Death of a sprint track in Missouri

[Mark Billings]

As if the title does not say enough. About 2 month ago me and a group of racers approached Carrollton Mo. City Council about re opening a 4 year 5/8 mile sprint track that needs some work. To make a long story short we were willing to put in our own money to save this track. This track is a flood plain as it seems most tracks are. So no matter what we put into the track it will always be the cities. We had another meeting last night to discuss terms and the meeting seem to go well.

I received a call today from the mayor and they are going allow a local guy to run Concession karts on it. This is a town of about 3000 people if that. How many times will people do this? We approach the city with letters and demographic on the potential that a well run first class track can bring into the city. Which if you don't know can be quite large. Needless to say they seem to think that $150.00 a month compare to 10's of thousands a year for there local business and community is better.

It is very dis hearting to see this track being used for something like this. Its like seeing a race horse used to pull a apple cart. If PM is not done to this track it will be gone in two years. It is not raceable in its current condition as is. This new guy has a contract for 1.5 years.


Oh Well, Mark

[Chad Stapleton]

Just goes to prove, its not what you know, its WHO you know !!

[Steve Willis]

I want everyone to know that Mark put his heart and sole into this project. He did what very few could or would. He gather a group of very credible people in a short amount of time. Approach City hall with professionalism that any organization would be proud of. The Mid Am SKUSA series is very lucky to have such a person leading the charge.

Thanks for trying Mark

Steve Willis
Willis Brothers Racing

[Pat Calhoun]

Mark,
I know that the kind of effort that you put into your project must be disheartening. But take a breath and look at your situation. This could also be used to your advantage. If you were to work a deal to use the track for races with the new proprieter instead of giving up all hope this may work in your favor and his. You might think of improving the track just as you did before but this way you could trade your improvements for track time. I do not know all the problems in which you face but a mutual agreement might help both of you. If you plan an event let the new owner know what kind of advertisement he will recieve from your races, this is a huge amount of publicity at a very good cost. If indeed you want this track to remain, then it is up to you to educate the new owners and possibly strike up a great deal for local karters and you alike....

Good Luck

Pat Calhoun

[Randy Dye]

Mark,
Sorry to hear of the city fathers decision.It surely must be disheartening. Thanks for your efforts.

Perhaps Pat is on to something. If you can't beat them...join them.The concession kart venture appears doomed in such a small town. It won't take long for this guy to see a red bottom line and he might be eager to find an additional source of income from racing revenues.

Randy

[Mark Schmidt]

Sorry to hear the results of all your hard work. I had held two dates open for you on the Mo-Kan calendar. I will close them now. It is ashame that local politics have once again ruined what could have been a great facility.

I personally thank you for all your hard work and efforts put into this effort. No everyone is willing to step up to work on a existing series/facility or event, but to go a step beyond and fight to save something is noble and rare. Thank you.

My offer still holds to provide so support in my person next year at all the events my income will let me run in the Mid-Am