by T D Davis

A member of one of Middle Tennessee's most prominent racing families has been chosen by the Tennessee State Fair Board of Commissioners to head the Fairgrounds Speedway in 2012.

Tony Formosa, Jr., who also was head of the program in 2010, was chosen over a group of investors led by Sterling Marlin, Chad Chaffin and Mike Alexander, whose families also have rich racing heritages associated with the historic Fairgrounds Speedway.

Several of the commissioners said that because of his success at the track in 2010 they felt comfortable with Formosa who also made a bid for the track in 2011. That effort lost out to a partnership consisting of Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and Chad Chaffin when they offered more money for the lease.

Chaffin left the partnership after a disagreement with Hamilton, Jr., and problems ensued that eventually forced the Fair Board to revoke Hamilton, Jr.'s lease.

Formosa said he would immediately begin work on implementing his business plan to help ensure a successful 2012-racing season at what many people call the best short track racing facility in America.