Concord Second Date Coming from VMP?

[Paul]

::rag Racing Online::: Columns - Agent 1320 - 8/10/2009

Interesting tactic to call out CompPlus on Memphis losing a race. Not sure if it is a wise move to call out a different report without the official announcement.

 

[mick]

depends on what 'competionplus' you're talking about.

 

[Dubs]

IMO

Burk shouldn't throw stones in a glass house.

::rag Racing Online::: Columns - Agent 1320 - 6/24/2009


I don't know what CompeTionPlus.com reported ...

But this is what COMPETITIONPLUS.COM reported on Friday.

MEMPHIS TRACK SALE DELAYED Print E-mail
Written by Stan Creekmore
Friday, 07 August 2009

When it comes to Memphis Motorsports Park you can't always believe what you hear. However, you should be able to believe what you read.

Recently circulated rumors have the track closing down in the very near future after a sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment, LLC. With the closing on the deal postponed for the third time – the new date is in September of this year – track staff are already planning next years events.

The rumors may have surfaced following a story in the St. Louis Business Journal on July 30. While the story focused on the reduced second quarter profits generated by Dover Motorsports Inc. facilities, which includes Memphis Motorsports Park.

According to the St. Louis Business Journal:

“Dover reiterated Thursday that the sale of Memphis Motorsports Park to Gulf Coast Entertainment LLC for $10 million in cash and a 2 percent interest in Gulf Coast has been delayed.

Gulf Coast has agreed to purchase all the stock of the Dover subsidiary that owns the Memphis track, with closing under the agreeme nt set for June 29. But Gulf Coast hasn’t finalized its project financing, Dover said in a July 8 regulatory filing, so it is negotiating an amended agreement that would give Gulf Coast until Sept. 29 to close, for additional consideration.”

Gulf Coast Entertainment has not, to date, been able to secure the financing necessary to build a racing facility in Mobile, Alabama and the purchase of Memphis Motorsports Park is directly tied to the financing of the proposed facility in Mobile.

Should Gulf Coast fail to close on the purchase by September 29th, the contract for sale could be terminated or further extended to a later date.

In a phone conversation Thursday, August 6th, with Jason Rittenderry, Vice President and General Manager of Memphis Motorsports Park, it was learned that while the pending sale of the facility to Gulf Coast Entertainment, LLC has not gone as originally planned, events are still being planned for 2010.

Rittenderry said that sale or no sale, the track has a contract with the NHRA for an event in 2010. There is also a contract with O'Reilly's Auto Parts for title sponsorship of the event. Additionally, the track is awaiting an announcement by NASCAR of the 2010 Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series schedules. Rittenderry intimated he expects Memphis Motorsports Park will remain on both schedules with similar dates to this year.

The ADRL has also signed an agreement with the track for an event in 2010. Other drag racing e vents are in various stages of completion.

The running of any of the events is not contingent upon ownership of the facility.


Real Bush League Burk ...

 

[Professional Fan]

I've heard Memphis is the one losing the race in 2010. Regardless, NHRA is going to have to shuffle the schedule as Charlotte can't have two races that close together if it takes either of the Virginia or Memphis dates. Plus, the timing of Easter next year may also make the schedule challenging. It will be interesting to see how it all works out.

 

[d'kid]

It's really simple,
If VMP loses the date to Charlotte, I just won't attend any more NHRA races, and to hell if I ever set foot inside any track own by Smith...

like I said... really simple.

d'kid
and the NHRA can kiss my membership good-bye

 

[TSK]

Memphis' contract runs through 2010. They will have a national event next year.
After that, who knows?
VMP has never had big crowds. It looks like a nice track though. I've never understood why NHRA went back to them in the first place. Then again, NHRA's decisions haven't made much sense in the past few years anyway.

 

[HEMI6point1]

It's really simple,
If VMP loses the date to Charlotte, I just won't attend any more NHRA races, and to hell if I ever set foot inside any track own by Smith...

like I said... really simple.

d'kid
and the NHRA can kiss my membership good-bye

What's the issue with Smith-owned tracks? They look like great facilities.

 

[BrettV]

VMP has never had big crowds. It looks like a nice track though.

Personally I don't mind the small croud! of course that's totally from a selfish perspective.

 

[vegasnitro]

What's the issue with Smith-owned tracks? They look like great facilities.

I love the Bruton Smith owned facility here in Vegas!!! My Dad prays every night now that Bruton owns Kentucky Motor Speedway, that Bruton will build a drag strip there too!

 

[d'kid]

What's the issue with Smith-owned tracks? They look like great facilities.

IS English a second language to you Sam? I think Smith has some of the nicest tracks in the country... But, if he takes our date...

Yes the crowd is not large, but on Sundays it is 5 deep on the fence, standing room only...

I'm just not going to blow $750 to travel to Bristol or Charlotte to see what amounts to 30 pairs run over the weekend... nope, I don't watch pipe-racks.
sometimes, I don't even watch all of flopper...

d'kid

 

[Bullard Anderson]

Karl, I feel your pain gambler! I think you and that state of Virginia should keep your date.

The sure way to ensure the failure of Charlotte's 1st date is to add a 2nd date. I grew up and lived around Charlotte, NC since 1982. Your asking people around this town to support a lot of things. And I'm not just talking motorsports.

I would wait to evaluate the first date after 3 years. Then see where we stand.

Just like Lee did before me, I must stand with Virginia!

 

[JB3]

... The sure way to ensure the failure of Charlotte's 1st date is to add a 2nd date. I grew up and lived around Charlotte, NC since 1982. Your asking people around this town to support a lot of things. And I'm not just talking motorsports ...

I agree Steve. Where will the fans come from? They better split the 2 races as far apart as possible like with Pomona and Vegas. Put one around Gainseville time and the other where it is now in the Fall. However, before all of the NHRA and Bruton bashing starts, I think people should wait until they:
a) Know for sure this will happen
b) Understand why VMP is out (if they actually are). Maybe it was thier choice.
c) Know why Bruton was awarded the race.

 

[luxexpress]

Drag Racing Internet Magazine - Competition Plus.com - VMP PLAYS THE WAITING GAME Sure looks like the writting is on the wall on this one.

 

[Jer]

I wont miss VMP! Long lines,not enough concessions,long lines at B-rooms. Seems more like an IHRA track.

 

[d'kid]

I wont miss VMP! Long lines,not enough concessions,long lines at B-rooms. Seems more like an IHRA track.

I usually go grab eats during Pipe-Racks (j/K)... I've never stood in line for food more than 5 minutes. Never stood in line at the can. In a lot of ways, the track reminds me of 'The County'... It's one heck of a lot nicer than Lions was.

d'kid

 

[Toejam]

Didn't VMP drop NHRA once already back in the 90's?

 

[Paul]

Didn't VMP drop NHRA once already back in the 90's?

Yeah, and they are going to lose a National Event if things don't change. If you are a fan of VMP let them and the NHRA know you are not a fan of shifting the race to Concord. Don't know if it is too late, but it is worth saying something vs. not letting your feelings be known.

 

[HEMI6point1]

Isn't it a bit nonsensical to have two national events at the same track held within weeks of each other? The thought of it just doesn't compute with me.

Or maybe one is for the fall and the other is going to be in the spring. Then it would make sense.

 

[Paul]

Isn't it a bit nonsensical to have two national events at the same track held within weeks of each other? The thought of it just doesn't compute with me.

Or maybe one is for the fall and the other is going to be in the spring. Then it would make sense.

Logic would tell you they would swap dates with another race in the spring. I say give Concord the spring Joliet date and give us back the early October race weekend.

 

[HEMI6point1]

In a somewhat related note, does anybody know if they're going to be using all 4 lanes at Concord this year?