Pacific Raceways Renovation

[Kris]

King County's development department (DDES) spokeswoman tells me there are no permits open at this time that match major renovation or reconfiguration work such as what was announced in 2006.
So, based on that, it looks like it is stalled for other reasons that I have not been able to dig up. Yet.
Still waiting to hear back from the folks at the track.

 

[Wayne]

King County's development department (DDES) spokeswoman tells me there are no permits open at this time that match major renovation or reconfiguration work such as what was announced in 2006.
So, based on that, it looks like it is stalled for other reasons that I have not been able to dig up. Yet.
Still waiting to hear back from the folks at the track.

Thanks for the leg work Kris. Keep at them!!!
Sounds to me like smoke & mirrors or blowing smoke up our arses!!!

Still interested in knowing how much time is left on the current contract between the Fioritos & NHRA.

 

[hoser]

Our Pacific Northwest Super Comp Association (I'm VP of the group) tried to get a race weekend there this year and they said "no thanks". What? You don't want ~25 racers there spending money for a two day event? Nope... Don't get it.

I've heard the same thing from MULTIPLE associations that have tried getting race dates at Pacific. Pro Nostalgia, AA Supercharged, and NW Top Eliminator all have had events there in the past, and none of them do now. I heard that the NW BB/FC association were trying to get an event there and don't think they were successful either.

Kris, if all else fails, maybe you could write a piece on how Pacific Raceways isn't interested in providing anyone (except big-show and big-money NHRA) a place to race, and won't grant interviews from any journalists

 

[clwill]

Kris, if all else fails, maybe you could write a piece on how Pacific Raceways isn't interested in providing anyone (except big-show and big-money NHRA) a place to race, and won't grant interviews from any journalists

Oh, they're happy to host endless "grudge" racing days for people in their rice burners...

 

[Kris]

Thanks for the leg work Kris. Keep at them!!!
Sounds to me like smoke & mirrors or blowing smoke up our arses!!!

Still interested in knowing how much time is left on the current contract between the Fioritos & NHRA.

I need to send the NHRA an e-mail. I've been juggling a lot lately so I forgot to bug them about this issue... I will see what I can find out on that.
And I guess I need to try the folks at the track again but I think that may have to wait until Thursday afternoon.

 

[hoser]

Oh, they're happy to host endless "grudge" racing days for people in their rice burners...

Yep they sure are. Everyone pays to get in and no pay outs, it's the good 'ole "maximum profit for lowest expense and effort" business model. Just as long as the ricer punks keep coming back, why would they give a rat's patootie about "real" racers!

 

[Meeks]

Yep they sure are. Everyone pays to get in and no pay outs, it's the good 'ole "maximum profit for lowest expense and effort" business model. Just as long as the ricer punks keep coming back, why would they give a rat's patootie about "real" racers!

Actually, we were there this past weekend for an import race. The people who run Pacific Raceways want nothing to do with any sort of import racing and are rude and disrespectful to both racers and spectators. There have been several organizations who've tried to get another import race there and the track said no way.

BTW- go ahead and define "real" racer for me. I'd love to know how somebody who supports NHRA drag racing, puts tons or energy into the sport to give back, and who puts in the time and effort to travel throughout the country on their own budget to keep racing alive doesn't qualify as a "real" racer.

 

[clwill]

The people who run Pacific Raceways want nothing to do with any sort of import racing and are rude and disrespectful to both racers and spectators.

I'm not sure that differs from their treatment of anyone, not just import racers.

As Chris said, what they want is "grudge" races where there is minimal expense (no payouts, minimal staffing, certainly no expenditure on track prep). They aren't racers or race people, and clearly not people-people. They're just trying to make a profit. But it's not clear to me you can't do both...

 

[NHRAMike]

Thanks for the leg work Kris. Keep at them!!!
Sounds to me like smoke & mirrors or blowing smoke up our arses!!!

Still interested in knowing how much time is left on the current contract between the Fioritos & NHRA.

I'm not sure if there is a contract between the Fioritos and the NHRA, but one thing I'm pretty sure of is that each of the seven NHRA divisions hold at least ONE national event.
In the case of our Division Six, Pacific Raceways is the only track that hosts a national event, and if something were to ever happen and Pacific Raceways lost this event, where else could a race of this caliber be held? Sure as hell ain't gonna be at Woodburn or Portland, and I doubt that Spokane is a market that the NHRA would deem as a top market to chase. So at least until the Fioritos finish selling off all that rock and gravel from the go-kart track, we're still going to be getting the same story we've been getting the last gawd knows how many years.

 

[clwill]

So at least until the Fioritos finish selling off all that rock and gravel from the go-kart track...

All that fill went into the third runway at SeaTac airport. It's long gone.

FWIW, the go-kart track is a separate lease, owned/operated by another group, which is why it's a) long since completed, b) very nicely done, c) open quite often, and d) by all reports, run very well.

 

[Kris]

All that fill went into the third runway at SeaTac airport. It's long gone.

FWIW, the go-kart track is a separate lease, owned/operated by another group, which is why it's a) long since completed, b) very nicely done, c) open quite often, and d) by all reports, run very well.

Yes, what he said.

I did a story on the go-kart track last summer shortly before it opened to the public. Nice deal. I wish I had time to go there.

I will definitely contact the NHRA on Thursday and see what information I can find out about the arrangement with Pacific Raceways, contract, no contract, or otherwise. I haven't had a chance the past couple days because I've been doing interviews and writing stories. Tomorrow we'll be laying out Friday's paper. So, on Thursday afternoon I will have those NHRA things to tackle... it's an interesting tale, to be sure. Jason Fiorito is a really nice guy, by the way, I just don't have direct access to him. I will try and remedy that in the future.

 

[John Smillie]

I'm not sure if there is a contract between the Fioritos and the NHRA, but one thing I'm pretty sure of is that each of the seven NHRA divisions hold at least ONE national event.
In the case of our Division Six, Pacific Raceways is the only track that hosts a national event, and if something were to ever happen and Pacific Raceways lost this event, where else could a race of this caliber be held? Sure as hell ain't gonna be at Woodburn or Portland, and I doubt that Spokane is a market that the NHRA would deem as a top market to chase. So at least until the Fioritos finish selling off all that rock and gravel from the go-kart track, we're still going to be getting the same story we've been getting the last gawd knows how many years.

Obviously it is too small and parking would be a huge issue, but how does Mission Raceway compare in size to Woodburn, Portland, or Spokane? Unfortunately I haven't been to either yet. On that note I think NHRA really should explore a Canadian track much like the IHRA has done in Edmonton. Heck, I'd just be happy with "day of" coverage of the races, no more of this 3 day later tape delay

 

[hoser]

BTW- go ahead and define "real" racer for me. I'd love to know how somebody who supports NHRA drag racing, puts tons or energy into the sport to give back, and who puts in the time and effort to travel throughout the country on their own budget to keep racing alive doesn't qualify as a "real" racer.

Sure I'd be happy to, my post said "ricer punks", actually I misspoke and should have said "grudge punks", nowhere did I say "import" anything. I was referring to the people who want to bring their "crew" to the track, with a piece of junk car (japanese, american, or other) that has little to no safety equipment, and blow it up while trying to use "NOS" (not nitrous, NOS, ala Fast and Furious). All the while their "crew" is in the stands betting on who will win. My point is that everyone that is there is paying to get in, and it doesn't cost the track anything. As opposed to an actual group of racers, regardless of car type, that would require the track to do at least a minimal amount of prep, and provide a payout structure to the winners and finalists.

A "real" racer is exactly as you described above, someone who puts tons of time, money, and effort into ANY kind of car, in an attempt to go fast, and most importantly, staying safe while going fast.

 

[clwill]

how does Mission Raceway compare in size to Woodburn, Portland, or Spokane? Unfortunately I haven't been to either yet. On that note I think NHRA really should explore a Canadian track much like the IHRA has done in Edmonton.

I am not a stranger to Mission, and in fact will be there racing this weekend. The track surface is fine, but there are some bumps that would probably frustrate a fuel car. The pits are fine at the sportsman level, but there are no fully-paved pits to speak of, they're all grass with paved pit roads. Much of the pits are off the side of the road course. The stands are quite old and tired (all board bleachers) and I doubt if there are more than 5,000 seats (but you could certainly bring in temp stands). Getting there is easy, it's just over the border and just a couple of miles north of Canada's main east-west routes. The people who run it are wonderful, helpful, friendly and warm to sportsman racers.

But there is no track in D6 other than Pacific that, as of today, could host a national event. They'd all need some work. Spokane and Boise are probably the facilities with the room (land) and potential to get there, but none are there today.

Heck, I'd just be happy with "day of" coverage of the races, no more of this 3 day later tape delay

I'm confused, that's what we have today, no?

 

[the zone]

Chris and others.

Seattle is the only real option, but Spokane could be a track that has the size to host a nat'l/ There is 250+ acres. But lots would have to be done.
Seattle does need a lot of work but they like so many corporations will put off until the last bitter moment. Too many owners are NOT like Bruton unfortunately.
Mission is a tiny facility, less than 100 acres. You need 180+ to host one. I do beg to differ on the surface, though. The left lane has a transition spot at the concrete/pavement that would need a bit of work. Other than that is it the smoothest surface in div 6. Boise's track is not good. Woodburn's is worse.
If Mission had the property to host a national, it would be one for the record books. Produces more oxygen and sea level air that anywhere. Unfortunately even if it was big emough, the NHRA would never come here for a nat'l. TOO many can't or won't cross the border.
Until they risk the chance of losing the Nat'l Fiorito's will not do anything to improve the facility. You can take that to the bank.

And as far as current management, you are all so right on what they want to run. No two day deals, except Friday/Saturday. Poor prep, they don't want classes except ones they don't have to pay.

Dean
speedzonemagazine.com

 

[John Smillie]

Sorry Chris, I should clarify, I live 20 min from Mission and have been going there for years. I was wondering how big the other tracks were compared to us. Sorry, my post wasn't very clear, I'd just rolled out of bed

As for "day of" ESPN race coverage, not here in Canada unfortunately. We get a tape-delay a few days later; today was Norwalk. I used to know a stream feed I'd watch on Sunday but it seems to be gone. If anyone knows of another, please let me know.

I know I'm going off topic but I really thing NHRA should provide same day coverage in Canada, or at least on the Monday. I miss the old TNN lol

 

[rocketman]

I disagree with the criticism that Woodburn gets. It's a nice facility with a great future. The Livingstons have done a great job improving the facility and have made it the Portland market's track thanks to the de-balling of the once great Portland International Raceway by a pink city council. I was kicked out of PIR's so-called national open for going over the 115 db limit.

I'll take Woodburn's schedule and management anytime over what's going on right now in Seattle if what I'm reading is correct. Woodburn has a couple of big races each month and are friendly to all the associations mentioned in this thread. The only thing they need is just a little more turn around at the end of the track but they are working on that now. The track itself is much improved over the last few years. If you haven't seen it yet there is a story about Woodburn on my website capracing.com home page

 

[hoser]

I'll take Woodburn's schedule and management anytime over what's going on right now in Seattle if what I'm reading is correct. Woodburn has a couple of big races each month and are friendly to all the associations mentioned in this thread.

Rich, I totally agree, Woodburn is friendly to all of the different associations, which is why I end up driving 8 hours down there to see the kind of racing I want, instead of only 1 hour to Pacific. I'd rather drive 8 hours and spend my money with a track that treats racers and fans good than spend it with a local track that does not.

 

[clwill]

Woodburn is getting better all the time, especially with Jay back there now. The divisional this past weekend was great. The track on Thurday's test and tune was every bit the track of a national event, and I have the Racepak data to prove it.

 

[rocketman]

I'd also like to add that Jim Rockstad did the best job he could keeping the doors open in Seattle as he was squeezed by neighbors inflicting him with lawsuits. Had he lost or gave up Seattle would likely be condos or something other than a dragstrip today. You just can't rebuild in Western Oregon or Washington anymore.

The reason he didn't put a lot of money in the track in the later years was that he was on the verge of losing the lease. He did an admirable job keeping it open in some VERY difficult times. Jim wrote many stories about staying in business on my website. Jim loves the sport and people in general and does a lot for the community in the Seattle area even today. We have all taken his days at SIR for granted. I know I did until I got to know him and heard some of we he went through to stay in business which meanS a track for all of us today to race at.