CHARLOTTE -- Lowe's Motor Speedway and its multi-million dollar NASCAR events could soon drive away from Concord or even the entire Charlotte region. That’s if speedway owner Bruton Smith sticks by his words.

Smith is threatening Concord leaders that he will pursue plans to annex LMS out of city limits. He could also pack up shop and move the speedway elsewhere. Smith is fuming over the Concord City Council’s decision to halt construction on land for a drag strip.

Speaking with News 14 Carolina, Smith said, "Maybe the mayor and Council don't like racing anymore. I have people right now looking for land somewhere else to build another speedway, to leave that one behind, and build another speedway club, as well.”

"We don't need to be talking about threats,” responded Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “What we need to talk about is a solution.”

Padgett, who was surprised by Smith's remarks, defended Concord in embracing motor sports before it became fashionable.

"Today, this certainly is a shock to hear this harsh talk," Padgett said. He pointed out that the Concord City Council made its decision to stall the projected drag strip because it didn't get enough information on how the facility would slow down noise to surrounding neighborhoods.

"The representatives of the speedway said, ‘We hear you, we hear you neighbors, and we're going to go back and work on these issues and come back with plan,’” Padgett said.

But Smith stood by his remarks, adding, “We cannot grow our company with all these strings attached."

Speedway officials said Concord leaders should take Smith's comments seriously.

"It's not a threat. It could be a reality and we've seen that with professional sports around the country," explained Jerry Gappens, a spokesman for Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Smith said his lawyers are looking at all options with the future of Lowe's Motor Speedway. Concord officials say they are committed to keeping motor sports in the area and reaching a compromise.