The Banks County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved a request to allow drag racing again at Banks Crossing.
More than 300 people were Tuesday night’s BOC) meeting when approval was given for a conditional use permit that will allow a racetrack to operate again at Banks Crossing. And the Facebook live of the meeting had over 300 viewers.
The meeting room was filled with chairs also set up in the lobby and outside the building with television screens set up so the meeting could be viewed.
Thirteen people spoke in favor of the request with each speaker getting applause. Thunderous applause also came at the unanimous vote for approval. The meeting brought not only local residents, but a representative of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and racers from other states.
The BOC submitted the application for a conditional use permit to allow the continued use of a racetrack at East Ridgeway Road. The site was first used as a racetrack in 1975 and was used in that capacity until 2021. The racetrack was in operation before zoning was approved.
This conditional use will allow the 318-acre site to be zoned as it has been used for decades.
Representatives of the IHRA have reportedly plan to get the track in operation again.
The first speaker in favor of the request said, “This is a world-renowned track. People come from around the world to race and I would like that history to repeat itself.” A local resident, Greg Jewell, noted the economic impact the track would have for the county. He said not approving the request could “create unknowns (such as housing) which could be far worse.” William Reems focused on the sales tax revenue, job opportunities and experiences for young people as reasons for approval. Daniel Smith recalled the positive experiences he had going to the track as a kid.
OPPOSITION
A lady from a local church spoke in opposition to the request, stating that when races were held it was so loud that members inside the church could not hear the service or even talk among themselves. The approval from the commissioners came with a condition that racing not be allowed until after noon on Sundays.
HISTORY
Known as Atlanta Dragway, the facility opened in 1975 and closed 2021, according to Wikipedia. You can read more about the history of it here: Atlanta Dragway – Wikipedia
