JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A special meeting is planned tonight at the Hampton Inn and Suites to discuss changing zoning in the Midway Township to construct a drag strip.

The proposal would change the zone from agricultural to commercial on the east half of section 21 in the Midway Township. Brian Kamlitz with the Jamestown Drag Race Association is leading the group, which he says would allow for more than one race per year.

“[I have] been working on this project for 7 years,” Kamlitz told NewsDakota. “It’s been a struggle finding the right piece of land for a drag strip and we found some and are now trying to get it change [the zone] from agricultural to commercial.”

Kamlitz says not only would the project allow for more races, but it would also allow more room for increase parking and would be the very first 1/4 mile drag strip in the state of North Dakota.

Kamlitz says since holding their annual drag race at the Jamestown Regional Airport, they’ve been able to bring a significant amount to the economy. An estimated $289,163 was brought in in 2017 according to Jamestown Tourism. 1,718 spectators and racers participated with 986 of them being local.

“More races per year will be a benefit for all,” the group says in a release. “From drivers and spectators enjoying the sport, to more revenue brought to the community through food, hotels, and shopping from the out of town racers and spectators.”

The property being looked at is west of the junction of the Highway 281 ByPass and County Road 40. For more information, contact Brian Kamlitz at 701-320-6595. The meeting is free and open to the public tonight at 7PM.