If the application is approved by the city, any changes to the track would have to be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. McGhee says the commission's strict standards would limit his ability to develop his property to make more money.

The application follows the denial of Mr. McGhee's request last month to house recreational vehicles at the horse track, home to the Aiken Harness Races, scheduled for March 30.

Mr. McGhee is obligated to play host to this year's event but has threatened to privatize the track after the denial by the city's Board of Zoning Appeals. Several residents, including Kiki Blalock, who filed the request to make the track a historic district, asked the appeals board not to allow recreational vehicles.

Ms. Blalock also has appealed an earlier decision by the zoning board that would allow Mr. McGhee to serve alcohol at a restaurant on his property, according to the city planning office.

According to her application to the city, one reason the track should be considered historic is "it is the only one of Aiken's historic tracks not protected by the historic district status."

Mr. McGhee reacted with suspicion.

"I don't have a clue as to what her motive is, but I know she's got one," he said Tuesday.

He said the track "would become a pretty place with a lot of grass" if it were incorporated into a historic district, but would lose much of its potential use.

Aiken City Council must approve the application.

Jack Wetzel, co-owner of Ford Conger Field, which is home to Saturday's Aiken Steeplechase, signed Ms. Blalock's petition.

"The people in this town aren't against him," Mr. Wetzel said. "They want him to realize this is a historic city."

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.