SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
General Category => Branson Talk => Topic started by: How-doFolks on November 29, 2010, 06:39:01 PM
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I'm hear'n rumors up here in KC that there may be a NASCAR track being built soon around the Branson area, anybody hear anything?
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Here's a link to a story in today's Springfield News-Leader about the proposed raceway:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101129/NEWS01/11290321/Hollister-businessman-proposes-speedway
I think it would be a good addition to the area, but I'd be skeptical about it being built until they actually break ground.
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I won't hold my breath, but it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing for the area. It would add some diversity to the attractions, but boy would it help reinforce the hick stereotype if they actually landed a Nascar deal...
Just as long as they don't destroy more of the Ozarks than is necessary... I REALLY wish Branson would get its act together in regards to protecting the hills from scrupulous projects. So many garish hillsides around town now...
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That's a pretty big project, even for Branson. I'll sit back and wait and see how things turn out. No great expections here, though. I remember in the 1990s plans were announced for a big skyscraper complex some fly by night guys proposed. Ain't seen it go up yet. I gotta admit, when I lived in Branson I never would have guessed seeing a Raddison or Hilton Hotel go up like they have! So, you just can never tell!
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I think it would be great for the area. I'm sure it would be very popular. I dont think it will happen though, it is a lot of work. And Branson seems to want to get away from the redneck stereotype.
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I don't know about the stereotype. I don't want to see them cut down all those trees!
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There was a lengthy article about it in today's Arkansas Democrat Gazette newspaper. In the article there were several quotes from a NASCAR spokesman who said that anyone who builds a track does so at his/her own risk because there is never any guarantees that NASCAR would race at any track even it is built to NASCAR standards.
Sure would be a lot of money to spend to speculatively build a track. Think of all the failed projects already around Branson: the waterpark resort at Hollister, Indian Ridge at Notch, the failed Tanstone project next to Tanger Mall, Emory Creek development that was supposed to have a racetrack, the mall that was supposed to have been built behind Presley's theater back around 2003...........
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with a track in KC.. I would be surprised if there would be a demand for a track in the area?
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Branson could be a good fit for a NASCAR track. Yes, it's a HUGE risk, as there is absolutely no guarantee that it will ever be selected as an event site. Yes, they'll have to be able to ride out close to a decade before the powers that be might bless it with an event.
But at the very least Branson is a market ripe for the ancillary money-making events that can keep a track going. Track day events and a "Richard Petty Experience" drive-an-actual-stock-car-for-$500 attraction could conceivably keep the track from going too far underwater financially.
Plus stereotypes aside, factor in that Branson IS a destination that many NASCAR fars would desire to attend combined with the simple fact that Branson actually has enough hotel room inventory to accommodate a Sprint Cup size event, for someone with deep enough pockets, the risk starts to seem almost manageable.
If they can engineer a track that also has road course and motorcycle racing capabilities and not put all of their eggs in the NASCAR basket, the idea could have potential and could be a boost to the Branson economy. Long story short, this is a risky gamble, but for the right investor, the risk might be manageable.
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If I were an investor, this is not the kind of thing I would want to sink my money into, for several reasons. First, just getting the land ready to build on is going to be a monumentally costly undertaking...a lot of earth to move to get a large enough "flat" spot to build the track (mile and a quarter in length), stands (upwards to 100,000 capacity), and support buildings. Second, the chances of seeing any sizable return on investment is years away; I'd say a decade at the least. Third, in general, people who come to Branson "might" be interested in seeing races, but that's a pretty big "might." I don't really think they would support it in terms of numbers and dollars needed to lift it to a top tier raceway. Tickets to NASCAR events are expensive, and people complain now about having to pay more than $40 for anything in Branson. Fourth, NASCAR itself is suffering a decline in attendance at their events. This is clearly evident if you've watched on TV...the stands are far from packed these days. Is that indicative of a downward trend in interest in racing in general? I don't know.
Nevertheless, it would appear that the developer has investors lined up. I do hope, for their sake, that it can be successful....if indeed it does come to fruition. It could be a fun and interesting diversion from the routine array of shows.
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Here's my thoughts.
I have never been to Kansas Speedway & dont have the desire too. Way too many people & drinking for me & ya cant see the track well. I've even had the chance to go for free, we just dont dig asphalt racing. I'd rather watch from home, you can see & know more about the race, from TV.
Finding the right time to schedule a NASCAR race when it would not interupt the regular Branson - SDC schedule would be almost impossible.
I am also a nature person. So removing all the trees & the fruits of nature would not sit good with me either.
I have been involved in racing all my Life, but i am not a big NASCAR fan. Too many changes & strange rules for me. That is why i like dirt racing, we just wanna have fun & race. Ya dont need to over do it. But, thats the way it goes.. Two sides to everything.
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I don't know about stereotypes. NASCAR is huge at New Hampshire International Speedway (aka Loudon). There are several races throughout the Midwest, and even the Southwest and California.
I'm a pure-bred Southerner, and I couldn't care less about watching cars turn left 800 times in a row. Give me Laguna Seca or some other twisty road course, thanks.
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This same fellow tried to locate one just north of Bella Vista, AR before the recession. A couple of landowners would not sell out.
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speed up, turn left, speed up, turn left, speed up, turn left, speed up, turn left.... finish line........... go again. speed up............................................................... sorry had to do it....
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Update of sorts
In the state paper down here today, there was an article about this. Seems Mr. Bass Pro is agin it and thinks it would negatively impact Big Cedar. Arkansas maybe enticing them to move farther south. Something is happening with the Taney Co. planning commisssion in a week or two. Dude sez they have the money for this and funding isn't holding them back.
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http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_ef087fe6-a9ac-11e0-afc7-001cc4c03286.html
this article was in fridays paper
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I have heard several things about it being in town for about a week. Radio spots talking about the jobs that will be created...and tv sopts about Big Cedar/Bass Pro owner being opposed to the whole thing...it is a big issue!
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I guess we shall see.. please keep me updated.. Thanks.
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Reading up on it I have found a few things...Obviously they are slanted one way or another...but FWIW:
According to the Bass Pro spokesperson guests at Big Cedar would be sujected to 85 decibles of car noise, loud enough that OSHA recommends ear protection.
Branson Sports Entertainment Complex says it has been endorsed by the Hollister Chamber of Commerce and by over 700 individuals and businesses in southwest Missouri who firmly believe it will create thousands of new jobs, stabilize tourism, and bring a much needed economic boost to the region.
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Ok, I'm going to say this after reading that it's only a 3/4 mile oval. It'll never see a Sprint Cup race. Memphis built a 3.4 mile track that widely regarded as one of the finest less than mile tracks ever built. It only got Truck and Nationwide level races. They also had a road course, NHRA drag strip, and a dirt track at that complex. Its sitting idle and for sell. It woul be great for Nascar to incorporate more short tracks into the Sprint Cup mix, especially new ones. It's getting kinda bland and needs more rubbin', but I don't see it happening.
tracks are loud, and he can't just say it'll be on race weekends either. With practice and testing they'll be noise a good amount of time and ol' morris may have a great point. more deserted North Arkansas along US 65 between the line and the 412 interchange would be better suited and still very close to Branson. Branson would still get the loins share of hotel and tourism dollars.
And don't worry cheap beer drinkers, Boone County done went wet
http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr-public-hearing-for-branson-race-track-runs-long-into-the-night-20110711,0,1193564.story
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I guess we will know more after their meeting. I am surprised the noise would be the loud at cedar lodge. It is does effect them that way, their would be a lot of lakeside home affected also.
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chittlins - i felt the same way when i read it is only a 3/4 mile track. i'v e been around racin' all my life, & still to this day still wish they had 1 or 2 dirt races on their Sprint Cup schedule.
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I dont do the race thing, BUT i am surprised they cant build/design a track as chitlins says..
accomadate several needs in 1 facilty...
Is it really that hard? or price prohibitive?
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I dont do the race thing, BUT i am surprised they cant build/design a track as chitlins says..
accomadate several needs in 1 facilty...
Is it really that hard? or price prohibitive?
it seems like all the newer tracks are 1.25 milers. They lack character. They all want to be Charlotte-esque. The big time car owners are for it due to the similarities and their being able to set up easier thus decreasing costs but you get what you have had nearly the past decade. Heck, Nascar is becoming predictable.
Now on the noise issue, Fayetteville had a dirt track down near Drake Field. Thats the same valley that the West Fork of the White River is in. I'm in the same valley out Ark 16, a good 6 miles away and when they raced there, it sounded like they were in your back yard. Valleys are horrible that way. That sound will reverberate across Table Rock water.
I was recently in KC at Schliterbahn and the Cabelas by the Kansas Moter Speedway and open wheelers whined all day from practice. If the track is worth a dime they'll always be some activity there.
Google Memphis Motorsports Park, This is sounding a lot like that. If I was Taney Co. I'd research this cat's history long and hard and if there's any doubt , just say thanks,but no thanks. I'm sure Morris is concerned about runoff and him doing that dirtwork without a permit, no doubt muddied the water more than it sould have. That's shady right there. I'm betting that he didn't have half the stuff required to prevent tunoff. . Folks familiar with the White below Bull Shoals knows what fly by night dirt work on top a hill can do to a stream.
I give this about as much chance of being successful as Morris' vision of turning the Memphis Pyramid into the world's largest bait shop. about 30%
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The Memphis track sold for 2 million but is showing a pulse:
Memphis Motorsports Park open for testing: The oval track at Memphis International Raceway is open for training. The raceway's new owner, Moroso Investment Partners, said Thursday that the three-quarter-mile paved oval track is ready for stock car racing after months of facility improvements. Moroso says two of the facility's three race tracks have received clearance to host racing events. Crews have scraped and ground the drag racing surface, installed and upgraded a computerized timing system, and improved and painted concession stands and restrooms. Oval track rental prices start at $5,000 per day for one to four race cars and increases to $5,500 per day for five to six cars. Moroso closed the $2 million deal to buy the former Memphis Motorsports Park in January. The last NASCAR event held there was in 2009.(Associated Press)(6-17-2011)
Memphis Motorsports deal closes: Moroso Investment Partners, the ownership group of Palm Beach International Raceway, has closed the transaction on purchasing the Memphis Motorsports Parkfrom Dover Motorsports Inc. for $2 million. Moroso was the high bidder at an auction Dec. 14. The purchase includes all 342 acres, including a quarter-mile drag strip, a three-quarter-mile paved oval and a road course. A news release Monday from Moroso said the new owners hope to have the track open in April. Dover Motorsports closed the park in November 2009. Pam Kendrick has been named vice president and general manger of the facility. She previously was senior director of administration and finance of the facility under Dover Motorsports. Chris Sowell has been named facilities manager. The Memphis facility will reopen sanctioned as an IHRA facility, with Summit Super Series bracket racing and weekly test and tune sessions, the release said.(Memphis Commercial Appeal)(2-1-2011)
Memphis track sold: After being vacant for more than a year, Memphis Motorsports Park sold at a live auction Tuesday morning for slightly less than $1.9 million. Independent investor Joe Lubeck placed the highest bid for the tract – $1.875 million – after the bidding opened at $3 million. Lubeck is managing partner of Jupiter, Fla.-based Palm Beach International Raceway, formerly Moroso Motorsports Park. Jason Rittenburry, Lubeck’s partner, ran the track for 11 years. The bidding took place onsite at one of the facility’s parcels, 5500 Victory Lane, near Millington. The property’s two tracts were sold as a whole after Morris Auction Group LLC had publicized it could be sold as separate tracts or together. The multi-track complex includes a 0.75-mile asphalt oval, a 0.25-mile championship drag strip and a 1.77-mile road course. The auction drew a big crowd but only a few serious bidders. After no bids at the opening price, Morris Auction Group quickly dropped the price to $2 million and then $1.5 million. In April, Andy Cates and Preston Thomas of Colliers International listed Memphis Motorsports Park for $6 million, a price “substantially below value,” according to the website created by the commercial real estate firm to sell the property. A 10 percent buyer’s premium was added to Lubeck’s bid, bringing the total to $2,062,500. The closing will be within the next 30 days at the law offices of Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh PLLC. The real estate sold within less than 10 minutes of the auction’s open. The personal property was then sold individually, including everything from tractors to kitchen equipment. In all likelihood, the property will remain a motorsports park. Tuesday’s auction comes after the NASCAR and NHRA 2011 schedules have been released. While the NHRA has 140 tracks, Memphis was one of only 23 to host a national event and was sanctioned in 1988 as the host site of the Mid-South Nationals. “I can only imagine that it would be challenging to try to be added to their schedule at this point,” [Gary Camp, director of communications at Dover] said. “But the facility is in great shape, and with some minor work, both the NHRA and the Motorsports oval could be race ready.”(Memphis Daily News)(12-15-2010)
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I have never been to a race. I grew up less than 5 miles from a dirt track that would run every Sunday, and I cannot remember a Sunday night going to bed as a child NOT hearing the engines working away.
I am sure many were opposed to opening a theme park atop a hole in the ground. I am sure many were opposed to roller coasters and thrill rides to the area, changing the peaceful serene hills, as well as the skyline. I am sure many were opposed to the development of the Landing changing a collection of docks and outfitters and history into a multi-million dollar shopping center. I am sure many were opposed to the go-cart tracks on the strip that create noise of 70-80 decibles each cart.
I know things will never stay the same, I am not a fool. I do however know that I go to Branson for a reason, the same reason many of us continue to return there. Because things go a little slower there. Change happens, and we deal with it because we love this place. Some things might seem hard to swallow at first, but we accept them. I would never want to sit atop Henning overlook, or inspiration point and hear the hum of engines and not the cicadas, crickets or birds. I hope whatever decision they make, they take into account the impact of this decision upon the area as a whole, and not just the almighty dollar.
The next summer the painter went again to the
Ozarks. Even as he was greeted by the strong master
of the hills and his charming wife, there fell upon
his ears a dull report as of distant cannon ; then
another, and another. They led him across the yard
and there to the north on the other side of Roark
men were tearing up the mountain to make way for
the railroad. As they looked, another blast sent the
rooks flying, while the sound rolled and echoed
through the peaceful hills.
Harold Bell Wright 1907
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IMHO - this is DUMB
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Sorry to ask, but are you speaking of the track...or the discussion?
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I am opposed to it simply because this track would really tear up the landscape, and rolling hills. Granted the new airport wasn’t much help in this effort, but at least it was rather isolated. With this new race track, it would just encourage more growth, and land devastation in the area.
Yes, I’m a hardheaded purist. :P
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Hot Springs is too close to Dallas, straight shot on I-30. JMHO
Race proponent open to laying Arkansas track
BILL BOWDEN
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
FORSYTH, Mo. — The developer of a $150 million motor speedway in southern Missouri plans to meet Friday with representatives of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
“We will not deny that we have a planned meeting with Arkansas state officials in Little Rock on Friday,” said Nathan Adams, a spokesman for developer Russell Cook of Hollister, Mo.
Scott Hardin, a spokesman for the Arkansas agency, said he couldn’t comment.
The Branson speedway project, planned for an 800-acre site near Ridgedale, Mo., has hit a few bumps lately.
Area residents have complained about the noise and traffic that races would generate. And Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, opposes the racetrack, which would be about 2 miles from his Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake.
Morris has said the proposed raceway would spoil the scenic beauty and quiet of the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri.
Cook said he intended to build the speedway in Missouri, but he’s considering all options.
“I’ll be honest, because I’ve lived up here all my life I’d like to see it up here,” said Cook. “But it has got to be a business decision. We’re going to build a racetrack. Whether it’s here or down the road a little farther south has yet to be determined.”
When asked about a site in Arkansas, Cook hinted at several possible locations, including central Arkansas.
“Hot Springs is a destination,” he said.
Cook has cleared 70 acres of land for the track 2 miles north of the Arkansas-Missouri line in Taney County. After scheduled completion of the 1.25-mile track in 2013, Cook has said he hopes to bring NASCAR races to the venue. According to NASCAR’S website, the organization sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
When asked if he would move the project after doing the dirt work, Cook said, “That black dirt you take up, it goes back down.”
On Monday night, a crowd of 400 people attended a public hearing on the project in a gymnasium at Forsyth High School. It was the Taney County Planning and Zoning Commission’s second meeting regarding the speedway. The seven planning commissioners will meet again Monday to vote on the proposal.
Bob Atchley, Taney County’s planning administrator, said 95 people signed up to speak at Monday’s meeting and about 50 spoke. The meeting lasted six hours, adjourning about midnight.
Based on applause, Atchley said the crowd seemed evenly split for and against the proposed racetrack.
Cook didn’t attend the meeting, but his team did a presentation and later took questions from the crowd.
Bryan Wade of Springfield, Mo., an attorney representing Big Cedar Lodge, spoke next.
Wade said Cook doesn’t have a good track record for developing projects in the area. Land was cleared for two of Cook’s projects, but no buildings have been constructed, Wade said.
Wade referred to Tuscany on the Lake, a condominium development on Table Rock Lake, and TanStone Plaza, a commercial development in Branson.
“The land has been scarred, and no development has occurred,” Wade said as he projected an image of the Tuscany on the Lake site on a screen for the audience.
Wade also said there has been “a lack of transparency” about how the speedway would be funded.
Cook has said he has funding lined up but has declined to reveal the source.
Adams said Cook has signed a nondisclosure agreement with Arkansas economic development, which requested financial information regarding the speedway proposal.
Tom Gammon, director of construction and development for Branson Sports Entertainment Complex, as the proposed speedway is officially known, said 1.9 million people live within 100 miles of the proposed site in Taney County. He said that’s a sufficient area to draw racing fans to the track and to support ancillary development such as retail and restaurants.
Much of the discussion Monday night concerned noise levels.
Representatives of HNTB Corp. of Kansas City, Mo., which is doing work for the developer, said noise from the track would be 30-45 decibels by the time it reached Big Cedar Lodge.
Keith Crawford, who lives a half-mile from the proposed track, said the noise would be 60-70 decibels at his house during a race.
“That’s approximately five times louder than the normal ambient level and three times louder than conversations,” he said.
Adams said the track would host races about 20 days each year.
“Everybody thinks it’s going to be used just for racing,” he said Tuesday. “Well, it’s going to be used for concerts, community events, faithbased rallies and Fourth of July fireworks, too.”
Stands accommodating 65,000 spectators are planned for the site in Taney County. Full build out, over the next 20 years, could include 1,700 acres and seating for 100,000, according to initial plans for the speedway.
Cook wants help from the state of Missouri to pay for $70 million in infrastructure upgrades that would be needed to handle 22,000 cars traveling to and from the track on race days. But Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed a bill Friday that proponents thought might provide funding for the speedway.
House Bill 1008, sponsored by Missouri state Rep. Thomas Long, R-Battlefield, would have allow the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to enter into agreements to repay any funds spent on road improvements that benefit the county or a private entity.
Long thought the bill will keep projects such as the Branson speedway from moving out of state. In 1997, Missouri lost the Kansas Speedway to that state because Kansas provided more incentives, he said.
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Sorry to ask, but are you speaking of the track...or the discussion?
yes
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Wow, very interesting article!
It seems like the debate is heated on both sides of the fence. I agree that the developer Russell Cook likes to dream big, but seems to fall short on what he promises.
I always thought of Branson as a family destination, and although loud engines, and flying debris, and mustard stained shirts are a great way to spend an afternoon, I don’t think it will work for Branson. Just my opinion only.
I think race tracks fair better in home cities rather than tourist destinations. Most people will not want to travel a long way for a race unless there is a special event.
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Most people will not want to travel a long way for a race unless there is a special event.
You've never heard of NASCAR then have you? Daytona thrives on this very notion.
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There is a HUGE deference between Daytona (some argue the racing capital of the world), and Branson Missouri. ;)
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Not really. They're both touristy areas and your argument was "traveling a long way for a race" -- Daytona is pretty much in the middle of nowhere in Florida.
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I'm not in to NASCAR and would not enjoy the noise. If I had a vote, I would vote against it.
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Not really. They're both touristy areas and your argument was "traveling a long way for a race" -- Daytona is pretty much in the middle of nowhere in Florida.
Folks here in the shop have traveled to Talledega or Texas on numerous occassions. One finally went to Kansas this year.
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As someone who is not a racing fan but has family members who are, I can attest to the fact that people will travel long distances for a Nascar race.
However, they will only do so for Sprint Cup races and typically for storied tracks.
A Branson race track obviously can't compete on the latter grounds initially and all available evidence suggests that the best it could attain is a Nationwide series race. Even that seems highly unlikely.
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I have no doubt in my mind that people will travel from far away to see a NASCAR race at one of the big hot spots.
I do have my doubts however, that people are going to travel all the way to Branson, Missouri for a typical race. As I mentioned before, if there was a special event going on then I am sure it would pull in some numbers. However, this whole race track concept is a huge flop for the area in my opinion.
Let's not confuse a preexisting NASCAR super speedway racetracks with what is being proposed for Branson, Missouri.
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Personally, the only track I want to see in Branson has go-carts. ;D
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Let's not confuse a preexisting NASCAR super speedway racetracks with what is being proposed for Branson, Missouri.
They all had to start somewhere. Kansas Speedway just got its 2nd Sprint Cup race this year and how long has it been open? No one is confusing anything.
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The Kansas Speedway has been open since 2001. It also has a seating capacity of 82,000 (versus 65,000 proposed for BSEC), a 1.5 mile track (versus 3/4 mile), a substantially larger investment, and a significantly larger population base within its immediate radius.
The best comparison in terms of size and track-type is the Gateway International Raceway. Even though it also had relative advantages in terms of surrounding population and investment dollars, the best it was able to attract in 40 years of operation was a Nationwide race and it closed last year.
My opinion is that the negatives of the track could be tolerated if it would deliver significant economic results but all the available evidence suggests it could not attract the races needed for viability and there is significant reason to doubt whether it would even be built as proposed considering the developer's track record (the Tanstone scar off of Forsyth Road serving as visual evidence).
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http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x1212193014/Missouri-racing-developer-plans-to-meet-Ark-officials (http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x1212193014/Missouri-racing-developer-plans-to-meet-Ark-officials)
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Article in the ADG today said that Arkansas will require that 3/4 of residents in a 3 mile radius approve it before a track can go forward with the expection of the county that Pine Bluff lies in. Also some talk of Hot Springs. I doubt it flies.
Again a 3/4 miler is a dead in in my opinion. I've heard talk of Tunica dreaming of a superspeedway.
I hate the fact that the Nationwide has become so attached to the hip to the Sprint.
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I am not really feeling this idea. Branson doesn't need loud race cars...
This would make Branson even more packed. It's already super busy, they don't need more traffic...
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Rezoning was approved tonight by a 4-2 vote leaving neighboring landowners in tears
http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=489687
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gentlemen! Start your engines.
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gentlemen! Start your engines.
That’s pretty cold. ;)
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I don’t think that this is about trying to get the primary series here. This is about developing a race track and a grass roots campaign to bring auto racing back to an area where it has dwindled. The NASCAR sanctioning is just agreeing to host races which operate under their terms and conditions. It does not mean that they can’t also be USAC, ARCA, or NSCS sanctioned. They may very well qualify for sprints, stocks, trucks, carts, and bikes on this same track. I find it unlikely that this developer has all of his eggs in the NASCAR basket. Not to mention the revenue if you can also put in a “race day experience” program. This track will not sit idle except one weekend a year.
Also, after the track has been there a couple years and some local guys (or gals) start racing and trying to challenge “the big boys” every week, some of the same locals speaking out against it will be in the stands rooting for the hometown hero. And I would also gamble that despite their initial disapproval of the track, Bass Pro Shops will have an advertisement there.
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sorry about that ozark... BUT you know somebody had to say it ::) ::)
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I do wish the site in Missouri was a few more miles away from Big Cedar, cause that is such a beautiful resort and nice area around Table Rock. The sound of the engines will roar around those hills, and perhaps disrupt the resort area. I saw in the Little Rock newspaper today that the investors are still considering Arkansas as a site if things don't work out in MO. The politicians in Forsyth, MO allowed the motor park to move forward, but we will see what happens. I've never had a chance to see NASCAR or other big race events in person, so it would be a treat to have a speedway less than two hours from my front porch.
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I do wish the site in Missouri was a few more miles away from Big Cedar, cause that is such a beautiful resort and nice area around Table Rock. The sound of the engines will roar around those hills, and perhaps disrupt the resort area. ... I've never had a chance to see NASCAR or other big race events in person, so it would be a treat to have a speedway less than two hours from my front porch.
That's just it. Personally, I am not objective to a racecar track in the region. I just think the planned site is too close to Branson, and it will disturb the natural beauty, and sound of the area.
A local news station here in Little Rock ran a short segment about it. They also mentioned that if the green light to build goes through, that the head of the project will be required to install decibel readers around the perimeter of the track to monitor engine noise. I find that to be so funny. I mean sure, they could build sound barriers, and such. However, if the decibel readers measure too high, what are they going to do ask the drivers not to drive so fast?
I’m teasing of course.
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of course i dont know any of the details or logistics of this project.. BUT it will be noisey, why not build it next door to the new airport? They already have noise.! just sayin.! LOL
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Expect lawsuits. I do believe the landowners adversely affected by this should be compensated if a land owner decides to affect the area's quality of life.
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Top Ten Reasons in Favor of the Branson Speedway
10. If you like the thrill of racing on the Go-Kart tracks, you'll love racing here.
9. It would get hundreds of cars off the "strip" for hours at a time.
8. It's a better place to "people-watch" than Walmart.
7. Area meth-manufacturers (moonshiners are passe) will have a place to practice their getaways safely.
6. The noise from the race cars would drown out the bad shows in Branson.
5. Lots of entertainers to choose from to yell "Gentlemen, start your engines."
4. Great tail-gate parties.
3. Just pull into the pits and get your car serviced in 15 seconds or less.
2. Exciting crashes!
And the number 1 reason in favor of the Branson Speedway:
Lots of entertainers to choose from to sing the National Anthem.
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Good one, Zephon. I'm looking forward to #9. :D
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#9!!!!
I tailgate at the motel.. ;D
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What makes me nervous about number nine is what happens after the race is over. The strip will be even more crowded than usual!. :o
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good point ozark.. I guess you better be where you want to be when the traffic hits town. But i doubt if the traffic flow would be on 76, Most motels can be reached on the back roads.. I know i never use 76 unless i HAVE to.!
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Branson itself is a terrible place for a NASCAR track. Too little transportation in and out, and most all of that is at capacity already.
Now, within driving distance of Branson sounds fine.
Personally, I don't care for NASCAR, but as long as tracks and support systems are built with private money, and the taxes pay for the infrastructure upgrades that are needed, I don't really care.
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Just as a reminder on the dog eat dog world of stock car tracks. Dover is closing up Nashville Superspeedway, they couldn't get a race there going forward without moving one of the two at Dover to there. They have closed up Gateway and Memphis previously.
Honestly, this could be rectified by making the NAtionwide, Busch or whatever it's called next at a seperate track at least half the time. I've hated the shift to have all three races at the same track in a weekend a majority of the time. I hate the Sprint guys racing in the Sat races. I hate 4 car teams. I can't really much stand it anymore.
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I've hated the shift to have all three races at the same track in a weekend a majority of the time. I hate the Sprint guys racing in the Sat races. I hate 4 car teams. I can't really much stand it anymore.
Don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel. ;)
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;D ;D MAN! OZARK!!! your bad!
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i'm with you chittlins,, 4 car teams, all racing at the same track, and racing Nascar on Sat. sucks pond water....
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UPDATE! Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports today plans to build a $150 million speedway in Branson have stalled. Russell Cook of Ridgedale, the developer, owns 810 acres 2 miles north of the Arkansas boarder where it would be built. HE HAS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY.
It is Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would allow him to reorganize so his business proposal could continue to be develop. He filed for bankruptcy one day before 550 acres of the land was to be auctioned on the Forsyth steps of the county courthouse. Two banks had claims on the property, but bankruptcy stopped that. Cook says he is hopeful things will continue. My personal opinion is this project is probably limping along, gasping for air,and will eventually die. What are your thoughts?
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I remember when it was announced I told myself it will never happen.
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The article also said a Taney County Board of Adjustment set some kind of unfavorable decibel limit on noise coming from such a track. Sounds like locals are not too much in favor of this...the political hurdles in Taney County are many and are often hard to cross when some of the locals in power don't like someones idea.
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Hmmmm?? maybe they should sell the land to disney.... ::) ::)
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Well I think it is bogus myself. I had a little "BAD BOY" hopped Trans Am a few years back. I took it to Gateway (in Madison IL. *STL*) several times. Also a coworker of mine was employed part time at Gateway then. Not to mention my family knows the Wallaces real well, and Ken Schrader's parents live a stones throw from me (so we know him a little too). I have some insides about Gateways demise. (Which has now been bought and reopened BTW). Nashville had a few of the same problems. (No I am not reffering to the previous owner (Dover Motorsports Org). I am reffering to NASCAR itself. See NASCAR enterprises owns (at least in some part) most of the tracks that they race on. Also NASCAR charges the track to conduct races. YES they charge the track just to hold an event. Then in return they pay the track back (IF) there is enough money left in the kitty after all other charges are settled. Not to mention all the other requirements NASCAR has to hold an event. Ambulance, tow trucks, pace cars, misc. cars-trucks, parking facilities, highway systems, concessions, track staff, security, ETC. Most tracks can not meet those standards. (Like Nashville/Gateway/Memphis). These tracks met standards for Trucks and Nationwide, but not Sprint Cup. A professional track without a Sprint Cup, or F1 race, will not fare well. Just not enough money will be made.
As I said Gateway has reopened and is home to several DRAG events including an NHRA event. They are not trying to schedule a NASCAR event anymore, therefore the oval track is about overtaken by weeds now.
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Well, many hurdles to jump! Sounds like the moonshiner founders of NASCAR have found a much better way to make money! I could see where it would be hard for a track owner to keep things afloat. Anyway, no matter what the reason, I'll bet this is pretty much a dead issue for Branson. There have been many dreamers come to town with big plans and ideas, but few have the funding to make those dreams come true. I remember a couple of guys in the early '90's who wanted to build a skyscraper project with hotels/restaurants/theaters/shops inside. Never happened.
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junior, too bad about the skyscraper not working out.... now-a-days if there were a skyscraper they could, lets see, they could..... OH I KNOW!!! they could run a Zipline off of it!! LOL.......
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Well I think it is bogus myself. I had a little "BAD BOY" hopped Trans Am a few years back. I took it to Gateway (in Madison IL. *STL*) several times. Also a coworker of mine was employed part time at Gateway then. Not to mention my family knows the Wallaces real well, and Ken Schrader's parents live a stones throw from me (so we know him a little too). I have some insides about Gateways demise. (Which has now been bought and reopened BTW). Nashville had a few of the same problems. (No I am not reffering to the previous owner (Dover Motorsports Org). I am reffering to NASCAR itself. See NASCAR enterprises owns (at least in some part) most of the tracks that they race on. Also NASCAR charges the track to conduct races. YES they charge the track just to hold an event. Then in return they pay the track back (IF) there is enough money left in the kitty after all other charges are settled. Not to mention all the other requirements NASCAR has to hold an event. Ambulance, tow trucks, pace cars, misc. cars-trucks, parking facilities, highway systems, concessions, track staff, security, ETC. Most tracks can not meet those standards. (Like Nashville/Gateway/Memphis). These tracks met standards for Trucks and Nationwide, but not Sprint Cup. A professional track without a Sprint Cup, or F1 race, will not fare well. Just not enough money will be made.
As I said Gateway has reopened and is home to several DRAG events including an NHRA event. They are not trying to schedule a NASCAR event anymore, therefore the oval track is about overtaken by weeds now.
Memphis was and still is a fantastic 3/4 mile oval. Drivers loved it. It's still there but without a Nationwide event. Someone finally bought it out of bankruptcy. I hate that the Nationwide has become a warmup race for Sprintcup. I feel like they should have stayed on the shorter tracks that the Winston Cuppers have forsaken.
Memphis had a good plan, I disagreed on the location.
They still have a great drag strip, a decent road course and the dirt track met it's maker a long time ago. Riverside in West Memphis is dirt track holy ground.