Why the UCMA was formed... In late July last year, it was learned that a group of businessmen from North Carolina were planning on building a drag strip in Union, SC. The racing facility was to be named Broad River Dragway. The news was met with overwhelming approval from not only local motorsports enthusiasts, but residents of Union wishing to see something "good" come to the county. As with everything it seems, a small group of people opposed the construction of the dragstrip in the proposed Union community, Santuc. When this group made their complaints public, it was decided among a few individuals, that an organized group in favor of the dragstrip, should be formed. This was the birth of the Union County Motorsports Association. In early August 2004, a meeting was held at the Buffalo Community Center, bringing together motorsports enthusiasts from in and out of the county. At that first meeting that attracted around 80 people, 66 people paid their dues, and signed up to form an organized motorsports association. At the second meeting, officers were elected, and a new meeting place was decided upon. At the third meeting, the group met at Tyger Ranch, next to Sugar Creek Speedway. Since that meeting, every meeting has been held there. Now, back to the original problem. Complaints were made to county council members. At the next available council meeting, the "battlelines" were drawn. The opposition stated that their way of life would be seriously impeded by the construction of the dragstrip. Noise, boisterous crowds, and increased traffic were some of the problems cited by the group that would be experienced by neighbors of the proposed dragway. Supporters of the dragstrip countered that the racing facility could possibly bring about an economic "shot in the arm" to the local economy. With racers and racefans drving into Union weekly, local cash registers would most definitely be ringing. Plus, the location of the facility in Union would provide some much needed entertainment for local residents who regularly drive out-of-town for leisure activities. A first reading of a noise ordinance was made at that meeting. Three readings would be needed to pass the measure into law. Both groups on each side of the issue readied themselves for the upcoming legal battle. Both sides sharing their opinion on the issue with anyone that would listen. As the weeks clicked by, it was clear that support for the dragstrip was growing everyday. Around town, this was the "hot topic" from Hardee's to Wal-Mart, Bantam Chef to Aunt M's. The overwhelming support for Broad River Dragway eventually took its toll on the opposition. They decided to drop the push for a noise ordinance and pursue a civil action against the developers to stop construction. Legal papers were filed in district court and everyone waited for the court date. As the months clicked by, the Union County Motorsports Association was off and rolling. Boasting increased membership, and continued interest, the group continued to maintain its presence at local events. The group's population includes racers and fans from all facets of motorsports interest. Drag Racing, Oval Stock Car Racing (dirt and asphalt), Motocycles, Go-Karts, and Show Cars. Basically, if a person has a love of something powered by pistons, more than likely, they can find a friend here. In September, Broad River Dragway officials, local politicians, and supporters officially "broke ground" on the site in Santuc. At the annual Union County Fair in October, the association put together a booth in the exhibitors' building. The booth displayed photos from Union's rich racing history and attracted much attention. A petition drawn up to show support for the construction of the dragstrip was signed by hundreds during fairweek. In November, many local racers and association members displayed their race cars at another annual event, the Uniquely Union Festival. When the lawsuit did come before the judge, the legal team representing Broad River Dragway came to court armed with a petition signed by over 1000 people in favor of construction of the dragstrip on Santuc. The judge listened to both sides and decided to study the material provided to him, and told the attorneys that he would rule on the issue at a later time. In a little over a week, the judge returned with a ruling in favor of the Dragway. He determined that with no land use ordinances on the books in Union that there was not really a case for the opposition at that time. He did say that the oppsition could again pursue a "nuisance" type of lawsuit again, once the dragstrip was operational, if the opposition saw fit to pursue it. Construction on the strip "kicked into high gear" in the days following the judge's ruling. The plans for the dragway call for engineered sound-proofing measures. Including, but not limited to, utilizing a treeline around the dragway to help block the sound. The "lay of the land" will also help with decibel levels. The developers were expecting to have to dig down approximately 16 feet to be able to have a perfectly flat surface for the length of the track. It is doubtful that the racing will be any more disturbing to anyone than the chipmill down the road or the trains that pass by the property several times a day. At the December meeting, money was raised to brighten a few needy children's Christmas. There was enough money left over after buying toys and clothes for the children to be able to help out a local needy family as well. At the January meeting, $260 was raised for the Varnadoe family of the Monarch community in Union, whose house burnt down just days before Christmas. Local contractors have teamed up together to rebuild the Varnadoe's home and the money raised by the UCMA went to help with the cost of building supplies. As of late January, the construction crews in Santuc had made the most of the unusually warm and sunny days of December and January. Grading progress has began to turn the site into what it will eventually become, Broad River Dragway. Also of interest, membership in the UMCA has reached the 180 mark. Pretty impressive. Announced recently, both dirt tracks in the county will operate in 2005. Buffalo Speedway is set to kick off their season with a "Winterfest" race scheduled for Feb. 12th. Sugar Creek Speedway is planning to start its season in mid-March.