Partnership wants racers to stay home.

• Position: Regional Report - Charlotte Regional Partnership - Brief Article

Nothing says "I love you" like an auto-racing test track and research center--as long as the objects of affection are NASCAR teams. The Charlotte Regional Partnership, a nonprofit that promotes economic development, wants the state to help build such a complex in one of the region's 12 counties. The goal is to keep the industry and locally based racing teams from bolting to other cities and states. According to the partnership, 90% of the teams in NASCAR's top division, the Nextel Cup, are based in North Carolina. But NASCAR and track owners have begun moving races to larger cities, stripping North Wilkesboro and Rockingham of Nextel Cup events (Tar Heel Tattler, May). The partnership says the complex will cost about $50 million, and...