Memphis Motorsports Park closes

Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced today (Oct. 30) that it was ceasing all operations at Memphis Motorsports Park and that it would not be promoting any events in Memphis in 2010.

As previously announced, the Memphis facility had been under an agreement of sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment but Gulf Coast was unable to secure financing.

“This was a difficult decision for us, but one that ultimately was dictated by economics,” said Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports.  “We greatly appreciate the many years of dedication shown by our Memphis employees and their efforts to make Memphis such a great destination for the racing community – from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies.  For all concerned, including the Memphis community, it is truly sad to see Memphis Motorsports Park taken off the racing schedule.  NASCAR has approved the realignment of our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events from Memphis Motorsports Park to our Nashville and Gateway facilities.”

Spokane Co. terminates contract with Bucky Austin

Thursday afternoon, Spokane County (Wash.) commissioners terminated the contract to operate the Spokane County Raceway Park in Airway Heights with operator Bucky Austin.

The contract termination follows a 'Letter of Default' presented to Austin Motorsports Management, LLC by Spokane County in September. In that letter, county officials cited more than $1 million in outstanding bills from local contractors yet to be paid.

Austin’s contract was in default and terminated, commissioners said, because he failed to pay the contractors, failed to secure a performance bond before he contracted for the work, and didn’t go through the competitive bidding process required for public projects.
Austin was put on notice in September that he’d lose the contract in 60 days if he didn’t “cure” those problems. He wasn’t able to find financing or partners to make payments, commissioners said.

“Spokane County Raceway Park had an outstanding season that brought tourism dollars into our area, but we had an operator who wasn't paying local businesspeople and we weren't going to let that continue," said Board Chairman Todd Mielke. "The Parks and Recreation Department is prepared to take possession of the property, secure the assets and winterize the facility."

County officials hope to have a new raceway operator by next February, followed by a new racing season beginning in April.

Spokane County will now take responsibility for the $1.2 million still owed to the contractors, which will be covered by insurance.

The Spokesman-Review reports that when asked if the decision was at all prompted by fears Austin’s Motorsport manaoement company could declare bankruptcy, Mielke would only say: “Rumors abound.” [10/30/09]

Shakedown looking for 99 Pro Mods

The 2009 Shakedown at E-town race will feature one of the biggest Pro Mod Shootouts ever and their goal is to have 99 Pro Modifieds at Englishtown, NJ, on Nov. 7-8.

There will be three Pro Mod classes: Pro Mod Blown, Pro Mod Nitrous and 1/8 Outlaw Challenge. Each class will award $20,000 to the winner and $1,000 to the #1 qualifier.

Other classes will be Outlaw 10.5 (3,000 lbs back-half type), Drag Radial, Heavy Street and 8.50 Index. All classes will be run on the quarter mile except the 1/8-mile Outlaw Challenge.

For more info, go to shakdownatetown.com or email dhance1@aol.com. [10/30/09]