KIND OF A DRAG.....
Lincoln Economic Development hoping to cash in on drag racing

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- Lincoln Economic Development Association officials are hoping to cash in on the success of the recently opened Z-Max dragway at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. In fact, they hope to see this week's inaugeral NHRA Carolinas Nationals as the starting "line" for their efforts in attracting more business for the county.

And when the National Hot Rod Assocation event starts this week, LEDA's hoping that the dozens of drag racing teams eye Lincoln County as a place to locate.

According to LEDA business development manager Kim Phillips, there's a good story to tell about economic development in Lincolnton and Lincoln County. She hopes the teams will listen.

"We're hoping that while the other teams are here, they'll take a look at what's around," said Phillips.

In order to catch the attention of the teams that are competing in the event starting Thursday, LEDA enlisted the help of Doug Herbert to serve as an "ambassador" during the event.

Herbert moved his Top Fuel Snap-On Tools drag racing team from Cherryville to a dormant textile mill on Gaston Street in Lincolnton in 2004. He also brought along his performance parts business and screen-printing operation, which combined has 46 employees.

"Lincoln County's arms are wide open when it comes to trying to bring in new business," said Herbert, an 18-year veteran of NHRA competition. "Other team owners and drivers have already talked to me about the business and work force environment in the county."

Herbert said he wouldn't be surprised to see another team locate in Lincoln County.

Phillips said there are three reasons why a team would want to move to Lincoln County: location, location, location.

Lincoln County is in close distance to Charlotte. It's also in close proximity to I-85 and I-40 via Highway 321. There's also the Lincoln County Airport, which provides a hanger.

Meantime, there's the contrast of lifestyle in the county. West Lincoln provides a more rural setting, with east Lincoln providing lakefront living.

"Businesses to support a motor sports team already exist in the county or nearby because of the NASCAR teams that have been in the area for years," Phillips said. "The county also offers a low tax rate with most of the county free of additional municipal taxes."

Phillips added team owners would find less expensive property in Lincoln County along with the availability of former textile mills or other manufacturing plants available for purchase or lease.