Penske Racing South says it is withdrawing plans for an oval test track near Mooresville — for now. Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Performance, Inc., said today that Penske Racing South has withdrawn its application for a conditional use rezoning request of approximately 54 acres of property on its Mazeppa Road site that would allow the company to add a test track about the same size as Richmond International Speedway.

“In this way we can more fully communicate our plans to all our neighbors and to those others who have expressed an interest in this matter,” Penske said.

“This action provides an opportunity for a better and more constructive dialogue which can only benefit the county and its citizens.”

The request, which was submitted to the Iredell County Planning Department on Aug. 14 and unanimously recommended for denial by the Iredell County Planning Board on Sept. 5, was slated to be considered by county commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting. Don Miller, president of Penske Racing South, said Roger Penske made the decision last night in the interest of allowing the company time to put together an “educational process” that will help neighbors of the project and concerned citizens to better understand the proposal.

“He decided it was best for us to step back at this moment,” said Miller. “There’s so much misinformation out there about what’s going on and what’s not going on.” Miller said Penske plans to resubmit his application for the test track in the future but did not offer a time frame.

Mooresville Tribune

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