The Illiana Speedway, located on US 30, presents a unique opportunity for the Town of Schererville, Indiana. The track itself is extremely important to the history of both NASCAR and IndyCar racing. The space, spanning some 50 acres, would be an ideal location for a fairgrounds, and would provide much needed public space to both the town and county. 

The town has owned the space for about 5 years. During this time the few buildings still standing on the property have been demolished, leaving just the paved race track. To maintain the land in this condition would take significantly less money than the proposed development. Rorhman Park, which borders the space, is already utilized for firework shows, and the addition of a large park would accommodate many spectators while allowing space for a multitude of other events. Adding a few minor amenities, such as restrooms and gazebos with power outlets, would help transform the space into a local destination that could be enjoyed daily by the community, while also attracting traveling ventures such as fairs and carnivals. Part of the acreage could contain sports fields, helping to draw traveling teams and leagues to the area. It's also located near the Erie-Lackawanna Trail, meaning bikers, joggers, and walkers would have a pleasant place to stop off. Ultimately, a fairgrounds off of US 30 could rival if not surpass the Lake County facilities in scope of popularity and usage.

The track is also of valuable historical significance in motorsport. Many famed racers drove there, including Mario Andretti, Paul Goldsmith, A.J. Foyt, among others. The races that took place there are well documented, and the track is cemented into the histories of both NASCAR and Indycar racing. In addition, the proximity to the Historical Lincoln Highway makes it likely to be frequented by tourists traveling the route. A historical marker for the highway is located just a few short miles West of the Speedway entrance. We propose this location be submitted for addition to the National Register of Historical Places. In fact, Crown Point has done the same with a historical race track around Fancher Lake, located in the heart of the Lake County Fairgrounds. Doing the same in Schererville would easily make it a prime destination for automotive enthusiasts

In addition, if the track were to be restored, it could attract a plethora of car enthusiasts from around the region and beyond. The track could provide a place for professional drivers to race on occasion, as well as a space for car shows and other events to have a home. The residents of the area have long bemoaned the rising prevalence of street racing, which is not only illegal but is exceedingly dangerous. A space for car enthusiasts to meet would alleviate animosity between young citizens involved in car culture and local authorities.

Furthermore, a large space hosting social gatherings such as concerts, festivals, fairs, and more would drive revenue into the area. Every restaurant would experience more traffic, the local hotels would see more use from people coming in for events. The town would benefit from this extra funding and help Schererville to continue to expand and maintain infrastructure.

There has also been major outcry against the addition of yet another business park in an area saturated with half empty strip malls. A quick perusing of the comments below the NWI Time's article on the proposed development reveals dozens of citizens in agreement: The People would rather see the race track reinstated than another corporate chain restaurant enter the area.
A public fairgrounds is the way to go.