Economic developers say the next best thing to having anindustry locate in their county is to have one locate in the countynext door. The reason is that the industry will have not onlypositive effects for its new home county, but the surrounding areaas well.

The same rule applies to states.

Thursday’s announcement of a $100-million multi-purpose motorsports racing facility near Kentwood, La., represents a goldenopportunity upon which Southwest Mississippi can capitalize. And bybeing on the interstate just over an hour north, Brookhaven is in aprime location to benefit from the facility, which would be capableof hosting NASCAR, National Hot Rod Association and other motorsports events.

NASCAR is one of the fastest-growing sports nationwide and theprospect of having an event in such close proximity would bode wellfor Brookhaven and Lincoln County.

Many people from Brookhaven join thousands who travel toTalladega, Ala., for racing events there. On race weekend, thequiet community fills to overflowing with race fans.

In the event NASCAR comes to Kentwood, race fans would have tostay somewhere. Instead of being in the hustle and bustle near thetrack, many would prefer to stay a short distance away and drive tothe track on race day.

Hotel development either under way or in the planning stages forBrookhaven would further allow the city to accommodate race fans.And Brookhaven’s quality restaurants and specialty retail storeswould be another plus in its attractiveness column.

NASCAR is an exciting sport with a bright future.

With a racing facility in Louisiana, Brookhaven would be a greatplace for a pit stop. And an overnight or longer stay inHomeseekers Paradise would be even better for the community and itseconomy.