LINCOLN - The owners of the Lincoln Speedway are seeking a liquor license from the city of Lincoln, which would enable them to sell alcohol during races, but it is unlikely they will get it before the season's first race.

On Tuesday, Don Hammer formally made the request at the council's work session. He was told the city would have to make a new classification of license because the speedway did not fall into any of the current classifications.

City attorney William Bates told Hammer that before the city can issue any type of liquor license, he would have to show proof of a liquor license from the state of Illinois as well.

"I don't know what type of license or classification you will get from the state, and we don't have a license classification that fits into your business," Bates said. "It would be up to the council to draft a new classification in order to make it fit."

Mayor Beth Davis-Kavelman suggested the speedway partner with one of the local organizations in town, such as the Knights of Columbus, which already owns a liquor license.

"We don't know how to help you," Davis-Kavelman said. "We could consider writing up a new classification, however, that may be costly to both you and the city. In addition, it would take time. We would have to draft an ordinance, place it on file for review and then vote on it."

The season is scheduled to start April 11.

Several council members appeared to be against drafting a new classification for a liquor license.

Hammer said the added revenue from liquor sales and possibly increased crowds would benefit the city.

"Liquor is a big part of racing," Hammer said. "Of the complaints we receive, this is one of the recurring, major themes. We would just like to be able to do it in-house and not have to rely on others for the sales."

Hammer said he would contact state officials and other raceways to see what type of licenses are available that would be similar to the needs of the raceway.

Also at issue is that neither of the owners lives in the city limits. The liquor codes stipulate that any liquor license holder must have an owner or manager live within the city limits.

"I've got a real problem with the fact that you aren't living in town and that's a requirement to own a liquor license," Huskins told Hammer.