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CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – For Charlotte County racing fans, it’s the end of the road. 4-17 Southern Speedway may be demolished for recreation.
This is the only track of its kind in Southwest Florida. You probably know big name racers like Ross Chastain who got their start here.
On Thursday, Airport Authority commissioners voted to continue negotiations with the Smugglers Operations Administration rather than the current highway owners or motocross organizations.
“Our goal was to create a multipurpose facility that could be used not only for concerts, festivals, family and friends events, corporate events, boat shows, car shows, but also with upgraded food and beverage components that you wouldn’t normally find let’s say one Fair,” said Jerry Cleffi, general manager of Smugglers Events.
Current owner Jon Gentry wants the motocross team to win the building without the opportunity to lease it again. The group told him they wanted to keep the track and give them permission to use it.
Instead, Smugglers plans to tear down the existing infrastructure and build a concert venue suitable for a permanent stage and shipping containers to upgrade the dining scene.
Thousands of people in southwestern Florida will feel the loss of the track.
“Usually between the pits and the stands, 2,500-3,000 people pass through [weekly]”They plan their family vacations around these big games, like next week’s game,” Gentry said. “
Next weekend’s Grand Prix could be the last major event to take place at the track. They’re looking to add a few more games to fill out the rest of the calendar year, but that hasn’t taken away the pain.
“[The] The racing world, they’re in shock,” Gentry said. “It’s sad to see something that has been around for so long disappear. “
The smugglers say they are ready to start renovations as soon as they get the green light, which means removing the track permanently.
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