GALOT Motorsports Seeking NC Relief Grant

BENSON – GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson has applied for relief funds from the State of North Carolina. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners approved a request from GALOT to apply for the North Carolina Department of Commerce Motorsports Relief Fund Grant. They are seeking $730,000.

The Johnston County Economic Development Office has been working with GALOT on the grant, which requires the local government to receive the funds from the Department of Commerce and then distribute the funds to the grant recipient. No County matching funds are required and the County acts as a pass-through for the funds.

GALOT, located at 555 Dragstrip Road in southern Johnston County, estimates they lost $730,000 in revenue for the 2020 calendar year due to the pandemic. As a result, officials said multiple improvement and maintenance projects were halted.

The Motorsports Relief Grant is designed to offset revenue losses due to COVID-19 and strengthen motorsports programs and tourism across the state.

GALOT Motorsports Park hosts sanctioned NHRA drag racing, tractor pulls, monster truck shows, demolition derbies, concerts, and other major outdoor events.

If approved for the grant, GALOT wants to use the funds to install new touchless sinks, toilets, showers, and touchless hand drying systems, and demolish the aged restroom facility while replacing it with ADA compliant touchless restroom fixtures.

GALOT says a major outdoor stage project was abruptly halted when COVID hit. The stage project will increase revenue and tourism at the facility. The project will draw an additional 10,000 to 15,000 spectators per event. The average event will improve local travel and tourism by securing an estimated 1,200 room nights per concert or festival.

The restroom upgrades will cost $376,000. Completion of the outdoor stage will cost $594,500. The $730,000 in relief funds would go towards the overall cost of the two projects.

County Commissioners agreed to act as a pass-through for the funds. GALOT applied for the grant in February 2022. The Department of Commerce has not yet announced which motorsport venues will receive grant funding.