Lawn mower race track raises hackles on Mountain View

Several residents on Mountain View Road appeared at a meeting of the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners to voice opposition to a proposed lawnmower race track.

The commissioners asked County Manager Don Adams to investigate options, but did not take action. One commissioner, Sandy Carter Herndon, made a motion to put a moratorium on the track until the issue could be studied. However, she withdrew her motion after she was informed by County Attorney Donna Shumate that the board does not currently have legal footing to take such an action. The other commissioners listed to the speakers, but voiced no opinion on the issue.

Near the end of the meeting, Adams said a noise ordinance or land use regulations, both of which have been eyed by the county in the past, could address the issue. However, he stressed that those moves would be at the discretion of the commissioners and that any action would be preceded by a public hearing. During the hearing, all sides would have the opportunity to voice their opinions before the board before action, if any, is taken.

While about a dozen residents were on hand at the meeting, the owner of the track, Ronnie Woodie, was not at the meeting. The residents had requested that they be put on the agenda for the meeting and Adams said he had spoken with Mr. Woodie by telephone.

Woodie, who has been involved in lawnmower racing and other types of racing for a number of years, is building the track on the land of one of his family members. He said earlier that he plans to operate the track as a non-profit corporation, but has not acquired non-profit status, said Bill Leslie, a Raleigh television anchorman who also owns property on Mountain View Road. Leslie spoke on behalf of the group in opposition.

Adams said Mr. Woodie had four races planned at the track and one scheduled — an inaugural race on May 14. “He told me on the phone that the races will be held on Saturday and will last from about 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.,” said Adams. Adams added that practice sessions will be held on Friday nights until about 8 p.m., while practice sessions may also take place at other times with the participants paying for the privilege of using the track.

Anyone who desires to do so may request that they be placed on the commissioners’ agenda and may then address the board about an issue. Herndon asked the board if any particular permits or regulations are required for those interested in building a race track.

Adams said he was not aware of any, but pointed out that such items as concessions would require specific permitting.

Community resident Susan Hultin noted that residents were told that the track would be used only as a personal practice area.

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