Supports say geography is key to KC's bid for NASCAR hall

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Billing Kansas City as the ``Infield of North America,&#39;&#39; supporters of a proposed NASCAR Hall of Fame near Kansas Speedway today hailed the metro area&#39;s central geographic location as a reason why the 100 (m) million dollar facility should be built in Kansas City instead of the Southeast, where NASCAR racing has its roots.<br> <br> Kansas City, Kansas, is among seven sites that were asked by NASCAR to submit proposals for the hall by May 31st. The others are Atlanta; Michigan; Richmond, Virginia; Daytona Beach, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina. Michigan and Birmingham-Talladega, Alabama, decided not to submit proposals.<br> <br> Proponents of the Kansas City location said it makes sense for the hall to be in the center of the U-S, where more people have access to it.<br> <br> The president of the Kansas Speedway, Jeff Boerger, said -- quote -- ``I think that&#39;s our advantage.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> While revealing little about financing prospects, leaders of a team that has been working on Kansas City&#39;s proposal since January told members of the Kansas City Area Development Council that the area has a legitimate shot of landing the coveted shrine to auto racing.<br> <br> Boerger said it is probably one of the most exciting projects he&#39;s ever seen, adding -- quote -- ``We are in a position to win.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> The bid proposes a 130-thousand-square-foot building on a hill near the intersection of interstates 70 and 435 east of Kansas Speedway. It would be sheathed in smooth metal. At night, a six-story wall of cars inside would be illuminated, making it visible from the highways.<br> <br> The facility also would have interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality ride and holographic images of some of the sport&#39;s most famous drivers.<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)