New Lanier Nat'l Speedway owner applies for two business licenses

GAINESVILLE - The property formerly known as Lanier National Speedway took its first steps towards reopening Thursday night.

The owners have applied for business licenses to operate as a race track and as a concert venue for Friday and Saturday nights.

The first reading and public hearing on reopening the property in Braselton, GA as Lanier Raceplex was held by the Hall County Commission in Gainesville, GA Thursday night.

It is not clear what type of racing the speedway would play host to. New track owner Jim Downing indicated earlier this year that he did not plan to bring stock car racing back to the facility.

The Hall County Commission held the first readings on both separate items. There were no public comments on either application. The second readings on the applications will be held on May 22, followed by a vote to deny or approve by the commission.

The speedway began life as a dirt track built by Georgia Racing Hall of Famer Bud Lunsford over 30 years ago.

In September of 2011, the former track owners announced that, for the first time in the track's history, they would not be finishing out a full racing season. Since then, only one event has been held at the track. It has sat dormant since March of 2012.

The facility was sold to Downing in January of this year.

B.J. Williams and Marc Eggars contributed to this story.