NASCAR In Branson? Local Businessman Says Bring It:

A businessman from Hollister says he has the funding to build a racetrack in Taney County that could one

day host NASCAR races.

Russell Cook says he will take formal plans to Taney County Commissioners next month and hopes to break ground on the racetrack that will seat between 80,00 to 100,00 people in February.

The proposed 1 ¼-mile track that will cost an estimated $150 million will be built on 800 acres Russell owns near Branson Airport and could host local races as early as the fall of 2012.

Cook says the track likely would have to start with Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series events before being considered for a Sprint Cup race.

If he builds it will they come? 

Building a track is not a guarantee of hosting one of NASCAR's races. Competition to host one of the top-level Sprint Cup Series races is brutal .  After a five year wait, The Kentucky Speedway recently was awarded a Sprint Cup race. Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., is slated to host two Sprint Cup races next year.

Cook says his proposed track would have to start with Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series events before being considered for a Sprint Cup race.

Hosting those same events did not bode well for a track near St. Louis.  After waiting several years in anticipation of hosting one of the sought after Sprint Cup races, Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis recently closed.