Cumberland Airport Denies Car Race Plan On Tarmac

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- Officials at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport have voted against hosting a car race on the tarmac, despite the airport's history with auto racing.

The Cumberland Times-News reports the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority voted Thursday to deny a bid by National Road Autosport LLC to host their annual autocross event on the airport's operational grounds. The group has been holding races at the airport for the last 11 years.

Airport officials are concerned over liability and the closing of the airport during the car racing event.

The airport authority instead voted to allow the racing association to use property outside the airport's operational grounds. But race representatives were disappointed with the ruling.

The airport has been concerned about the race possibly damaging airport hangars or jeopardizing future airport funding.