119-575: The Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill is a historic industrial complex at 625 Main Street SW in Concord, North Carolina . The recognized complex consists of ten buildings on 6.6 acres (2.7 ha), about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of downtown Concord. Another 4.4 acres are not included. The oldest portion of the mill, now its eastern section, is a brick two-story structure 14 bays long and 9 deep. The historic site also includes some worker housing. The mill
238-465: A humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfa ), with cool to mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city is located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, which is characterized by rolling hills and forest. The average high temperature in the winter is 43 °F (6 °C), and the average daily low temperature is 29 °F (−2 °C). In the summer the average temperature
357-409: A "wonderful" initial stockholder meeting on February 18, a last-ditch effort was scheduled to raise $ 50,000 six days later. On the day of the meeting, the committee was successful in raising the $ 300,000 needed. However, a loan offered by Cross to cover the remaining debts was rejected. By May, Craven ordered an investigation of CMS. By July, although Craven was convinced the facility could be saved,
476-581: A capacity of 95,000 as of 2021. The track features numerous amenities, including a Speedway Club, condos, and a seven-story tower located on the complex for office space and souvenirs. In addition, the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex features numerous adjacent tracks, including a 1 ⁄ 5 mile (0.32 km) clay short track, a 2 ⁄ 5 mile (0.64 km) dirt track, and a 1 ⁄ 4 mile (0.40 km) long drag strip. The main track also features an infield road course that
595-650: A closure would cripple the Concord economy. The drag strip, which cost $ 60 million to build, held its first races in September 2008. Stock car racing , with its origins tracing back to moonshiners during the Prohibition era , became increasingly popular within the American Southeast throughout the 1940s and 1950s. With this rise, new modern tracks, such as Darlington Raceway , were built across
714-483: A commodity crop and through textile manufacturing, Concord's white planters and business owners built some significant homes in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; they range along North and South Union Street and Edgewood Avenue. Within the North Union Historic District is Memorial Garden. Located on 3 acres (12,000 m ), the garden winds through the 200-year-old cemetery of
833-440: A crash on the race's first lap. Under the leadership of Howard, CMS was able to pay off its mortgage three years early, finally ending the last of the track's financial woes. Throughout Howard's tenure, he was seen as a "good ol' country boy" who spent conservatively on the track; however, he was willing to renovate parts of the track and increase its capacity. In 1965, track officials opted to diversify their holdings, buying out
952-496: A drag strip near the main speedway. By July 1993, construction started on a 1 ⁄ 5 mile (0.32 km) clay short track that was made to conduct dirt legends car races. On August 10, 1999, then-general manager Humpy Wheeler announced a new 3 ⁄ 8 mile (0.60 km) dirt track that was to be constructed across the main speedway. By January 2000, the planned track had been extended to 2 ⁄ 5 mile (0.64 km). The first races on this track, which featured
1071-492: A drag strip. This plan was met with heavy criticism from the Concord City Council, which held a special legislative session to decide whether to block it. Smith, in turn, decided to start preliminary grading work regardless of the council's decision. On October 2, the council voted unanimously to block Smith's plans. In response, Smith threatened to shut down the track or relegate it to a testing facility unless
1190-474: A female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.08. In 2000, the city the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
1309-403: A former public relations representative for various companies, was hired as the track's development director. With this, Howard felt his position was threatened, with local media predicting that Wheeler's hiring was the final piece needed for a total takeover by Smith. On October 5, The Atlanta Constitution reported that the 1975 National 500 was to be Howard's final race with any ties with
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#17327753875431428-591: A heart attack, backing out of the partnership due to health issues. Consequently, Smith sought to partner with Turner. After a few weeks of initial success, in a meeting at the Barringer Hotel , Turner declined the partnership. For numerous reasons, including the feeling of betrayal, the fact that Turner did not have enough funds to start his own track, and knowing that the city of Charlotte could only support one track, Smith announced his intention to build his own speedway to bluff Turner's plans on April 22, 1959,
1547-463: A lighting system and a capacity of 15,000, were held on May 28, 2000. In August 2007, owner of Speedway Motorsports , Bruton Smith , announced plans to build a drag strip on the complex. Although the plan initially faced heavy opposition from local politicians, the drag strip was eventually built after Smith threatened to close down the speedway, coercing the city to give him an incentive package of approximately $ 80 million by leveraging fears that
1666-824: A major domestic/international gateway. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport aviation activity consists of charter aircraft, limited commercial flights, flight schools, and private aircraft. The types of aircraft using the facility range from Cessna 150 , to Beechcraft Bonanza , to Grumman Gulfstream IV , to Airbus A319-100 , to Airbus A320-200 . In 2013 Allegaint Air began providing commercial air service from Concord-Padgett Regional to cities in Florida and New Orleans . Concord has three sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International : Charlotte Motor Speedway Future: IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge (2025) Charlotte Motor Speedway (known as Lowe's Motor Speedway from 1999 to 2009 due to sponsorship reasons)
1785-419: A museum, a family resort, a NASCAR track, and an arena and events center that can be used for multiple purposes for the entire county. In 2000, Concord's city council implemented the "Partnerships for Stronger Neighborhoods" program. This program is designed to enhance the lives of residents in the neighborhoods in the city, increasing the quality of both life and events for those calling Concord home. As part of
1904-455: A national discussion. The New York Times suggested that he might open the door for the hiring of more African Americans in the textile industry, where mill workers were generally restricted to whites. Some people worried that this would depress wages for whites, as blacks were paid less. Others were more worried about potential child labor laws under discussion. Coleman was under-capitalized and struggled financially in an economic depression, at
2023-447: A practice session on June 15, 1960. Immediately, CMS saw issues. During the facility's first day, incomplete facilities were reported by The State . To further compound problems, the asphalt had several holes due to speeds of approximately 130 miles per hour (210 km/h) on the track's surface. The issue had gotten so prevalent that Charlotte Observer writer George Cunningham reported that "four gravel-deep fox holes grew... out of
2142-594: A preacher (and a schoolteacher) from Hanover , Germany. Adolphus Nussmann was chosen by the Consistory of Hanover and became the first Lutheran preacher in North Carolina. He served five churches from Salisbury to Concord, and subsequently established twenty congregations and five schools in the greater Concord, Cabarrus, and Rowan county areas. Today the county has wide religious diversity, as well as strong overall religious affiliation rates. According to
2261-416: A professional city manager to manage and implement the decisions of the city council. In general, the municipal government structure consists of the mayor, seven city council members, and the appointed city manager. The current mayor of Concord is William C. "Bill" Dusch, and the current city manager is Lloyd Payne was appointed on April 1, 2018 following the retirement after 20 years of W. Brian Hiatt. Dusch
2380-442: A professional football team. In March, Smith announced plans to build a stadium on the track's frontstretch, with a capacity of 76,000, temporary endzone grandstands, and retractable grandstand seating behind the track's pit road . Original plans for the track had included a football stadium, but this had been scrapped due to numerous construction issues. During the official announcement on March 13, Smith stated that he would build
2499-481: A reorganization plan from December to January 3, 1963. Although the plan initially did not receive enough support from creditors, it was eventually approved, with Craven giving final approval for a stock sale in February. By April, the plan saw major success, with the owners repaying over $ 740,000 of debt. In mid-April, Craven allowed private ownership under an 11-person board of directors led by A. C. Goines. This
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#17327753875432618-461: A road course, but this was cut due to budget issues. The original road course's length has varied in reports, from as short as 1.75 miles (2.82 km) according to the Salisbury Post to as long 1.9 miles (3.1 km) long according to The Charlotte Observer . The road course held its first races on May 22, 1971, as part of the 1971 World 600 race weekend. By August 1974, the track
2737-479: A series of crashes at CMS. Three fatal crashes occurred within six years; David Gaines in 1990, Gary Batson in 1992, and Russell Phillips in 1995, with the third being decapitated when his head hit a caution light. In late 1995, Wheeler gave control of the series to NASCAR, who ended it quickly afterward in 1996. During the 1999 VisionAire 500K – an Indy Racing League race – an early accident involving Stan Wattles and John Paul Jr. occurred on
2856-417: A single body, the city council holds most of the power in the city government. For example, they have the power to pass ordinances, make resolutions, adopt plans, and establish the budget for the city. The mayor is ex officio chairman of the city council, and only votes in case of a tie. In addition to leadership roles, the mayor represents the city at special events and public appearances. The council appoints
2975-543: A takeover of Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1976. Since then, the Smith family and their company, SMI, have directed the facility's expansion and growth into one of the largest sports facilities in the United States. Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) in its current form is measured at 1.5 miles (2.4 km), with 24 degrees of banking in the turns and five degrees of banking on the track's frontstretch and backstretch. Within
3094-438: A tenure that had lasted since 1975. Although Smith claimed that he offered Wheeler a consulting job and that Wheeler himself hoped for a part-time position, Wheeler ultimately left all track duties related to CMS. Wheeler was replaced by Marcus Smith , one of Smith's sons. In 2009, corporate sponsor Lowe's ended its eleven-year partnership with the track, which reverted back to the "Charlotte Motor Speedway" name. Throughout
3213-578: A time when all mill owners faced rising prices of cotton. Coleman's death in 1904 further weakened his company. Benjamin Duke initially bought the mill because of outstanding debt. Later it was sold and used by other textile companies. Franklin Cotton Mills made changes and additions in 1912 that doubled it in size, adding on to the west side and removing the west 1898 wall to make interior passage unimpeded. Other alterations and additions were made through
3332-482: A track. Throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s, numerous injuries and fatalities occurred at the track, involving both drivers and spectators. In 1989, Wheeler created the NASCAR Sportsman Division , a series that had the intended goal of giving short-track drivers experience on longer tracks. The track played host to numerous races. The series immediately gained a reputation for danger due to
3451-524: A transit system, and operation of a regional airport. The operating budget for fiscal year 2012 totaled $ 207,724,003. The government generates its revenue from sources such as real property tax, sales tax distributions from the State, water and wastewater service fees, electrical utility fees, business privilege licenses, federal or state grants, investments, and other fees (such as parks and recreation, aviation, zoning, etc.). The revenues are distributed back to
3570-469: Is 79 °F (26 °C), and the average daily high temperature is 88 °F (31 °C). It is not unusual for summer daytime temperatures to reach in the mid to upper 90s and occasionally exceed 100 °F (38 °C). It is typical for winter temperatures to fall into the teens at night, but temperatures generally warm to above freezing during the day. Summer months are characterized as having cool to warm nights with very warm to hot temperatures during
3689-441: Is a 1.500-mile (2.414 km) quad-oval intermediate speedway in Concord, North Carolina . It has hosted various major races since its inaugural season of racing in 1960, including NASCAR , IndyCar , and IMSA SportsCar Championship races. The facility is currently owned by Speedway Motorsports, LLC (SMI), with Greg Walter serving as its general manager. Charlotte Motor Speedway is served by U.S. Route 29 . The speedway has
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3808-463: Is a native of Oakboro, North Carolina . Smith's company, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. , owns Charlotte Motor Speedway. The company also owns and operates a dragstrip and dirt track facility adjacent to the speedway. Concord is also home to Windshear, Inc., a firm that owns a state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility used to test the aerodynamics of vehicles (mostly motorsports vehicles). Concord is home to several notable attractions. This includes two malls,
3927-703: Is also the championship 18-hole Rocky River Golf Club (a Dan Maples design) owned and operated by the City and managed by a contracted company. Private recreational opportunities are available, including the West Cabarrus YMCA and the Sportscenter. The West Cabarrus YMCA opened in the fall of 2003. The Sportscenter is a privately owned athletic and recreational facility. Concord has a council-manager form of government. The mayor and city council are elected for four year terms, with no term limits . As
4046-549: Is believed to have been the first cotton mill owned by blacks in the nation. They hoped to promote economic security for people of color. However, the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 , with white attacks on black areas of the city, caused many deaths, as well as destroying homes and businesses built by blacks since the Civil War. In 1900, Dancy was among more than 2000 blacks who left the city permanently after
4165-530: Is from the southwest, with the average highest wind speed of 9 miles per hour (14 km/h) in spring. As of the 2020 census , there were 105,240 people, 30,660 households, and 21,013 families residing in the city. At the 2010 census , Concord's population is 79,066. Of those persons claiming to be of one race, the racial breakdown is 70.4% white, 17.8% black or African American, 2.6% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 6.4% of other races. Persons of two or more races are 2.3%. Persons belonging to
4284-436: Is home to the international headquarters for ACN Inc. According to the city's 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are: Downtown shopping features merchants offering antiques, fine collectibles, arts and crafts, and a seasonal farmers market. Concord is also home to the large retail venue Concord Mills , and Charlotte Motor Speedway . These two are the primary economic driving forces of
4403-554: Is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km ) (0.06%) is water. Concord is located northeast of Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina. Concord is the second-largest city in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. It is positioned about halfway between Charlotte and Salisbury . Several other smaller cities and towns are located close to Concord, including Kannapolis , China Grove , Landis , Mount Pleasant , Harrisburg , Midland , and Locust . Concord has
4522-416: Is located in Concord, North Carolina , directly next to U.S. Route 29 . At the time of CMS's initial construction, the complex covered 551 acres (223 ha) and had a capacity of around 30,000. Over the span of several decades, CMS and its complex have been expanded and improved numerous times. Throughout the ownership of Bruton Smith, the facility oversaw capacity growth, seeing a peak of over 170,000 by
4641-493: Is owned by North Carolina Railroad . There are several industrial facilities served by this railroad line. There are no passenger stations located in Concord, but Amtrak has stations located in the adjacent cities of Kannapolis and Charlotte . Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (JQF) is an airport publicly owned and operated by the city of Concord. It is designated as a reliever facility for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Charlotte Douglas provides Concord with
4760-530: Is the county seat and most populous city in Cabarrus County , in the U.S. state of North Carolina . At the 2020 census , the city had a population of 105,240. In terms of population, the city of Concord is the second-most populous city in the Charlotte metropolitan area and is the 10th-most populous city in North Carolina and 287th-most populous city in the U.S. The city was a winner of
4879-448: Is used with the oval to make a " roval ". With the rise of popularity in stock car racing in the American Southeast that began in the late 1940s and stretched into the 1950s, racing promoter Bruton Smith sought to build a state-of-the-art facility. At the same time, driver and businessman Curtis Turner sought to do the same. After initially refusing, Turner eventually partnered with Smith after they agreed to sell shares needed for
Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill - Misplaced Pages Continue
4998-425: The 1976 World 600 to attract female spectators. In 1977, to promote a rivalry between longtime driver Cale Yarborough and newcomer Darrell Waltrip , he created a contraption that poked fun at Waltrip's nickname, "Jaws", and Yarborough's sponsor, Holly Farms Poultry. Wheeler placed a dead chicken inside the mouth of a dead shark, attached it to a pickup truck's sling, and paraded it before first qualifying round of
5117-412: The 1977 NAPA National 500 . In 1980, officials announced further renovations worth $ 16 million, with a stated goal of bringing the speedway's capacity to 150,000. In 1983, Bruton and Wheeler announced the construction of 36 condominiums ; the number later increased for 40, and despite initial mockery all were sold by the dwellings' completion in 1984. In 1985, the city of Charlotte sought to attract
5236-485: The All-America City Award in 2004. Located near the center of Cabarrus County in the Piedmont region , it is 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Uptown Charlotte . Concord is the home to some of North Carolina's top tourist destinations, including NASCAR's Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills . Concord, located in today's rapidly growing northeast quadrant of the Charlotte metropolitan area ,
5355-457: The August Jam . Regarded as "Carolina's Woodstock", the festival drew over 200,000 people, more than double than what was expected due to a security breach. The festival unintentionally became the largest music festival in North Carolina history. It soon gained a reputation for violence; Richard Howard, president of CMS, compared the actions of spectators to Japanese Army suicide attacks at
5474-607: The Battle of Okinawa , with damages totaling $ 50,000. From 2013 to 2018, the facility held the Carolina Rebellion festival. Since 2021, CMS has hosted a branch of the touring Breakaway Festival. In 2024, the organizers of the Breakaway Festival also planned a second show at the facility, tailored for EDM . That same year, CMS officials also announced that the speedway would host the inaugural edition of
5593-533: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was asked to assist with the investigation due to preliminary findings of mismanagement and potential fraud. Eventually, a reorganization plan hearing was set for November 5. In October, a new $ 345,000 loan from McIlvaine was guaranteed despite track officials owing McIlvaine over $ 300,000, relieving more financial pressure. The next month, Craven approved Robinson's proposal to let stockholders and creditors vote on
5712-566: The National 500 , which was run in October and first run in 1960. In 1966, the race distance increased to 501 miles (806 km), which remained until 2018. In 2018, in attempts to reverse declining attendance, the race both decreased to 400 kilometres (250 miles) and was run on a specialized "roval" course. Along with its Cup Series races, CMS also hosts lower-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series races. In 1985, Wheeler and
5831-489: The National Register of Historic Places . Concord is the home to Charlotte Motor Speedway , a NASCAR Research and Development Office (which also is the headquarters for research for touring and sportscar racing operations), and several professional race teams, including Hendrick Motorsports , RFK Racing , Legacy Motor Club , and Chip Ganassi Racing . The speedway opened in 1959 by owner Bruton Smith , who
5950-471: The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and its subsidiary Winston introducing their sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series in 1970. By 1973, Smith bought almost 500,000 shares – a more than tenfold increase from his initial amount of 40,000 – stating that he did not know why he bought this many. In early 1974, despite an attempt to stop elections for the track's board of directors, Smith
6069-568: The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company directed the creation of The Winston (now called the NASCAR All-Star Race), a race that featured race winners of the previous season. From 1987 until 2020, CMS ran the event annually, with various changes to its format and eligibility rules over time. The race was moved in 2020 to the Bristol Motor Speedway due to COVID-19 restrictions . In 2021, the race officially moved to
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#17327753875436188-675: The Texas Motor Speedway to reverse declining attendance at Texas. In late 1979, the United States Auto Club (USAC) announced plans to run a 500 kilometres (310 mi) race in October 1980. However, the race was canceled in April due to an agreement with USAC and Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART). In December 1996, IndyCar announced plans for a race to be held in July 1997. The race ran for three years;
6307-628: The World 600 (known as the Coca-Cola 600 for sponsorship reasons) and the Bank of America Roval 400 . Upon the former's inaugural iteration, it became one of the longest, largest, and highest-paying motor races in the world, becoming a staple on the NASCAR schedule and one of its " crown jewel " events. The Bank of America Roval 400, meanwhile, was formerly a 500-mile (800 km) race commonly known as
6426-675: The poverty line , including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over. The earliest settlers were mainly immigrants, German Lutherans and German Reformed Protestants, and Scots or Scotch Irish Presbyterians , who began settling in Cabarrus County in the 1750s. In 1773, the Zion (Organ) Church community and the St. Johns Church community of about sixty families commissioned two men, Christopher Rintelmann from Zion Church and Christopher Lyerly from St. Johns Church, to travel to London to seek permission from King George III to acquire
6545-478: The 1960s, sometimes for structural reasons. In the late 20th century, the mill was owned by Fieldcrest-Cannon , the last textile company to own it. During this period, major textile companies moved their jobs offshore to get cheaper labor costs, and the textile industry in the South virtually disappeared. In the 21st century the mill was sold; it has been adapted as a production facility for moonshine. The property
6664-483: The 1970s, Concord's jurisdiction was centered around the downtown area. Since then, most annexations have taken place west of the center-city area toward Charlotte. Portions of the city limit boundary adjoin the Cabarrus/Mecklenburg County line. Concord is located in western Cabarrus County, and has a total area of 64.04 square miles (165.9 km ), of which 64.00 square miles (165.8 km )
6783-770: The 2000 Religion Report, more than 63% of area residents are affiliated with a local religious body. Concord is home to many churches including a Jewish congregation, Temple Or Olam and several Islamic worshiping communities including The Islamic Center of Concord. Concord has a diverse economy comprising shipping and transportation, banking, manufacturing, motorsports, and various service sectors. Concord has many small businesses and several large employers such as Atrium Health , Cabarrus County Schools , Shoe Show , Inc., Celgard LLC, Connextions, Roush Fenway Racing , Sysco Foods, S&D Coffee, and Motor Racing Network , as well as CT Communications (also known as Concord Telephone), before being acquired by Windstream in 2007. The city
6902-492: The 2010s, CMS oversaw steady attendance declines that correlated with overall reduced attendance within NASCAR. As a result, officials ordered the removal of 41,000 seats in 2014 and an unspecified amount of seats in 2017. In 2017, the track was used for the filming of the movie Logan Lucky , a fictional tale about a group of people stealing $ 14 million from the facility. In 2018, Marcus stepped down from general manager responsibilities to focus on running SMI as its CEO, handing
7021-560: The 2010s. In 2011, Marcus directed the construction of a 200-by-800-foot (61 by 244 m) television screen on the track's backstretch, demolishing old seats in the process. In 2015, the track's barriers were renovated in response to Kyle Busch 's injury at the Daytona International Speedway in February. In 2023, officials announced plans to build a dedicated road course. Since 1960, Charlotte Motor Speedway has held two annual NASCAR Cup Series races per year:
7140-506: The Carolinas. US 29 serves as an alternative to Interstate 85 for much of the distance between Charlotte and Greensboro. Concord has a local bus system known as CKRider that provides service to Concord and Kannapolis. The system also links to Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) via an express service as well as at regular service connection points. Greyhound also serves the area. There is one railroad line that runs through Concord. It
7259-661: The Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., $ 40,200 (adjusted for inflation, $ 414,028) to the Internal Revenue Service , $ 65,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 669,449) to Propst and his construction company, and $ 204,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 2,101,039) to McDevitt Street and Co. The facility also was found to have defaulted on its initial mortgage. By early August, only Propst had been paid off, with further repaves being scheduled to fix track surface issues. On November 22, CMS
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#17327753875437378-650: The First Presbyterian Church. Located in the Piedmont, Concord became a site of industrialization with cotton mills in the late 19th century. Among the owners of the new mills in the area were men of the rising black middle-class in Wilmington, North Carolina , such as Warren Clay Coleman , John C. Dancy (appointed as collector of customs at the port), and others, who organized Coleman Manufacturing Company in 1897. They built and operated what
7497-503: The Hispanic or Latino race are 12.3%. There are 32,130 housing units in Concord. Of those housing units, 90.7% are occupied, and 9.3% are vacant. At the 2000 census , there were 55,977 people, 20,962 households, and 14,987 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,085.3 inhabitants per square mile (419.0/km ). There were 22,485 housing units at an average density of 435.9 per square mile (168.3/km ). The racial makeup of
7616-580: The Lovin' Life Music Fest. CMS hosts an annual Christmas-themed drive-thru lights show, a tradition that started in 2010. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic , the track hosted high school graduations for 10 high schools within the Cabarrus County area. In February 1961, track officials wished to host a National Football League (NFL) exhibition game between the Washington Redskins and
7735-503: The Rightway Investment Corporation, an insurance finance company. In 1970, track management announced constructions of a new road course, along with new grandstands according to tax records. By 1972, CMS was increasing their profits year-by-year. In the mid-1970s, after a successful stint in the car dealership business, Smith began to believe that reacquiring CMS would be an highly profitable venture, with
7854-472: The Southeast. In the late 1950s, Bruton Smith , a promoter who had found major success promoting races across the Carolinas, sought to build his own racetrack. In 1956, he partnered with businessman John William Propst Jr. to build a racetrack. At the same time, driver and successful timber businessman Curtis Turner sought to do the same, collaborating with a group of businessmen. In 1958, Propst suffered
7973-470: The Western District of North Carolina , ruled to let the district court take over and manage the track and let CMS enter Chapter 10 bankruptcy, with all officers and directors being removed from their positions. The facility was also protected from creditors by the court, essentially becoming a ward . After Craven's ruling, he appointed Robert Nelson Robinson, a local Charlotte lawyer, to run
8092-431: The beginning of January 1962, however, no progress was made, leading to threats from Craven to liquidate the track by March if no plan was made. By the end of the month, a shareholder committee , headed by A. C. Goines, planned to ask the track's nearly 2,300 shareholders to buy trustee certificates, ranging in value from $ 100 to $ 1,000; this would raise $ 300,000, half of the $ 600,000 needed to start reorganization. After
8211-443: The board of directors despite threatening to resign. In early February, Howard stated that he was tired of the track being run from Illinois, where Smith lived. In response, Smith accused him of consolidating too much power along with financial irregularities. In July, Smith bought around 80,000 shares from Howard's relatives, which was considered a major turning point in their battle for control. On August 29, H. A. "Humpy" Wheeler ,
8330-460: The cars will have to be rebuilt... there's no doubt about it". In addition, the surface was reported to have come apart in numerous areas, with drivers having to avoid flying pieces of asphalt during the race. Max Muhlehurn, writer for The Charlotte News , stated that "The 600 will go down in history as the only race ever run in which drivers were forced to dodge track blemishes more often than other cars". On July 17, McIlvaine spread rumors that
8449-420: The city was 78.83% White , 15.10% African American , 0.30% Native American , 1.22% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 3.35% from other races , and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.80% of the population. In 2000, there were 20,962 households, out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 11.5% had
8568-976: The city. The Cabarrus County Courthouse was completed in 1876. A 16-foot (4.9 m) marble Civil War monument, dedicated in 1892, is located on the front lawn. The courthouse was recognized for its significance and listed in 1974 on the National Register of Historic Places . The historic courthouse now is the home of the Cabarrus Arts Council, the Davis Theater and Historic Cabarrus. The Barber-Scotia College , Boger-Hartsell Farm , McCurdy Log House , Mill Hill , North Union Street Historic District , Odell-Locke-Randolph Cotton Mill , Reed Gold Mine , South Union Street Courthouse and Commercial Historic District , South Union Street Historic District , Spears House , Stonewall Jackson Training School Historic District , and Union Street North-Cabarrus Avenue Commercial Historic District are listed on
8687-552: The community in the form of services. Educational opportunities include public and private schools in elementary, secondary, and higher education. Publicly, the area in Concord is served by the Cabarrus County Schools system. There are 12 elementary schools in Concord, seven middle schools, and five high schools. Local private schools include Cannon School and Concord First Assembly Academy . Interstate 85 links Concord directly to Greensboro and Durham to
8806-425: The company in constructing the mill and beginning operations. Coleman hired white contractors and African-American crews. Builder Adolphus Henry Propst and brick maker and mason Rufus A. Brown led these crews in the construction. At one point Coleman paid the workers in stock in the company, but they demanded cash to finish the project. Coleman announced that he would hire only African-American workers, and sparked
8925-576: The construction of 36 condominiums that were built to overlook CMS's first turn. By the time the project was completed in mid-1984, the number of condos increased to 40, and all were sold by the end of 1983. At the end of 1984, officials announced the construction of a mall underneath the condos. Three years later, officials announced the construction of a members-only private club and restaurant named The Speedway Club, with annual membership starting at $ 6,500 (adjusted for inflation, $ 17,432). The Charlotte Motor Speedway complex has two adjacent tracks and
9044-442: The day. The area receives a generous amount of rainfall at 43.8 inches (1,110 mm) per year, with February and April being the two driest months. Rainfall in the winter is lighter but more frequent, whereas rainfall in the summer is heavier but less frequent. Thunderstorms, both light and strong, are common in the spring and summer months. The sun shines 70 percent of the time in summer and 55 percent in winter. The prevailing wind
9163-417: The decision was reversed, which would have significant financial repercussions for the Concord economy. The council quickly backtracked, and tried to convince Smith to stay by offering him an incentive package of $ 80 million (adjusted for inflation, $ 117,554,165), a street named in his honor, and a tax break, along with letting him build the drag strip. On November 26, Smith stated his final decision in letting
9282-431: The downtown area. As county seat, Concord became a center of trade and retail for the cotton-producing region, especially on court days. The downtown would be crowded with farmers and townfolk, in addition to lawyers and their clients. During the antebellum era, wealth was built by planters through the cultivation of cotton as a commodity crop; the work was done by enslaved African Americans. Based on wealth from cotton as
9401-441: The end of the 1980s. However, since the 2000s, capacity has seen a decrease, with multiple grandstands being demolished in the 2010s; as of 2021 , the track is reported to have a capacity of 95,000. The complex has also expanded to around 2,000 acres (810 ha) as of 2020 . Numerous buildings, used for a variety of purposes, are located in the complex. In 1983, to celebrate the facility's 25th anniversary, officials announced
9520-410: The end of the year; however, Smith did state renewed interest of hosting an NFL team at the track two years later. In 1987, construction began on a membership-exclusive club and restaurant named The Speedway Club. By the end of the 1980s, CMS had a maximum capacity of 170,922. In 1991, Smith directed the installation of lights at the track with the help of Iowa-based Musco Lighting . At the time, it
9639-577: The facility commenced on July 28, 1959. It was meant to start two months earlier, but was delayed due to legal issues relating to the land's purchase. The project was immediately plagued with construction issues. The crew who worked on the track discovered large veins of granite underneath the soil shortly after groundbreaking. To remove it, grading contractor W. Owen Flowe decided to blast it with dynamite, causing delays. In addition, aggressive hornets led to multiple workers quitting. In March 1960, three snowstorms delayed construction even further; although,
9758-430: The facility's board of directors would appoint new management, under either NASCAR president Bill France Sr. or Darlington Raceway president Bob Colvin. The rumor was repudiated by both Smith and Turner, with the latter threatening legal action. Within the next couple months, numerous claims of Smith and Turner owing money to various groups and companies were made, including $ 90,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 926,929) to
9877-415: The facility, with Wheeler filling in as president. Under the leadership of Wheeler and Smith, CMS was extensively promoted and rapidly expanded and modernized. In Wheeler's first year as president, he announced a $ 3–5 million renovation that was to be completed in 1981. Wheeler became known in the following years for pulling off elaborate and unique promotions. In 1976, he convinced Janet Guthrie to enter
9996-431: The facility, with a final decision to come on January 30, 1976, the day of the annual stockholders' meeting. Although Howard initially denied these claims and later professed interest in taking a consultant job with Smith, on October 23 Howard stated that he was "99% certain" of leaving. On the day of the stockholders' meeting, a tearful Howard officially announced his resignation, essentially giving Smith full control over
10115-440: The foreclosure and subsequent auction of CMS, Turner and Smith resigned from the board of directors, with Smith staying as a promotional director. Board of directors member Duke Ellington replaced Turner as the track's general manager. Turner later accused Smith and Ellington on conspiring to oust him, along with stating inflated profits. In July, Turner and his investor group announced plans to regain control of CMS by either buying
10234-641: The last race was canceled after an accident caused flying debris that killed three spectators. Numerous runnings of the Grand Prix of Charlotte , a sports car event, have been run by various organizations. In 2000, the facility held a one-off Grand Prix of Charlotte that was sanctioned by the American Le Mans Series . The race was last run in 2020 by the IMSA SportsCar Championship . On August 10, 1974, CMS hosted
10353-412: The main track's frontstretch, there is a 1 ⁄ 4 mile (0.40 km) oval that was built in 1991 and is primarily used for legends car racing . Numerous tracks exist in the track's infield. In 1970, track officials announced plans for an infield road course that was connected to the speedway's backstretch. According to then-general manager Richard Howard, original plans for the speedway included
10472-421: The mandatory one-year period, with his position being filled by leading stockholder Richard Howard, a furniture store owner. The track later oversaw numerous driver fatalities in the mid-1960s; longtime driver Fireball Roberts died on July 2, 1964, due to complications from a fiery crash at the 1964 World 600 , and Harold Kite , a World War II veteran, died on October 17, 1965, during the 1965 National 400 in
10591-411: The next two years, two ARCA drivers died in accidents; Blaise Alexander in 2001, and Eric Martin in 2002. In 2005, officials announced a repave, using a process called levigation to smooth out bumps on the track's surface. This repave led to numerous problems for both of the facility's NASCAR race weekends in 2005, leading to another repave in 2006. In 2007, Smith announced plans to construct
10710-545: The northeast and Charlotte , Greenville, South Carolina , and Atlanta, Georgia to the southwest. Interstate 85 is eight lanes (four northbound, four southbound) through the city. Interstate 485 is located southwest of Concord and parallels the Cabarrus - Mecklenburg County line for several miles, providing access to the Charlotte area. US Highway 29 and US Highway 601 travel through Concord en route to other parts of
10829-611: The position over to the speedway's executive vice president at the time, Greg Walter. In interviews, Walter expressed a desire for expanding the CMS's uses for endeavors other than racing, along with further renovations. In 2021, the NASCAR All-Star Race , which had been held at the track annually, with two exceptions in 1986 and 2020, was moved to the Texas Motor Speedway in an attempt to reverse sagging attendance at Texas. CMS has seen numerous renovations and additions since
10948-413: The program, some city staff members have volunteered to be appointed as liaisons to work directly with neighborhoods that participate in the program. Through this effort, strong communication is established between city government and its citizens. There are currently 45 neighborhoods participating in the program, which contributes to making Concord one of the most sought-after communities for homebuyers in
11067-430: The regional real estate market. Choices are diverse, offering modest homes to multimillion-dollar estates. The City of Concord provides its neighborhoods with three recreational centers, eight parks, four sport complexes, an aquatics center featuring open swimming and swim lessons, Lake Fisher, with 3 miles (4.8 km) of lakefront and 534 acres (2.16 km ) providing boating, fishing, greenways and bike paths. There
11186-404: The riot. He moved to Washington, DC, appointed as the federal Recorder of Deeds, and had served until 1910. The mill operated under black ownership through 1904, hitting difficult times after Coleman died. The brick mill building was later taken over by Fieldcrest Cannon . It was enlarged and added on to, nearly doubling its square footage. From the time of incorporation in the late 1700s through
11305-539: The same day Turner announced his track. On May 8, Turner announced the track would be built bordering U.S. Route 29 , inside of Cabarrus County, North Carolina , with a capacity of 30,000. However, Turner struggled to sell the 300,000 shares needed. Turner eventually agreed to partner with Smith, with Smith becoming the vice president of the project and selling 100,000 shares. Additional stocks to be sold were added in December 1959 and April 1960. Groundbreaking on
11424-562: The second turn. And practically the entire surface on the third and fourth turns resembled an old lady's wrinkled face". However, some hoped that the surface would cure at faster speeds, including driver Glenn "Fireball" Roberts . Track leaders ordered a hasty repave of the track, and by the next day, most of the track's surface held up. On June 18, more financial problems ensued; track officials were sued by Roy E. Thomas, who sold advertising space in souvenir programs, for $ 10,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 102,992) for breach of contract because he
11543-400: The speedway's front stretch, resulting in heavy debris. Wattles' right rear wheel and tire assembly flew into the grandstands at high speeds, killing three people and injuring eight more, resulting in the cancellation of the race. After the 2000 The Winston , a pedestrian bridge collapsed, injuring 107 people, which was later blamed on the bridge's manufacturer using an improper additive. In
11662-476: The stadium if either the local government or investors gave him $ 10 million. Competition for this bid came from fellow Charlotte businessman George Shinn , who wanted either a team for the National Football League (NFL) or the fledgling United States Football League (USFL); Smith, conversely, only wanted an NFL team. The city refused to assist with construction costs, and all plans died by
11781-470: The track and stopped construction, with Flowe threatening to sue CMS officials. Disputing accounts exist of what happened to suppress this action; according to Flowe, numerous people, including Smith and Turner, threatened to shoot him and his workers if they did not continue working. According to Smith, only Turner showed up with a shotgun and proceeded to "[act] like he was somebody" before a guard took away his gun. Eventually, construction resumed, though it
11900-485: The track being planned to be sold at auction on October 30. In attempts to stop this, numerous solutions were brought up, including plans to seek a "miracle" loan and another separate plan that involved Smith partnering with investors to raise $ 600,000 to save the facility. After the auction was delayed, on November 3, James Braxton Craven Jr. , a judge for the United States District Court for
12019-402: The track continue as is, stating, "We're here forever". Tensions between Smith and Wheeler had been documented since 1991, with the two being in "constant disagreement" over topics. By 2008, Wheeler grew angry at several new developments directed by Smith, including the controversial drag strip. On May 21, 2008, Wheeler announced his retirement, effective after the 2008 Coca-Cola 600 , ending
12138-421: The track in a public sale or accumulating enough stock. In August, even though CMS experienced an "unusually successful" 1961 World 600 , they warned stockholders that the facility was in "serious trouble and can only gain financial stability through the arrangement of long-term financing immediately". In the beginning of October, with the facility still having $ 500,000 in debt, foreclosure proceedings began, with
12257-512: The track's construction. Charlotte Motor Speedway was constructed in less than 11 months. The facility immediately faced a litany of issues, particularly financial woes. Within the facility's first decade of existence, ownership changed hands numerous times, with Smith and Turner both leaving. After a period of stability under the ownership of Richard Howard from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, Smith and his new partner, racing promoter and eventual longtime track general manager Humpy Wheeler , completed
12376-520: The track's publicity director insisted that its construction was "still ahead of schedule". By the end of March, developers considered scrapping plans for grandstands to save time. The issues caused the track's first major race, the NASCAR -sanctioned 1960 World 600 , to be delayed from its original date on May 29 to June 19. Longtime NASCAR mechanic Smokey Yunick called the construction location "a giant mistake. If they'd have searched North Carolina for
12495-436: The track. Numerous loan offers to pull the facility out of its financial woes, including separate offers from businessmen Roger D. Edwards and Dwight Cross, were made. On December 9, Craven ruled to let the track's management find loans without the pressure of creditors demanding money, with Robinson being ordered to come up with a plan to ensure the $ 900,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 9,176,392) payment to various creditors. By
12614-415: The worst possible place to build a racetrack, that's where they built it." Smith blames Turner for the delays; according to Smith, Turner would commonly hire people while under the influence of alcohol, with Smith having to turn them away. Despite these issues, the project saw additional funding and a $ 300,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 3,089,764) loan from Washington D.C. businessman James L. McIlvaine, who
12733-420: Was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males. Also in 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $ 46,094, and the median income for a family was $ 53,571. Males had a median income of $ 37,030 versus $ 26,044 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 21,523. About 5.8% of families and 8.2% of the population were below
12852-440: Was barely completed by the first days of activities for the 1960 World 600. In later interviews, Smith called it a "miracle" CMS was built, having admitted to losing $ 150,000 building it. CMS cost around two million dollars (adjusted for inflation, $ 20,598,425) according to McIlvaine, with $ 74,000 (adjusted for inflation, $ 762,142) in debts owed to Flowe by the end of its initial construction. CMS officially opened to cars for
12971-503: Was built in 1898 by the Coleman Manufacturing Company , owned by Warren Clay Coleman , an African-American businessman of Concord, with a nine-man board made up of seven other African-American partners and one white. He needed more investment when nationwide subscriptions to purchase stock fell short. Washington Duke , a white tobacco magnate from Durham, contributed $ 1000, and made two $ 10,000 loans, which aided
13090-451: Was elected as chairman, effectively placing him back in charge. Howard was elected as the facility's president. Later that year, Howard announced a $ 2.5 million (adjusted for inflation, $ 15,445,344) renovation of the track, aimed at improving the physical appearance of the track and adding seating. Throughout 1975, Howard and Smith had heated exchanges in the media, entering a fierce battle for control. In January, Howard regained control of
13209-587: Was elected as mayor in 2017, following the retirement of previous mayor, J. Scott Padgett who served as mayor for 16 years. The Concord city government offers a variety of services to its citizens. Six are required by North Carolina General Statute - fire, police, solid waste, street maintenance, water, and wastewater. Additional services that the city offers are electrical distribution, parks and recreation, stormwater system, transportation (streets maintenance and planning), economic development, planning and zoning, community development programs, environmental protection,
13328-473: Was fired. On race day, Smith began to pray that the race would go over halfway so he would not have to give out refunds. During the race itself, track surface issues resurfaced; numerous mechanical problems, including blown tires, broken axles, suspensions giving out, and other problems were reported by drivers such as Tom Pistone , Doug Yates , and Ned Jarrett due to the track's rough surface. Another driver, Emanuel Zervakis , stated, "It's rough as hell! All
13447-496: Was first settled about 1750 by German and Scots-Irish immigrants. The name Concord means "to bring into harmony". This name was chosen after a lengthy dispute between the German Lutherans and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians over where the county seat should be located. Concord is considered a relatively old town by US standards, as it was incorporated in 1806. Today, markers identifying the original town limits can be seen in
13566-572: Was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. The building housed North Carolina distillery Southern Grace Distillers, Inc., from 2014 to 2016. This article about a property in Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Concord, North Carolina Concord ( / ˌ k ɒ n ˈ k ɔːr d / kon- KORD )
13685-453: Was reconfigured to a length of 2.25 miles (3.62 km). In 2018, the road course was modified to suit NASCAR racing, adding a backstretch chicane . this was modified the following year In 2019, one of the speedway's chicanes, located on the backstretch, was modified. In 2020, developers constructed a purpose-built go-kart track in the track's infield. Further modifications to two of the road course's chicanes were announced in 2024. CMS
13804-482: Was reported to have amassed around $ 1 million (adjusted for inflation, $ 10,299,213) in debts. Two more lawsuits were filed in January 1961 by excavating companies. On March 1, 1961, Flowe filed a civil action lawsuit against the track, claiming breach of contract and seeking $ 138,155.28 (adjusted for inflation, $ 1,408,630) in reparations for construction costs. Three months later, as of result of McIlvaine threatening
13923-535: Was so confident that the project would succeed that he stated in The Charlotte Observer , "This is going to be one of the best investments I've ever made, and I've made some good ones." Nearing the end of the facility's construction, a contract dispute formed between Flowe and his workers, citing unpaid fees and bounced checks. On June 9, days before the World 600, Flowe parked several earthmovers on
14042-419: Was to last for at least one year, completing the reorganization process. That same year, Bruton Smith left his job after being found guilty of failing to properly file tax returns in 1955 and 1956. In December 1963, Goines declared while announcing a 10% stock dividend, "We've taken some bitter medicine, but the patient has been saved". In February 1964, CMS saw a profit for the first time. He resigned after
14161-489: Was viewed as a major feat, as no oval track as large as the Charlotte Motor Speedway had ever implemented such a system. The lights were completed in April 1992. In 1994, the track renovated its garage area at a cost of around $ 1 million, drawing praise from driver Dale Jarrett . In 1999, the track partnered with hardware retail chain Lowe's , which bought naming rights, the first time a corporate sponsor ever had such rights for
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