Motor sports entrepreneur Greg Sanford announced Thursday he will drop his plans to build a drag strip in northern Lancaster County.

In a statement issued through his attorney, Mark Hunzeker, Sanford laid blame on changes the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved recently.

The board approved an amendment to the county’s zoning code to allow for motor sports projects in certain areas of the county if they meet several conditions. Noise, hours of operation and proximity to specific land uses are among the restrictions.

The recent adoption makes the successful operation of a motor sports facility in Lancaster County impossible, the statement reads.

“We’re just done with the game playing with Lancaster County,” Sanford said when reached by phone.

Sanford had hoped to build a quarter-mile drag strip on 133 acres he owns east of U.S. 77 between Branched Oak and Davey roads. The County Board was expected to hold a public hearing Tuesday to consider the plans and possibly render a decision.

Sanford’s plans for the drag strip have stirred strong feelings in the community, including opposition from neighbors concerned about a disruption of their rural lifestyle. Supporters called the track an opportunity recreationally and economically.

Drag strip supporter Joel Ludwig said the regulations — which he said he believes took aim on Sanford’s plans — didn’t leave many options.

“They’ve really painted Greg into a corner,” he said.

In his mind, the U.S. 77 site was perfect considering access to major roads and a limited impact on residents given the sparse population in the area, he said.

County Board Chairman Bob Workman, who represents northeastern portions of the county, said he commended Sanford for making his decision and disputed claims that the county tried to block the plans.

“The regulations were created for the benefit of all citizens in Lancaster County,” he said, adding that the new rules weren’t created with a specific project in mind.

Lancaster County welcomes any motor sports project proposals and is in a position to do that thanks to the new regulations, he said.

Project opponent Karen Kurbis called Sanford’s decision a “dream come true” and said it would have been an immense heartache had the plans marched forward.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said.

Kurbis, who served on a committee that earlier this year examined the potential for motor sports in the county, said she’s hopeful Sanford won’t give up on Lancaster County. She hopes he pursues a more appropriate location, however, she said.

Sanford said although he has scrapped notions of opening a drag strip in Lancaster County, he will continue talks with other counties.

In the past he has mentioned Jefferson, Cass and Gage counties among the possibilities, but he declined Thursday to say where talks were headed or with whom.

“We’re not giving up by any means,” he said.

Reach Jean Ortiz at 473-7107 or jortiz@journalstar.com