The I-70 Speedway Can't Reopen Soon Enough For Business Owners in Odessa, Missouri
Updated at 11:48 a.m. with commission's approval — Chris Payne had hoped that there would have been Memorial Day Weekend racing at a new motorsports complex like there was with the Indianapolis 500, the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Formula One’s Monaco Grand Prix.
That wasn’t the case. But there are signs that it will be a reality in 2020 at the old I-70 Speedway. On Wednesday, after months of haggling, the Lafayette County Commission approved the operation of the I-70 Motorsports Park under Kansas City businessman Chris Payne’s ownership.
It’s a project that both Payne and business owners in nearby Odessa hope will bring new life into the small town.
The track that’s along Interstate 70 has been closed since 2008. Yet, the rusted I-70 Speedway sign is close to being replaced. And, once approved, Payne can begin reconstructing the site, which will have a dirt oval track, a motocross course and a drag strip.
https://www.kcur.org/post/i-70-speedway-cant-reopen-soon-enough-business-owners-odessa-missouri