COCHRAN, Ga. — Big news from Bleckley County has some people wondering what the future of racing will look like. The owner of Cochran Motor Speedway, Chris Martin, announced last week he's looking to sell the property and the business.
Racing has been Martin's life for the past ten years. But now, he said he's ready to take a step back to enjoy spending time with his family.
"It's just not your ordinary task, or your ordinary job. It's a lot of work, a lot of effort — it takes a lot to upkeep the property," he said.
Since 2013, he's worked nearly all holidays and weekends. Now, he wants to get some rest.
"Hopefully somebody that will purchase it that will take it to the next level of its potential and will come in here and give it some fresh ideas," Martin said.
He said he's talked with potential buyers who want to do just that. He's also talked with land developers, but right now, no decision has been made yet about who to sell to. Whatever he decides, it could potentially have a big impact on surrounding businesses.
"The restaurants love us when we have big events. The hotel here loves us. You know, it's a big shot for the economy here," Martin said.
Down the road at Scott's BBQ, their restaurant and the race track go hand in hand. Owner Doug Kitchens said their kitchen has been revved up by racetrack customers.
"Sometimes on Friday, when they're running test runs, lot of people come to eat before they come to the tracks. So it means a lot to the community," Kitchens said.
Martin said it's that community that he's going to miss the most when he leaves the business.
"Made some great friends here. But you know, just the friends and the people that you see on a regular basis," Martin said.
He hopes the next buyer will continue making laps around the track and to continue his vision for a family-friendly speedway.
Martin wants to stress that he won't close the business doors until he finds a buyer.