Author:
Slaps
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Date Posted: 12:03:02 02/17/04 Tue
Connecticut track under a dome? The Trumbull developer proposing to build a $400 million racetrack here said Friday that it would be the first such domed facility in America. Gene Arganese of Arganese Properties said he envisions a retractable roof over the track, which he said would dramatically increase his opportunities to host races and other events year-round. He said the decision to build a dome has not changed his construction timeline, but would require him to reduce the size of the track from a 1 1/4-mile oval to a one-mile oval. Arganese said he and his design team decided in recent weeks to attempt to build the nation's first domed racing stadium. Several major league sports are played under retractable domes, he noted, and several automotive events, including monster truck rallies and motorcycle and “mud bog” races, take place indoors. But no major races, including the coveted NASCAR races that Arganese hopes one day to promote, are held in domed facilities. Another fully enclosed raceway has been proposed by Brant Motorsports in Youngstown, Ohio. Arganese said he and his engineers were still studying how to design a safe and efficient ventilation system. Arganese has secured nearly $20 million in purchase agreements on approximately 424 acres of land on Route 2. He has proposed building a 140,000-seat stadium that would host concerts, races, and other events, including boat shows. Arganese said he also has options on nearly 600 acres in Rhode Island, but remains committed to building in North Stonington. Arganese's plan has been widely opposed by residents, who expressed concern in December that Arganese was not better prepared to answer questions about the tracks' impact on noise, light, traffic, emergency services and the environment.(The Day - need to reg to read)(2-17-2004)
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