Looking Ahead To 2012

Among the questions facing Georgia race fans in 2012 is the fate of Lanier National Speedway in Braselton, GA. Photo courtesy Lanier National Speedway

With 2011 fading in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a good look at 2012 as it looms ahead.

On a national level, the question of plummeting ticket sales and television numbers continues to be a big concern.  NASCAR, in particular, is looking to new ways to try to rejuvenate their big three series and to reignite interest among their core audience.

IndyCar racing, on the heels of the tragic death of Dan Wheldon, hopes a new car and new venues will help the series as it continues to try to grow back to the level it was at in the early 1990s.

For Georgia racing, one big question has to be what is in store for asphalt racing.

The question of one track has been determined.  Reports say the asphalt at New Senoia Raceway, in Senoia, Georgia, which had originally had dirt put on top of it, has now been pulled up, with the track returning to a true dirt surface for the first time in many years.

The fate of another track, Lanier National Speedway in Braselton, Georgia, is still in question.  After the 2011 season was suspended in September, only two events remain on the track’s schedule for the foreseeable future, the annual Ice Cold Shriners Bowl and the CRA’s SpeedFest, both slated for January.  With the track up for sale, its future is still very much in question.

But another story to watch, according to Georgia racing historian and GRH.com contribtor Mike Bell, is the reopening of two Peach State dirt tracks, Sugar Creek Raceway and Needmore Speedway. Bell said there are reports that the new owner of Needmore has set aside $25,000 to start handling any lawsuits that jump up after local residents had fought in court to have the track shut down.

Regardless of where or what type of racing, fans will have plenty to look to in the New Year.