Spokanistan

[Buick_65]

Found this guy on another forum. He is putting together the track survey/analysis for the city of Spokane. Drop him an e-mail if you'd like to share your thoughts and experiences with regard to the facility. Include your number, he will call you. I think his analysis is due to the city the first week of Jan.

mlindsey@baskervill<dot>com

[Mosquito]

emailed.

[k2ak]

Email sent. Thanks Todd!

Should we post this on other related forums? Is that okay?

[Rubber Ducky]

Found this guy on another forum. He is putting together the track survey/analysis for the city of Spokane. Drop him an e-mail if you'd like to share your thoughts and experiences with regard to the facility. Include your number, he will call you. I think his analysis is due to the city the first week of Jan.

mlindsey@baskervill<dot>com

Todd, thanks for the posting. I e-mailed Mike and he asked if he could call me. We had an interesting phone conversation where he explained that he is an architect working for the Spokane County hired to find out what it would take to fix up the race track and make the necessary improvements to turn it into a self sustaining facility. He has already visited the site and has started on his report which he intends to turn in at the beginning of January.

The info he could share is that the county would rather hang on to the property than see it sold to developers. He confirmed that the intent is to establish the feasibility of making the site appealing and successful as a race track that would support itself financially. The firm Mike works for specializes, among other things, in building race tracks (www.Baskervill.com) he is a racer himself (cars) and has several ideas on where things could be improved.

In his view the scenario of the County being interested in the land would make an auction-purchase "unappealing" to developers. The potential hindrances placed by the county during the survey and permit processes, should the county not be the winners of the auction, would be the deterrant.

He also mentioned that allegedly the track cannot be developed for housing due to the fact it is located in the Airport's "Flight Path", if purchased it would be dedicated to industrial use.

Maybe there is hope for SRP? :beerchug:

[Buick_65]

Email sent. Thanks Todd!

Should we post this on other related forums? Is that okay?



He didn't mind having his e-mail posted elsewhere as long as it's posted with the <dot>com rather than .com to avoid spammers....

I had an interesting call with him as well. He has lots of great ideas, but I explained that we shouldn't get too carried away with the wish list so the cost doesn't balloon out of the county's comfort zone.

Some of their ideas are;

Relocating the pits to the North end of the facility rather than in the middle of the course.

Relocating a portion of the main straight to avoid the burnout box; a la Pacific

Increased run off with river rock or crushed gravel rather than the boulders and tires.

Permanent corner working stations at key corners

Installation of power and water in the pits. May come with some camping fees. He tossed out $20/weekend.

Hopefully their proposal will be looked on favorably by the county.

[firebolt428]

Just want to bump this thread as I think this could be great news for SRP. There is alot of potential there and hopefully someone can get it to that point. good work guys.

[snake]

Hi guys,

I am working with Mark Lindsay, the County, and others on this project. The firm that I work for is Tetra Tech (http://www.tetratech.com/portal/site/TetraTech/). We do a variety of engineering related work for Spokane County.

Spokane County was very lucky to get Baskervill and the rest of the team to help them with this project. There is also a Technical Advisory Committe (TAC) helping the County, which consists of local citizens and includes car racers and a former WMRRA racer. So the County has their bases very well covered and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that the County gets the facility.

If the project moves forward for the County, there will be some real neat things happening, and the County will continue to get lots of input from the best race track designers, operators, and users.

[Rubber Ducky]

Fantastic news Darrel, please let me know if there is anything I/we can assist with to help the process.

Do you feel this is a good time for letters of support to the County officials? If yes please let me know which ones specifically.

[firebolt428]

Even greater news. Good work Darrel

[snake]

The TAC I mentioned above also consists of some influential people in the community that are in communication with County elected officials.

Previously we had threads posted (see here (http://www.wmrra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4233&highlight=spokane+county)) about writing the commissioners on this forum and others. That has resulted in the commissioners receiving lots of response from us and others, which has been very helpful. I wouldn't write the commissioners unless you have not done it yet.

The commissioners will still need to make a vote whether to go forward with an offer and what that offer will be. The A/E team’s report will help them with that decision. I am not sure what else we can do to help at this point. Maybe something along the lines of showing the commissioners how a racetrack can have a positive impact on the local community would help, but that is also what the A/E team will do.

[tarheel]

Well..I guess there is still hope. Email sent!

[Buick_65]

Baskerville has been very impressed with the community support for the track and how excited everyone is about the facility despite it's current condition. I'm sure this will make it into their presentation as it really is the one intangible thing, beyond the numbers, that will make or break the success of the track long term.

Oh, and woo hoo Seahawks; and bwahahaha the Steelers just lost.:dancingchili:

[Will]

This is great. I enjoy SRP a lot, even with the runoff issues. I hope it stays a track and stays viable.

[tarheel]

Mr. Lindsey would like to speak with some car people, can anyone here put him into contact with any or suggest where I might be able to reach some car racers? I'll try Pacific Raceways website but I haven't had alot of success with any of their contact info in the past.

Thanks and let's all do all we can to help save SRP!! Below is his contact info.

Mark S. Lindsey, AIA
Baskervill Architects
804-343-1010 work
804-539-8935 mobile
www.Baskervill.com

[tarheel]

I have contacted most of the car clubs on the PR website with an email message. If anyone knows any car dirvers personally please put them in touch with this guy. We need all the help we can get!!

Mark S. Lindsey, AIA
Baskervill Architects
804-343-1010 work
804-539-8935 mobile
www.Baskervill.com

[bhintz]

Hey Adam,

I know the presidents of several of the larger local car clubs so I'll drop them a line tomorrow to get them involved (if they aren't already). I know that most of the local clubs I'm involved in don't currently offer events in Spokane (because there are closer affiliates that do) but perhaps that may change with the right motivation. If nothing else, they can facilitate a discussion with whoever manages the nearest region for their respective club.

I'm a huge fan of that track so I'll gladly do what I can to help!

/Brian
________
Honda VT600C (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_VT600C)

[tarheel]

Sweet...the more people we get involved the better.

[Rubber Ducky]

Thanks for the follow up. Is the report going to be public record?

[snake]

Thanks for the follow up. Is the report going to be public record?
Most likely, for a variety of reasons, the report will not become a final document until later this year.

[Buick_65]

...here we go!

"Spokane Raceway Park will be sold at public auction within 90 days, capping a five-year legal fight by more than 500 limited partners who say they've seen no return on investments they made to build the facility in the early 1970s.

The auction was approved Friday by Superior Court Judge Robert Austin, who granted an order submitted by court-appointed receiver Barry W. Davidson to hire J.P. King Auction Co. Inc., of Gadsden, Ala. The firm will market the 600-acre site nationwide and sell it at public auction by April 13."

[tarheel]

Okay rich boys.....start your bidding!!! Let's all hope and pray this works out for the racing community.

[Rubber Ducky]

600 acres? Does that include the dirt bike track?

[snake]

600 acres? Does that include the dirt bike track?
No, the 600 acres does not include the ORV park.
It so happens that the ORV park is owned by Spokane County and is located west of the SRP section.

[Allister Squid #121]

I vote that the Spokane County tax payers buy it and make a profit on their investment.

And do some good for the community at the same time.

[Bad Dog]

...here we go!

"Spokane Raceway Park will be sold at public auction within 90 days, capping a five-year legal fight by more than 500 limited partners who say they've seen no return on investments they made to build the facility in the early 1970s.

The auction was approved Friday by Superior Court Judge Robert Austin, who granted an order submitted by court-appointed receiver Barry W. Davidson to hire J.P. King Auction Co. Inc., of Gadsden, Ala. The firm will market the 600-acre site nationwide and sell it at public auction by April 13."

That could be very bad news, :(

[Rubber Ducky]

That could be very bad news, :(

Accoring to "reliable sources" the fact that the county is interested in the purchase is making the land purchase unappealing for developers and it is unlikely there will be much interest.

I am crossing my fingers . . .

[Will]

Considering it is under the flight path of an Air Force base and next to a jail, I have a hard time imagining it is going to be prime development land anyway. There is some housing going in, near it, but there is already a lot of raw land available in the area, so it isn't exactly ripe for much of anything I can think of.

[Lauralynne]

SPOKANE, WA (Jan. 22, 2008) -- Spokane Raceway Park -- a 588-acre complex
with a 2.5-mile road track, drag strip and oval track -- will sell at
auction Thursday, April 10, with J.P. King Auction Company managing the
sale.

"This facility is well positioned to profit from the explosion of interest
in all types of motor sports at all levels," said Barry Davidson, the
court-appointed receiver for the track, which has been the subject of
litigation between the previous owner and investors.

Craig King, president of J.P. King, said the timing is perfect.

"The phenomenal success of NASCAR and the Indy Racing League has created a
surge of interest among people who want to see all types of racing --
including road racing, drag racing and oval track racing -- on a national
and regional level. Spokane Raceway Park has the facilities for a wide range
of auto and motorcycle events that can make it an extremely smart
investment," said King.

In addition to the tracks, grandstands and support buildings, the property
includes land that will be sold in separate parcels for potential
development, according to King.

"When you look at the adjacent casino, the Kalispel Tribe's resort plans,
and the growth that is already occurring in the Airway Heights area, the
potential for this land is virtually unlimited," said King.

King said the firm has not yet defined how the parcels will be divided.

"We know that the racing facilities will be sold as one parcel, and there's
an operating gravel pit that will be sold as a separate parcel. Beyond that,
we'll be making the decisions in the next few weeks," said King.

Individuals interested in additional information about the upcoming sale may
contact J.P. King at 800.558.5464 or visit the company's web site at
www.jpking.com.

J.P. King, based in Gadsden, Ala., is the nation's leading auction marketing
firm specializing in high-value properties such as land, superluxury homes,
condominiums, ranches and developments. Recent sales have included
waterfront townhomes in Florida, ranches in Colorado, and land in Georgia,
Alabama and Wisconsin.

[Buick_65]

Hey....that's sounds promising....

[Lynk]

BRILLIANT!!! The release is well written, and the county's planning seems to have continued operation of the facilities in mind. Now, who'll get it?! :D

[Rubber Ducky]

Thanks Laura, hate to get my hopes up too soon but . . . the first few paragraphs rocked!

[shematt145]

Was asked to post this by Scott Olson.

Spokane Raceway Park needs your help, TODAY!

This week the Spokane County Commissioners will be deciding whether, and how much to bid in the April auction of SRP. Spokane County ownership of SRP is, in my opinion, the best way to ensure the long-term existence and improvement of SRP. In County ownership, SRP will be added to the County park system. The initial purchase price does not have to produce a return on investment, as it would in any private ownership. Therefore, operating revenue would go toward upkeep and improvement of the facility.

What can you do? 2 things: Forward this email to anyone you know who has ever been to SRP, or who would be interested in its future. And, Send an email (again, if you did so in the past) TODAY! to Commisioners Bonnie Mager, Todd Mielke, Mark Richard at: bmager@spokanecounty.org tmielke@spokanecounty.org mrichard@spokanecounty.org
Let them know, in your own words, why SRP is important to you, and to the County. Please keep it realistic. Topics that hit home to the Commissioners: *You use and enjoy SRP *The improvement of SRP would attract increased use *The money you spend in Spokane County during visits to SRP *Increased driving skills learned at SRP have saved you or loved ones in a driving situation *SRP provides a legal venue for kids to "street race"

[diliracer]

Done.

[firebolt428]

Roger that.. Mine has been sent!

[Buick_65]

Done, done and done.

[Rubber Ducky]

Posted on PNWRiders forum. Thanks Shellie.

[Bad Dog]

Posted on the WMRC forums.

[jengel451]

Hey all, some of you know me, most don't. I'm a former WMRRA racer and currently on the TAC for Spokane County on the SRP program. I can't stress enough at the moment how imparitive it is that your voice is heard by the County Commisioners.

If you haven't , please let your local Sokane County legislator know how important a racetrack is to your community.

Please communicate to them logically and coherently, remember, anything you say is a reflection on all motorcycle riders.

I would ask any and all that are capable of drafting an intelligent letter to the editor of the Spoksman Review, to please do so. I think mentioning the tragic lose of life in Maryland this past week could really strike a cord with them as an example of what could happen if kids do not have a venue to do what they're going to do.

editor@spokesman.com


Thanks for the Support!
Jim Engel

[Bad Dog]

Hey all, some of you know me, most don't. I'm a former WMRRA racer and currently on the TAC for Spokane County on the SRP program. I can't stress enough at the moment how imparitive it is that your voice is heard by the County Commisioners.

If you haven't , please let your local Sokane County legislator know how important a racetrack is to your community.

Please communicate to them logically and coherently, remember, anything you say is a reflection on all motorcycle riders.

I would ask any and all that are capable of drafting an intelligent letter to the editor of the Spoksman Review, to please do so. I think mentioning the tragic lose of life in Maryland this past week could really strike a cord with them as an example of what could happen if kids do not have a venue to do what they're going to do.

editor@spokesman.com


Thanks for the Support!
Jim Engel

I couldn't find anything about the Maryland tragedy you mention of, link?

[Steve]

I couldn't find anything about the Maryland tragedy you mention of, link?

http://www.twincities.com/national/ci_8281603?nclick_check=1

[CBRmania]

This happened 3 miles from my parents house. They say it happens EVERY weekend around 2-3am. I am suprised it took this long for something to happen!

According to my parents, the racers did a huge burnout...smoke everywhere and then launched on their way down the street as a "race". The crowd stepped into the street to see who won. Along came a innocent driver and only saw all of the smoke and didnt know if it was smoke or fog. The driver procedded thru and hit 7 of the spectators that were standing in the street. From what I have heard they are not charging the driver and are actually pressing charges on ANY spectator.

[jengel451]

I couldn't find anything about the Maryland tragedy you mention of, link?

Eight killed when car hits crowd watching street race

Maryland highway known for illegal races

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/stories/2008/feb/17/drag-racing0217_02-17-2008_AVCODUB.jpg
Emergency personnel carry the body of a victim killed Saturday when a car plowed into a crowd watching a race on a Maryland highway. Associated Press (Associated Press )

Stephen Manning (http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news/bylines.asp?bylinename=Stephen Manning)
Associated Press
February 17, 2008
ACCOKEEK, Md. – A car plowed into a group of street-racing fans obscured by a cloud of tire smoke on a highway Saturday, killing eight people and scattering bodies in the early morning darkness.
At least five others were injured in the gruesome wreck along a flat, isolated stretch of highway about 20 miles south of Washington known for illegal races.
About 50 people were gathered before dawn along Route 210 as two cars spun their wheels, kicked up smoke and sped off, said Prince George's County police Cpl. Clinton Copeland.
Fans had spilled onto the smoky, dark road to watch the cars drive away when a white Ford Crown Victoria unexpectedly came up from behind and smashed into them.
"There were just bodies everywhere; it was horrible," said Crystal Gaines, 27, of Indian Head, whose father was killed.
Police interviewed the Crown Victoria driver, but no charges were pending, Copeland said. Authorities were looking for the drivers of the two cars involved in the race.
The combination of the smoke and the dark morning likely meant the unsuspecting driver could not see the crowd, police said. A tractor-trailer that came by shortly afterward may also have struck someone on the roadside as it tried to avoid the crash scene, according to investigators.
Bodies covered by white sheets lay in the road and on the shoulder across a 50-foot stretch of the road later Saturday morning before they were removed by the medical examiner.
Shoes were strewn about in the grass, and a pair of dark skid marks scarred the highway.
"It's probably one of the worst scenes I've seen," Copeland said. "This is a situation that could have been avoided, and it's a very tragic situation."
About 50 people were watching the race, Gaines said, and she saw the Crown Victoria approach without its lights on. She grabbed her daughter, pulling the girl to safety. But her father, William Gaines Sr., 61, had a broken leg, and was not able to get away in time. Afterward, she found his body on the road.
"He wasn't breathing; he wasn't moving," Gaines said. "His body was in pieces."
Her brother, William Gaines Jr., was also there. The car came through so fast that "it just ripped people apart," he said.
Route 210 is a thoroughfare with few traffic lights along the stretch where the accident occurred. The road is flanked by some businesses but has little traffic in the early morning, Copeland said. The speed limit is 55 miles per hour.
Police said that street races are not uncommon on the stretch of road. Relatives said some of the victims often went to see races held late at night on isolated stretches of road.

[Bad Dog]

Thats awful but unfortunatly, it helps our case. If dumbass politicians and elected officials continue to close racetracks, this is only going to get worse, :(

[tarheel]

There is a local road here in the Yakima Valley that is popular with street racers and they have been charging all spectators there as well.