Charlotte looking good to land HOF

NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France indicated that Charlotte has “two critical advantages" in bidding to land the sport’s HOF over Atlanta and Daytona: “Lots of guaranteed money and superstar drivers and racing teams in its backyard," according to Walter Woods of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. The North Carolina state Legislature has “already approved a hotel/motel tax and a $20[M] land gift that will guarantee funding for nearly all" of Charlotte’s proposed $137.5M facility. The state of Georgia is “only now putting together" $32.4M million in public money for the hall, which organizers “expect will cost about" $92M. Corporate support and bank loans will “cover the balance, a fact that seemed to give France pause." France, on Atlanta’s financial effort: “I think they’ll get there." But he added that Charlotte’s money is “all wrapped up." France indicated that Charlotte being the home base for several NASCAR drivers and teams is “key for rotating fresh exhibits through the [HOF], and getting racing’s superstar drivers on the red carpet" for an annual induction ceremony. But, when asked if Charlotte “had the edge," France replied, “I wouldn’t say that." Woods notes Daytona’s “effort may have the same financial disadvantages as Atlanta" ATLANTA CONSTITUTION