Pacific Raceways Renovation

[sparky]

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.

Exactly what Rich said is true. I quit going there and it's a 40 minute drive from my house.

I'll go to Vegas if I want a nitro fix.

 

[rocketman]

One thing to add... Jim Rockstad said that part of the condition of his lawsuit to keep operating was that he could not make improvements for the remainder of his lease.

 

[Kris]

Well, I have discovered the person I tried to contact at the track is the person I need to talk to, but now I will try calling after unsuccessfully e-mailing a couple of times.
I think after the national event is over I can try and run a story on the track's 50th anniversary this year so that will probably be the best way to get into the story on the master plan that Jason Fiorito unveiled four years ago.

So, what all do you guys want to know? I can't promise I will ask all of your questions, but, I'd like to see what you are curious about. I know what I want to ask about.

 

[clwill]

Well, if it's a 50th anniversary article, I'd like to see a little more of a history. I've heard all kinds of bits and pieces about the place, but it's all a little foggy. Owners, lessors, operators, and so on. There's been enough written about racers and races there. I'd like to understand who's been who in the management over the years, how/what their relationship with the neighbors and the community have come/gone, what has been history of the various improvement plans, and lastly, what the future may hold. Something a little more structured than you usually see.

But that's just me