Waltrip Racing World in Cornelius, the town's first NASCAR race shop and "fan experience," could be open by the end of the year, its developer said.
Noah Lazes, president of Ark Group, a local entertainment development company, said his team is moving forward with the design of the shop, and then construction at the old Movies at the Lake site off W. Catawba Avenue near Exit 28.
Cornelius commissioners unanimously approved the racing campus' permit Monday night at a town meeting.
Waltrip Racing World, which will be between 130,000 and 150,000 square feet, will fulfill NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Michael Waltrip's dream of showcasing the racing experience to the public.
It will feature museum-like exhibits, a chance to watch crews work on real cars or practice race stops, videos or races on movie screens and a racing-themed gift shop.
The shop also plans to offer a 40-space motor home camp, which had prompted complaints from neighbors in the nearby Magnolia Estates subdivision. They were worried their property values would be hurt. Lazes' group has said the coach park won't be a typical RV park, and plans to turn it into a private membership park.
Lazes expects the motor sports project to attract 50,000 to 70,000 people a year. It will employ 110 to 130 workers on a $10 million annual payroll. Over the next year, his company plans to invest more than $10 million in the project.
"We're really looking forward to being part of Cornelius," said Lazes, who's been working on the project for the past year. "Michael is completely gung-ho as well. He's been integrally involved in the design and details."
Cornelius Town Manager Anthony Roberts said Waltrip Race World will give the town a niche in motor sports and will boost tourism.
"Hopefully it'll open doors for other ventures," Roberts said.
Town's Requirements
Commissioners approved the project, with about 15 conditions. They include:
• Engines that create noise levels above Cornelius' ordinance code can't be tested after 6 p.m.
• No outdoor public address systems that can be heard beyond the property will be allowed.
• Self-contained coach parking and overnight parking in the RV Park area for 40 vehicles will be permitted.
