When the folks at Racer's Reunion first envisioned a get together of former drivers at the historic Columbia Speedway, no one was sure how much interest the event would garner. The track nestled in the woods in Cayce has been of little interest to NASCAR fans, and only a few cyclists were spending time on the cracked and faded asphalt.

After the initial reunion drew in excess of 25,000 people from 19 states and promises of upcoming events and more prestigious former drivers filled the websites, the future of Columbia Speedway is brighter than the newly painted starter's tower installed last spring.

The family who owns the land the track occupies has decided to form a foundation to preserve the history of the place and offer the track for racing associated uses as well as other things.

One of those other things is a concert series announced last week by the West Metro Chamber of Commerce. For five Friday nights in October, the Chamber hopes to schedule free music for area residents. The event will be similar to Rhythm on the River: free music in an informal setting with participants bringing their own blankets and chairs and food and beverages supplied for a price.

While the event isn't locked in quite yet, the Chamber is proceeding with plans. Sponsors are still needed to make the event a reality, but Rockin' at the Raceway took a giant step forward on July 10 when the West Columbia Hampton Inn agreed to serve as a presenting sponsor.

The local businesses that have helped support the five year old Rhythm on the River were given first shot at putting their name on the October concert series, but some fundraising is still to be done to consider the concert series a go.

West Metro Chamber has a stage to place in one corner of a freshly sodded infield at the speedway, a ton of experience from their five year run with the Rhythm on the River series, and food and drink vendors waiting to sell. And there are many local bands looking for just such an opportunity.

According to Executive Director Gregg Pinner, the chamber is interested in country and rock bands to fill the sound system. The concerts on the banks of the Saluda are geared more to singer/songwriters and duos. The speedway series is looking for a bigger sound and a more festive atmosphere.

Pinner also hopes a successful series in October will lead to more events at the Columbia Speedway. In addition to other concerts, festivals, fairs, and car shows would fit nicely in the large space especially since the land has been cleared of trees and undergrowth.

John Banks, who organized the Racer's Reunion, is hoping the revitalization of the track as a multi- use venue will help finance plans to turn the old relic into a stock car racing museum, complete with a walking park and usable surface. Banks and others hope there is a future in Cayce for a facility similar to what Rockingham has become.

For more information about this and other events, visit the West Metro Chamber at www.westmetrochamber. sc/.

For information about Columbia Speedway, call John Banks at 803-665- 7620 or wmvisitorcenter @aol.com.