Salina ? The Saline County Planning Commission has approved a permit needed to reopen the Salina Speedway to auto racing.

The commission voted Monday to issue a conditional use permit to Topeka businessman Tommy Hendrickson and track owner Chuck Fairchild. The track closed in 2006 after operating nearly continuously since opening in 1969. It is on 38 acres near the Salina Municipal Airport.

Hendrickson told the commission that he’s heard a lot of support for reopening the track. No one spoke in opposition at Monday’s meeting. The application is only for auto racing. Hendrickson says racing would occur mostly on Fridays from April to October.

The Salina Journal reports that commissioners required the racetrack to have a capacity for 2,200 spectators and parking for 550 vehicles.