howell is optimistic the bill could become law in the coming months.

"Well as soon as it’s passed the house and senate and the governor signs it, I believe the general rule is it will go into effect within ten days, so it will be fairly soon".

Cleveland Speedway feel tracks are closing due to tough economic times.
They added there are 7 major racetracks within an hour of Chattanooga and competition for dwindling crowds can be challenging.