By Kim Manahan (Whetstone Staff Writer)

The Whetstone/ Chris Agar

NASCAR fans will be able to use Wesley’s facilities this coming May during the semi-annual races held at Dover Downs.

Williams, Zimmerman and Malmberg halls will be rented out.

“It is our hopes to fill the dorms to capacity,” said Brandy Garlic, coordinator of Student Life. “We are hoping providing amenities such as linen, breakfast, parking and the convenience of the college being about a mile away from the track will entice spectators to stay at Wesley College.”

The price of the rooms range from $180 to $200 a night, with a two-night minimum, and will be rented out between May 13 and May 17.

The reason for renting out the dorms is to increase revenue for the college to better service the students, Garlic said.

This is a first-time venture for the College and we hope that funds earned through the rental of rooms to NASCAR patrons can be used to support the overall College budget, said Eric Nelson, vice president of finance.

In a recent survey, more than half of students who participated did not think housing NASCAR fans at the college is a good idea.

“It could affect students by how badly fans can behave,” said senior Ashana Singh.

They can be rowdy and drunk and potentially destroy school property, Singh said.

“We are holding one night as a security deposit and adding more staff,” said Mary-Alice Ozechoski, dean of students. “We are doing everything we can to ensure a fun, safe environment for fans.”

The deposit will be retained if any damages occur, Nelson said.

In the survey, one student noted that only alumni should be allowed to rent out the rooms at Wesley.