The Canadian Motor Speedway is another step closer to becoming reality after all appeals against building the new oval were dismissed on Nov. 6. The new track will be in Fort Erie in Ontario, Canada. NASCAR has previously shown an interest in expanding to Canada, so officials are allegedly watching the progress closely.
Objections and Plans for the Canadian Motor Speedway
Residents of Fort Erie have voiced numerous objections to the Canadian Motor Speedway that range from cost to pollution. Several appeals to prevent the construction of the track have been denied, so the $400 million track is expected to open in 2014, but the date has not been officially confirmed. Funding for the Canadian Motor Speedway has been secured from outside investors. Local officials claim that the new track will attract business and jobs to the area. They are refuting resident complaints about potential traffic problems and zoning issues. The Citizens Coalition of Greater Fort Erie has already made an agreement, so the building process should start soon.
The Canadian Motor Speedway will be a 2.6 mile oval track with more than 60,000 seats and located near Buffalo, New York. Track officials hope that the proximity to the U.S. will help attract NASCAR and other motorsports in the future. Jeff Gordon has been reported to be helping design the course and has been providing feedback on the plans.
Will NASCAR be Interested?
Earlier this season, NASCAR’s partnership with Octane Management ended, so it will not be returning to Canada in 2013. Although the organization will not hold a race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal next year, it is rumored to be searching for a way to have future competitions in Canada. If the Canadian Motor Speedway is built, NASCAR will probably be interested.
One of the causes of dissent between NASCAR and Octane Management was the organization’s refusal to hold a Sprint Cup Series race in Canada. NASCAR is not likely to change its position on this issue soon, so fans will probably get to see either a Nationwide Series or Camping World Truck Series race at the new track.
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Growing up in Indiana, Lana developed a love for motorsports at an early age. She follows NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
