City and county officials, the Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, and RaceWay staff officially opened RaceWay No. 7014 at 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at 2920 N. Columbia St. with two ribbon cuttings.
“This has been an ongoing development and citizens have been asking when they were going to open. The public was very excited about it opening this month,” said Milledgeville Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan. “We are happy to have them here and the city will be available to help with anything they need.”
RaceWay operates as a franchise with each location owned by its parent company RaceTrac, Inc. RaceTrac, Inc owns the site, the building, and the gas facility. The first gas station was opened in 1934 by Carl Bolch Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri, and the company now has over 200 locations in 11 different states.
“The staff seem very excited to be here and to make the RaceWay a success,” said Denese Shinholster, mayor pro-tem for Milledgeville. “We’re glad to welcome them today and be a part of that happiness.”
At 9 a.m., RaceWay cut its first ribbon with city officials and corporate staff before gathering together inside for a “powwow” to discuss how to serve the influx of customers at 10 a.m.
Staff was also preparing for the free gas giveaway and free samples of pizza being offered throughout the day.
“This is a genuine partnership with the city, and they have been so warm and welcoming,” said franchisee Sameer Virani, “We’re happy to do business here and look forward to supporting the community.”
When the clock hit 10 a.m. and the final ribbon was cut, all gas pumps were already filled, and a line of cars was backed to the turn entrance of the station.
“It’s good to see development here and we’re happy for them,” said Baldwin County Commission Chair Andrew Strickland.
Following the ribbon cutting, Virani thanked the city, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and Baldwin County Fire Rescue for their partnership and assistance to get the business started.
The mayor, Sheriff Bill Massee, and Baldwin County Fire Rescue Chief Phillip Adams were presented with $500 each to commemorate their support.
RaceWay is open 24-hours a day and provides truck-friendly diesel pumps, E85 fuel, fresh, hot food daily, and general snack, drinks, and travel essentials.