SCMP Announcement

[jengel451]

It's been a long couple of years but:

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=17318

[jengel451]

In case you can't access:

Tuesday, October 21, 2008


Spokane
County starts negotiating with track operator
Thomas Clouse
Staff writer
October 21, 2008

Spokane County commissioners, as expected, chose a Tacoma businessman and racing enthusiast to operate its newly purchased Spokane County Motorsports Park in Airway Heights.

The proposed deal calls for a 25-year lease that would pay the county more than $27 million and put more than $12 million back into the track for future upgrades.

Bucky Austin, owner of Midway Muffler and Radiator, would operate the track if negotiations are completed within about four weeks.

Commissioner Bonnie Mager, who voted against the decision to purchase the former Spokane Raceway Park, said it appears the county is getting a good deal from Austin.

"It was an extremely strong proposal," Mager said. "It exceeded my expectations. We expect good things in the future."

Commissioner Todd Mielke said the motorsports park should increase recreation options, tourism and provide a sanctioned way to get racers off public streets.

"This deal should bring in nearly $40 million over the course of the 25-year term of the contract," he said. "That is private money."

Commissioner Mark Richard joined with Mielke in outbidding a private investor in April to purchase 315 acres, including the racing facilities, for $4.5 million.

"This represents a tremendous investment into our economy," he said. "This also allows us to build a law enforcement training complex and youth sports complex. This has a great potential of providing this community with a win-win."

Under the proposal, Austin is proposing to spend $2 million in upgrades to make sure the drag strip, oval track and road course meet all safety and rule standards for various racing sanctioning bodies.

He will pay the county $10,000 a month for rent and then the county would recieve a portion of the money received for every ticket. The rest of the money would go to a capital improvement fund that would eventually reimburse Austin for his initial $2 million investment, officials said.

"I think the county got a heck of a buy," he said.

[dinolee]

He's the guy who oiled the track at PR in 2007, from the drag strip, reverse direction through T2 into T1 and the hot pit area. The sunday morning where we had EVERYBODY out on the track doing cleanup.

[jengel451]

He's also the guy that's going to make sure you have another track to race at.....what's your point.

Jeezus christ, does everyone in WMRRA do nothing but bitch and complain about everything? I mean really.

[snake]

He's also the guy that's going to make sure you have another track to race at.....what's your point.

Jeezus christ, does everyone in WMRRA do nothing but bitch and complain about everything? I mean really.

Pretty much. At least on the forum.

[dinolee]

My point is the guy has experience blowing up engines, not running a track.

[jengel451]

My point is the guy has experience blowing up engines, not running a track.

wow. I'm speechless.

So who do you think should run it? I'm sitting on the edge of my seat for this, you obviously have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom on this subject.

[late apex]

Why say something good about someone when you can point out one flaw?

[dinolee]

I have not personally attacked you, I have not called anybody names, like whiney bitches. I'm expressing my opinion on an internet forum. If you don't like it, great. But lay off the fucking personal attack and sarcasm.

[ewok]

thanks jim

I know you have given a ton of time to this effort. I appreciate it. Keep up the good work. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. In my view having spokane as a venue is a great thing. And making the spokane track better is something I didn't think would ever happen.
Take care. If you get over to Coeur d'Alene I would be privileged to buy you the beverage of your choice.


cordially
ed

[jengel451]

I have not personally attacked you, I have not called anybody names, like whiney bitches. I'm expressing my opinion on an internet forum. If you don't like it, great. But lay off the fucking personal attack and sarcasm.

I take your opinion as a personal attack as I was on the board making the recommendation. Do you really think we took the decision lightly?

Your comment is as logicial as picking a president based on what they had for breakfast.

[jengel451]

thanks jim

I know you have given a ton of time to this effort. I appreciate it. Keep up the good work. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. In my view having spokane as a venue is a great thing. And making the spokane track better is something I didn't think would ever happen.
Take care. If you get over to Coeur d'Alene I would be privileged to buy you the beverage of your choice.


cordially
ed

Thanks Ed, It's a passion for sure, and you're right, I did have some doubts as well.

You know, I do need to get over there and have some beers with you Timmy soon, it's been a while.

[dinolee]

I apologize if you took it as a personal attack then. I have met Bucky and his race team only once during a PR drag event, and was not impressed with their attitude. This is what I have to base my opinion on, and what I will continue to base my opinion on.

[thom2002]

honestly if it gets us a safer and consistently running track who cares who is running it? I for one am super happy about the chance for us to race Spokane in 2009! After all isn't what this is about....the racing?

[Allister Squid #121]

this is about racing?

Naive young padowan, you must unlearn, what you have learned...