We, here in the Pacific Northwest, have been fighting to get a track too. I presonally don't watch NASCAR, but I do think it would be a great "Cash Cow" for our local economy. Heck, I might even go see a race if they put it in my backyard.
From what I have read in the local paper, ISC is paying for the track in NYC, but want public funds for the track here in Kitsap County (A few miles west of Seattle). It's because of the public money that I honestly don't think we'll ever see a track here in WA state. It may move to Oregon or even Idaho, but not here.
Kinda sad that our local media has portrayed NASCAR as being so negative. The paper has said that Millions of dollars are needed to create the infrastructure, ie ways to get to and from the track, and the locals don't want to spend that kind of money. What they FAIL to realize is that the other 360 days a year that the track doesnt' have a Nextel race, the locals will benefit from the improved infrastructure.
The detractors claim that it will be TOO loud. I call BS! The proposed design is set down into a hole, which will only direct the sound up. Sure you are going to hear some, but no where near what they claim they'll hear.
OH! The leaded fuel argument is also worthless. In doing a bit of research about 6 months ago, I came up with a study done by the EPA (Which I can't find at the moment) but it concluded that we are only marginally better off with "Unleaded" gas rather than Leaded gas. Both are damaging to the environment, unleaded slightly less damaging.
Here is the website promoting the Kitsap/PNW track:
Race2WA.com Lots of good info regarding the economical and infrastructure benefits of having a NASCAR track in the area.
