News of the Indiana State Fairgrounds' decision to convert its historic one-mile dirt track to an all-weather track for year-round harness training and parking sent shockwaves through the racing community.

Racing legends like Mario Andretti and Parnelli Jones expressed sadness knowing the iconic Hoosier Hundred would be forced to find a new home, and the racing community at large wasted little time springing into action.

Hours after the Indiana State Fairgrounds announced its decision, Greg Hardy, a long time motorsports supporter and part of a USAC Silver Crown team, started a petition to be sent to Gov. Eric Holcomb on change.org to save the dirt track the Fairgrounds.

The petition reads in part:

To lose one of these final facilities would be a tragedy and heartbreaking for thousands who live for mile racing events, especially after losing the New York State Fairgrounds just a few short years ago.



Use the track as it has been for more than 100 years! Continue the growing success of motorsports and possibly even hold more events! Indianapolis is the motorsports capital of the world afterall.

In about 20 hours the petition has over 3,600 signatures, more than half of its 5,000-signature goal.

USAC Series Coordinator Levi Jones said he expected racing fans to take action.

"It's not going to go over well with the racing community" he said. "Our fans are passionate and I'm sure they'll try to make their voice heard."

The change will "improve safety, enhance the guest experience and allow for the continuation of harness racing," said Cindy Hoye, the executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, in a news release.

Follow IndyStar sports producer Akeem Glaspie on Twitter at @THEAkeemGlaspie.