[Rob Petrie E395]

I raced with Gateway untill their 3rd bracket race this year then I switched over to Chandler. I have raced there for over 5 years now since moving back to the midwest. My understanding of the deal with Gateway is just like any big stadium that gets built weather it be for NFL,NHL,NBA Ect. The original builder got the state to issue bonds to build it and then the track has to pay so much back each year for so many years to cover the bonds and thats where the 8 million comes in. Hell if It were just 1.5 million to own it I would buy it right now and sell the grandstands in the circle track for scrap and get my money back and own it for free. The two big problems they face are the payments to the state and the fact that from looking at the plat book, part of the dragstrip shutdown area and turns 3&4 are owned by someone else and are on lease to Gateway. Who in their right mind buys something that they dont own all of it and have huge outputs and are struggling to sell seats. I dont know who it will be but I hope someone does it as its the nicest track around here and the only 1/4 mile stuff without drive 3.5 hours plus. I am up here at the Div3 finals in Indy and over at the section of grandstans reserved for gateway they have a big sign for Gateway and then a even bigger sign that reads "FOR SALE" and all their team shirts say "last call" on them. I talked to Rich Schafer via email yesterday and he really wanted to try and turn it around but with all the uncertainty surronding the place right now can you blame him for doing the right thing for his family and having some security for them.