by Ken Childs

LUCAMA, N.C. -- In the middle of 2008, it looked as if Southern National Raceway Park had a new owner. Current owner Kirk Leone agreed to terms with buyer Del Richards to purchase the track, closing by the end of 2008. As the year progressed, it became apparent the sale would not go through, and as 2009 begins, Leone finds himself once again looking for a buyer of the 4/10 mile facility in Lucama, NC.

This contract was setup with good intentions to keep the track operating on a weekly basis in the best interest of all sponsors, fans, drivers and crews involved. But do to circumstances out of Leone’s control this did not take place. The purchase agreement between Leone and Del Richards ended on December 17, 2008, therefore placing Southern National Raceway Park back on the market.

“It's such a great facility", Leone said of the raceway. "We'd really like to get someone in here who can fully take over and give the great fans, sponsors, drivers and crew members of the Central/Southeastern part of the state the owner/operator they truly deserve. Things happen for a reason, and anyone who could take over here will find themselves with some of the most loyal racers and race fans in the country". With all the improvements that have been made to SNRP such as the new playground, the paving of the infield, remodeling the tire/tech building, as well as paving the track in 2007, Southern National is truly a great facility. “When I took over Southern National as a short term owner it was my intentions to use my resources as a builder to update the facility. I came in to help keep the facility stay open and make the necessary updates, but the time has come for me to step out and be with my family and concentrate on them as well as my other business,” Leone Stated. “Racing has always been a part of my life and I have made a lot of great friends by doing so and I plan on continuing with some late model racing with my family and team.”

“I would like to thank everyone from the staff, sponsors, fans, drivers and crew for their support of the track and their continued support for the future owner.”

Currently, without a new owner, there are no plans to run a regular 2009 season. Southern National is well liked by several of the touring series and they have expressed interest in having some events at the track throughout the year, so there may be some touring events scheduled at the facility this year.

Any inquiries about purchasing Southern National Raceway Park can be made directly to Kirk Leone through a link set up at the track's website:

http://www.southernnational.net.

All parties looking to settle financial claims from the 2008 season must contact Del Richards directly, as Kirk Leone does not carry any responsibility for track business handled by Southern National Raceway Park, Inc. or Del Richards.



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