The World's First Green NASCAR

Why not? While debate continues with ad hominem arguments and alarmist misinformation, we believe it more productive for this community to develop concrete alternative plans for SKIA — ways to decrease the need for non-ISC funding, or to rethink this project so it is sustainable.

For instance, what if Kitsap SEED and International Speedway Corporation (ISC) came together to work on a proposal for the world's first Green NASCAR? This has the potential to place Kitsap County on the global map, attracting NASCAR fans — but also endorsements, companies, and individuals interested in Green/Earth Smart Design. State and federal funding may offset costs, and Fortune 1000 corporations seeking write-offs might also be interested in providing funding.

What if ISC agreed to incorporate the following sustainable design principles?

  • Solar overhead or window structures to maximise passive solar gain and heat retention
  • Concrete with 50% flyash — a recycled utility waste product of coal
  • Natural ventilation in place of air conditioning; untreated building materials to reduce off-gassing
  • Roof rainwater collection systems for landscape irrigation
  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood where possible
  • Recycled carpet, glass tile, cork, bamboo, rubber, bio-composites, and recycled plastics
  • Composting toilets and on-site tertiary wastewater treatment
  • On-site nursery, organic garden, and food/plant waste composting
  • Low energy computing; integrated fiber optic data, phone, and video network
  • Wind, micro-hydro, or photovoltaic components for alternative electricity generation
  • Methods for recycling fuel or introducing biodiesels for NASCAR racing cars

Beyond NASCAR

  • A green conference centre adjacent to the track, hosting worldwide symposiums on Clean Tech products and services
  • A green hotel for NASCAR and sustainability aficionados
  • A restaurant offering organic and vegetarian produce, some from an on-site garden, along with free-range options — or another opportunity to source from Kitsap's Farmers Market producers
  • Concession stands with organic wines and beers, hemp t-shirts, and NASCAR merchandise printed on recyclable papers with soy inks
  • Businesses relocating to the area — particularly to Kitsap SEED — to become providers of Green NASCAR and Clean Tech products and services
  • Rather than merely consuming solar panels and recycled rubber, companies establishing here to manufacture them; Kitsap may even attract a hybrid racing car developer
  • Potential to become the central provisioning hub of green products for other NASCAR tracks seeking to become more Earth Smart

Traffic and noise issues remain to be resolved — though LEED®-certified sound barriers exist. If acceptable solutions cannot be found, continue to question and challenge. But if we can alleviate those strains and significantly reduce the non-ISC funding burden, a Green NASCAR is a strategically unique proposition with global appeal. The case for integrating sustainability and quality of life into architectural design is compelling.