[2/19/04]Warren County is on a short list of possible sites in a bill its sponsor said could bring NASCAR racing to Mississippi.

Rep. Erik Fleming, D-Jackson, proposed legislation to authorize the state to borrow up to $100 million to build a speedway in one of seven counties. Others on the list are DeSoto, Hinds, Tunica, Neshoba, Harrison and Jackson.

If the measure is approved, the Mississippi Athletic Commission would have the authority to determine where to build the racetrack.

Warren County has been the proposed site for a speedway before when plans were considered for a casino and racing venue on the Big Black River. The Mississippi Gaming Commission ruled that the site was not suitable under state law for gambling, a decision that spawned a lawsuit and court battle.

Last year, that decision was upheld and there have been no other plans locally.

Fleming began his second term in the House this year and has filed about 180 bills since the session began last month. In 2003, Fleming filed about 125 bills, but only one was passed. The rest died in committee without being considered by the full House. The deadline for committees to act on a bill is March 9.

Auto racing has become the No. 1 spectator sport in America. NASCAR is a private, sanctioning organization.