By Allen Gregory
Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: January 15, 2008

Grassroots Racing: The Mountain Empire is regarded as a hotbed for motorsports.
In addition to passionate fans, the region has been home to many successful mechanics, crew chiefs, drivers and even car owners.
Yet, local short tracks have struggled in recent years. The book appears closed on history-rich Kingsport Speedway, while Coeburn’s Lonesome Pine Raceway has been shuffled between various management groups since its glory days.
Perhaps blinded by the glitz and glamour in the NASCAR reality show, area fans have failed to support Kingsport, LPR or Late Model racing in general.
Harold Crook and Jeff Roark hope to lead a revival of weekly racing. The two Southwest Virginia residents were recently tabbed to lead the new group which has leased Lonesome Pine.
Both men are true racers with an extensive backgrounds at the grassroots level of motorsports.
In fact, Crook has already began fanning interest for the LPR rebirth by speaking to area civic leaders, racers and media types.
After a promising start, the 2007 season at LPR ended in hard feeling among racers and spotty attendance.
The personable Crook, who also serves as marketing director for the UARA-Stars series, is eager to make a fresh start by reaching out to the folks who made the scenic track a success.
Open practices have been set for April 5 and April 12 with opening night planned for April 19.
With a large number of fans turned off by the high costs and worn-out storylines in NASCAR, regional fans now have another chance to prove that they are actually fans of racing and not simply fame-chasers.
Like it or not, the NASCAR train shed it southeastern roots long ago.
Racers from around the Southeast have heaped praise on Lonesome Pine Raceway. It’s time for folks in the Mountain Empire to unite and support their own friends and neighbors.
There might not be another chance.