Raceway opens in New Augusta
RaceWay brings jobs, competition to New Augusta
NEW AUGUSTA — A new gas station opened in New Augusta on April 8, bringing jobs, new services and more competition along U.S. Highway 98.
RaceWay is the fourth gas station within about a half-mile stretch, according to city leaders and residents, who said the store reflects steady business growth in the small town.
New Augusta Police Chief Terry Partin said the station could benefit residents and drivers passing through the area.
“It’s going to be a tremendous asset to our city,” Partin said.
About 26,000 vehicles pass through the intersection each day, Partin said. He added that similar diesel stations are about 15 miles away.
The new location could also improve traffic flow and safety because eastbound drivers can enter without crossing the highway.
“(RaceWay) built their own exit lane here, and so certainly that will assist in hopefully reducing accidents,” Partin said.
RaceWay leaders said they chose the site because of heavy traffic and demand from truck drivers.
“We are really leaning heavily into diesel sales these days,” said Billy Hampton, director of RaceWay store support.
The station includes high-capacity diesel and gas pumps for truck drivers and daily commuters. It also offers grab-and-go food, including snacks and pizza.
RaceWay is part of RaceTrac Inc., which has been in business for more than 75 years. The brand operates 235 stores across the Southeast.
Store owner Sunil Joshi said the business is open 24 hours a day and is expected to employ 12 people.
“It’s more about customer experience that makes us stand out from the competition,” Joshi said. “We are very excited to be part of this community and look forward to being the business of choice in town.”
Residents said the new station brings more options while increasing competition for existing businesses.
Christine Clark, who has lived in New Augusta for two years, said she supports the new station and hopes growth continues at a manageable pace.
“It’s great because we have a few (gas stations) here, but this one offers more choices,” Clark said. “I think it’ll be good competition. Other people say it’ll put them out of business.”
Clark said she would like to see more restaurants and businesses open in town, but slowly enough for infrastructure to keep up.
“That’s what happened in our town that we moved away from,” Clark said. “It was a little like an exit town, I would call it — off the highway — and it built up so fast the infrastructure couldn’t handle the traffic, so it got really crowded.”
Partin said it has been years since a business of this size opened in New Augusta and that city leaders are grateful for the investment.
RaceWay also donated $1,000 each to the city, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, the New Augusta Fire Department and the New Augusta Police Department.
This article first appeared on RHCJC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
