Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

Too bad the Fiorito family wasn't able to deliver on the track improvements they promised for years (probably not all their fault given the economy) it might have made for bigger allies at NHRA. It would be interesting to see historical attendance figures for the national event. Know they made some updates, many of which were aimed at improving the road track and they sure have the BMW, Porsche, etc car clubs keeping that venue busy but must be tough to make that large of a facility make money year after year.

Hope D6 can keep racing there. Disappearing tracks make for longer tows which hurt everybody.

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

We recently heard that the issue between the parties involved with The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton has been resolved, and that the earliest the dragstrip could be up and going is 2016.
Bremerton will supposedly start late next season, due to the new "in & out road" getting completed for the future industrial complex rumored to be coming.
Should Pacific sell to a developer, I could see a lot of cars being parked,,, possibly for good. With all that land available, I could easily see hundreds of homes put in and they would all provide a sizable increase in taxes to King county over what a race track must pay,, so I'm guessing theres no incentive for the powers that be to search out a buyer group that would keep motorsports in the area.
The elder Fiorito family members that developed the track in the late 50s and early 60s did us all a great service. This latest generation of the family just wants to wash their hands of the situation and move on. I hope the best for all of us needing a place to play, but we may be rethinking this 'ol pastime of ours in the near future. My 2 cents.
Danny Durham

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

Let's hope that some of the members of the SOVREN (www.http://sovrenracing.org/) group that race vintage cars, put their money together and buy the track.

The group even puts a muscle car show too.

http://sovrenracing.org/muscle-car-show-new-location/

Many of their members are prominent wealthy people that enjoy having their vintage races at the track. Many doctors, Microsoft and high tech people. The memebership also includes Bruce and Craig McCaw who are owners of vintage race cars too.

Last year Craig purchase a vintage Ferrari 250 at an auction for which he paid 35 Million dollars.

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

Hope you're right but the Ridge offers the same basic venue; fairly technical and elevation changes with the big benefit of better run-off in case you lose it. I've attended some of their races, incredible old iron with unbelievable collector value out there mixing it up.

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

You are correct Jim. The advantage of Pacific Raceways is the closeness to the city of Seattle and airport. The airports nearby don't have commercial flights and the only high end hotel is Alderbrook Resort and Spa.

The last time I attended the vintage races, Vic Edelbrock and his daughter were there with their vintage road racing cars. Carol Shelby was also there. There were some high dollar pieces including several former F1 and Indy cars that were being driven by the owners. When I mean driven, they were out for a Sunday drive in the track, not full bore! :)

Q and A from Jason Fiorito
 

From the Pacific Raceways website:

http://pacificraceways.com/index/14-09-29/Q_A_Regarding_Proposed_Raceway_Sale.aspx

Dale

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

In reading the latest posting on the website, (www.pacificraceways.com) there is a ray of hope for the track. Jason Fiorito says they are willing to work with the new owner or owners to help the transition when it happens. There is also no price stated for the property, leaving the situation open for the "right" investor(s) to come along and purchase the property.

The property is zoned as industrial so it would be easier for it to stay a business. I know zoning can be changed, but this is one reason for hope.

With the facility being used for so many things besides a drag strip leaves endless possibilities for the future of the property. The road course, Driving School and my other uses that are available at this time.

Let's not forget that we need a place for the kids to race, and not on the streets. There is, also, an awesome outdoor go kart track which is open nearly everyday. Almost forgot there is a motocross track which is very popular with the local riders.

All in all let's keep our fingers crossed that things happen for the good of the area and not just what the neighbors want.

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

What is the "Project of Statewide Significance", the "legislation" that passed & the "tech campus " spoken of in the Q & A ? I haven't heard of any of this before.

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

Dave, I am not sure of what those things mean and hope someone that does will jump on here and explain the meanings.

Just as a point of interest, I just checked the 2015 NHRA schedule and the Northwest Nationals @ Pacific Raceways is listed. Probably a formality, but does show hope for us here in the northwest.

Re: OFFICIAL: Pacific Raceways For Sale
 

Info hound here:

Title 130 WAC
Last Update: 9/26/13
COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF
(TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

Chapters

130-10 Public records—Disclosure.
130-14 Child care facility fund rules.
130-16 Industrial development—Revenue bonds—Financing eligibility.
130-20 Washington motion picture competitiveness program.
130-30 Projects of statewide significance.

WAC 130-30-010
Agency filings affecting this section

Purpose.
(1) The department of commerce may designate certain private sector investments as projects of statewide significance to expedite the permitting and environmental review process. These projects will bolster the economy at both the local and state levels.

(2) The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe the form and manner of the application to be used in requesting designation as a project of statewide significance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.157.030. WSR 13-20-064, § 130-30-010, filed 9/26/13, effective 10/27/13.]

Link:

http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=130-30&full=true

I believe it means that the State has determined that the existence of Pacific Raceways property as a motor sports related complex is financially significant to both the local and state governments. An organization wishing to continue the vision of the Fiorino family would receive preferential treatment over an entity wishing to, say, rezone it and build housing. Find a Google Earth map of the place and zoom out. It's an extension of the family sand and gravel operation. Legend has it that when the locals tried to get the city to close it due to noise, the owners showed up at the meeting and threatened to move in their rock crusher and run it 24/7 if the track was closed.

Dale