The roar of NASCAR engines may sometime join the roar of the Nittany Lion playing over the Beaver Stadium loudspeakers.

Centre County Commissioner Scott Conklin has hatched one giant egg of an idea to boost the economy and the name value of the county by proposing to build a NASCAR racetrack within its boundaries. The idea, still in the very early stages of planning proves to have both advantages and disadvantages to it.

If ever approved, the racetrack would be comparable in size and scale to the Lake Erie Speedway. The speedway in Erie stretches about 3/8 of a mile total and seats about 7,000 spectators.

The economic benefit from bringing one of America's fastest growing sports in terms of fan popularity would be tremendous. Because State College, and the surrounding community, is the largest residential and commercial area in the county, local restaurants, stores and hotels would see a constant flow of new, paying customers.

Not to mention, the amount of jobs created by the racetrack would be extensive. Maintenance, refreshment stands and other employment would be an excellent opportunity for county residents and especially Penn State students to find work. Perhaps the greatest benefit a racetrack is that it would allow the area to have a name that isn't synonymous with "Penn State." Diversifying the identity of the county -- outside of the well-entrenched Nittany Lion brand name -- can only help in gradually drawing more residents and businesses to the area.

On the otherhand, if events are brought to Centre County, there would be potential traffic disasters abound if a race coincided with a home football game. Traffic is frustrating enough on those football weekends. Bringing an additional 7,000 or more people into that mix could get decidedly ugly.

The environmental consequences are another concern as well. The question is, how much of a pollutant would the racetrack be? It warrants looking into from Conklin and fellow supporters of the potential racetrack.

The important fact to remember in all this is that the plan is still in the extreme early stages. We suggest that all parties involved take their time and analyze all of the pros and cons of the issue.

Otherwise, the whole idea could get spit out like the exhaust from one of NASCAR's snarling steel beasts.