Leroy Davidson Reclaims Charlotte County Speedway | By Jack Smith The track that has become as well known for its controversy and lawsuits as for its racing was opened in 1991 under the ownership of Leroy Davidson.
Davidson took back control of the track on Sunday, changing locks and doing some work on the racing surface.
Today he was busy working on scheduling issues and lining up the paving contractor to resurface the badly worn asphalt at the 1/3 mile speedway in Punta Gorda.
In 1996 Glen Vanhorn and other stockholders in Charlotte County Speedway Inc. wrested control of the speedway from Davidson, and now after a six year legal battle Davidson has regained ownership and operational control of the speedway.
Davidson is well known for his inventive promotions at Charlotte County Speedway, such as the News Years Eve of Destruction, bringing the World of Outlaws to South Florida and motorcycle demolition derbys.
Davidson indicated he wants to work with other race tracks, in particular DeSoto Speedway, to do cross promotions and avoiding scheduling conflicts prevalent in Florida racing these days.
It may not be a smooth transition however, with the current operators of the track trying to block Davidson's efforts.
Charlotte County Sports and Recreation LLC, the group that has operated the track since August 2001, has been leasing the track from Glen Vanhorn (Charlotte County Speedway, Inc.).
Davidson contends the lease is invalid and the group has not paid money owed to CCS, Inc.
According to Ronnie Bacelo, General Manager of the speedway since early this year, said Davidson "did not give us the proper paperwork, he is in there illegally".
Bacelo also said Chris Felden, the President of the group leasing the track, will be back from Europe Thursday, and are already taking steps to remove Davidson from the track.
Bacelo said "he tore up the track, bulldozed six foot wide in the corners".
Davidson meanwhile insists he is has the legal right to take over the track, and plans on the speedway being open this coming Saturday.
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