The Davidson County Chancery Court sided with retired race car driver Neil Chaffin Friday in a lawsuit against the city regarding a proposed charter amendment to ban racing — and require affordable housing — at The Fairgrounds Nashville. Chancellor Patricia Moskal dismissed much of Chaffin’s suit against the charter amendment language but agreed that its title, which could potentially go in front of county voters, must more specifically describe the charter changes. The Friday afternoon ruling sends racing opponents back to the Charter Revision Commission for additional vetting.
“The Court finds that the title of [Mike] Kopp and [Saul] Solomon’s proposed Charter amendment does not clearly express its subject,” reads the ruling from Moskal.
Track battle reignites as councilmember and advocacy groups back effort to ban racing, reverse 2011 vote
It's not the first court challenge related to racing at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, which was the subject of a successful 2011 referendum campaign to enshrine auto racing at the site. The new proposed amendment would essentially undo that ballot measure.
Consultants, PR firms and strategists abound in both camps. An elusive NASCAR deal could help Speedway Motorsports pivot toward more profitable business offerings as the sport suffers from declining viewership. Auto racing also commands a small but passionate fan base in Nashville. Stadium neighbor Nashville SC (and the team's billionaire owner John Ingram), real estate developers and residents have worked against the potential increase in racing activity, which brings noise and pollution. Mayor Freddie O’Connell has not publicly shared a new NASCAR deal after Speedway Motorsports failed to ink a lease under former Mayor John Cooper.
“The chancellor’s ruling exposes the fact that John Ingram and his band of political operators were trying to hide their true aim to tear down the historic speedway,” reads a statement from Chaffin, shared with the Scene via a spokesperson. “Racing has long been a cherished part of the Fairgrounds, and I am relieved that the soccer people will not be able to pursue their attempt to ban racing without making their intentions fully clear. I hope that the mayor and Metro Council step up now and do the right thing with a solution to restore the speedway and preserve this special place for future generations.”
Charter amendment signatory Mike Kopp explains the ruling as one more hurdle in the long process of putting the matter in front of voters.
“Today’s ruling is a temporary setback, and we remain undeterred,” Kopp shares with the Scene. “We’re encouraged that the court agreed with our arguments except for a highly technical issue that can be resolved by re-filing the petition with the Charter Revision Commission. We're committed to addressing the court's concern and we’ll re-file the petition shortly.”
