Plans to destroy Greenville Pickens Speedway put on pause

Plans to demolish a historic Upstate racetrack were halted today in Pickens County.

Developers are aiming to create a multi-use industrial park at the Greenville Pickens Speedway's location but were denied permission to develop on the actual track.

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On Monday, developers sought county approval for the final two phases of the extensive project on the speedway's site.

The development is divided into three phases, with phase one currently in progress.

Phase two was approved on Monday, which will add four new buildings totaling nearly 3,000,000 square feet.

Phase three would include nine new buildings totaling 800,000 square feet and develop land over the historic racetrack.

Developers express a desire to memorialize the track.

"We will create a series of monuments as you go through the boulevard, that pays respect, homage to their careers, that they have been memorialized for," said Philip Wilson with RealtyLink, expressing a vision that intertwines the past with the future. These monuments are intended to serve not only as artistic representations but also as educational tools that celebrate the rich history and legacy of the individuals who have significantly contributed to the world of racing and motorsports. Each monument will be thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of the careers they commemorate, ensuring that visitors can engage with the stories and achievements of these figures as they stroll along the boulevard.

 At Monday's planning commission meeting, the plan received a harsh reaction during public comment, reflecting the deep emotional ties that the community holds towards the racing heritage. Local residents voiced their concerns passionately, emphasizing the importance of preserving the history associated with the track and the sport itself.

"If you destroy it, you might as well destroy history and not even think about it. NASCAR is from this place, it's the second oldest track, everyone went here, raced it, went to NASCAR," said Brandon Langston, articulating a sentiment that resonated with many in attendance. His words underscored the historical significance of the track, which has been a cornerstone of the local culture and identity for generations. The memories of families gathering to watch races and the excitement that filled the air during events were not just personal anecdotes but shared experiences that bind the community together.

Mark Blackwell, who is the son of the former owner of the track, added to the discourse with his poignant remarks. "Why tear that down and try to replace it with something that's going to make money when that could make money too, or that could even make more money, and it could be a great save for the community," he said. His perspective highlights the potential for revitalization and economic growth through the preservation of the track rather than its demolition. He advocates for a vision that respects the past while also recognizing the opportunities for development that align with the community's values and heritage.

Pickens County staff acknowledged the concerns raised during the meeting and stated that developers can come back within the next few months with a new proposal. Commission members expressed hope that this pause would provide both developers and passionate fans of the track the necessary time to collaborate and devise a plan that honors the historical significance of the site while also considering the economic benefits that new developments could bring. This collaborative approach aims to find common ground where both preservation and progress can coexist, ultimately fostering a sense of unity within the community as they navigate this pivotal moment in their local history.