Proposed Move
On June 19, 2008, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford proposed a plan to move BIR from the Fairgrounds to city-owned property in northwest Birmingham. Langford said the track, which has been in continuous operation for over 80 years in Five Points West, needs to be upgraded, and does not fit into current plans for the renovation of Fair Park. Langford committed $1 million to the project, but stated that track officials would have to come up with the majority of the funds needed for the project.
After the 2008 race season, the track was shut down. On January 30, 2009, demolition of the grandstand began, and was completed two months later.
The site is now home to the Birmingham Crossplex, a natatorium and indoor track and field facility.
Read more about this topic: Birmingham International Raceway
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