Mississippi is one of the few states in the South without a Cup Series race, but NASCAR could be making its way to the Magnolia State in the near future.
According to the Jackson Free Press, NASCAR is interested in building a racetrack in Jackson, Mississippi.
During recent city council meeting, Jackson, Mississippi, mayor "mentioned that NASCAR has interest in building a racetrack here and that JCVB is willing to assist in doing a study to move that forward." (Via @JxnFreePress)
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The city is considering doubling its tourist tax to increase revenue, and it's had a budget of about $3.5 million. Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba mentioned the city could bring in a NASCAR racetrack with the additional revenue.
"Lumumba told council he does agree that 'we would have benefitted from a more extensive plan,' but that he and his administration have a 'cache of ideas that would be helpful for the City of Jackson.' The mayor also mentioned that NASCAR has interest in building a racetrack here and that JCVB is willing to assist in doing a study to move that forward."
Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina all have NASCAR racetracks, so a new track in Mississippi could be beneficial for the state and the sport.
It will likely take a few years to get the track built and ready for races once its approved, but it's something worth monitoring in the near future.