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Saturday Night Racer >> SATURDAY NIGHT RACER >> Madera Speedway Closing
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Message started by sj_valley_dave on 09/21/06 at 8:45am

Title: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by sj_valley_dave on 09/21/06 at 8:45am

I know this is a dirt board, but just wanted to let everyone know that the Madera Fair Board voted last night to break their contract with Liz Williams and Rick Cameron 3 years early at the end of this year. They are going to bulldoze down the track and build a parking lot and strip mall on the site! The promoters were quoted as saying they were going to sue. Man this short track thing in California is outa control......Petaluma, Stockton 99, El Cajon, Mesa Marin now Madera!!!....:( :(

Title: Re: Madera Speedway ClosingMadera Speedway loses l
Post by imracin68j on 09/21/06 at 8:54am

Madera Speedway loses lease on life

Fair Board votes to cancel promoter's contract — 3 1/2 years before it was to end.

By Gary Estwick / The Fresno Bee
MADERA — Madera Speedway, like many short tracks around the state, appears to be running out of gas.
The Madera County Fair Board directors voted Wednesday night to terminate the lease of promoter Elizabeth Ann Williams — the first move in what could transform one of Central California's last short tracks into a strip mall.
Williams' business relationship with the speedway will terminate at the end of this season, the Halloween 100 Invitational on Oct. 28. Williams said the track might add an event in November.
Williams said she planned to sue the board.
"This will be the end of that facility," she said.
Madera County Fair Board members left the meeting at Hatfield Hall on the fairground without commenting.
Williams took over as promoter of the track in January 2005, signing a five-year lease with a five-year option. She said her total investment was $400,000.
The board's decision affects more than 1,000 drivers. About 150 race exclusively at the speedway, Williams said.
A driver's minimum investment for a season of short-track racing is about $10,000, Williams said.
The board listened to testimony from several people in the crowd of about 50 drivers and racing fans before deliberating in a closed session for one hour, 14 minutes.
Back in public session, eight board members voted to terminate Williams' contract more than three years before it expired. One board member abstained from the vote.
Reaction to the board's decision was swift and emotional.
"You just destroyed Madera!" longtime resident Ruth Bealessio yelled.
Following the vote, board members bolted to the parking lot. Three declined comment.
Larry McDonald, 42, of Clovis races in the Late Model division. He and his son, Layton, were at the meeting. Most in the crowd wore sunglasses propped above their heads with racing caps, worn, blue jeans and T-shirts. Their skin was tanned. Many of their hands were oily as they rushed to leave day jobs to attend the meeting.
They may have been too late.
"It shouldn't have happened," said 12-year-old Layton, who planned to race at the speedway when he turns 14.
Williams said the first time she heard any discussion about development came last summer, about six months after she signed the lease.
"I was doing something with the board and they were talking about annexing a portion of the property with the city," Williams said as she recalled the conversation.
"And I said, 'What's this about?' And they said, 'We have plans for development.'
"'When did this come about?'" Williams asked.
" 'Oh, we've been working on this for some time.'"
Later, Williams said she received assurances that there would be no development.
Then, on Monday afternoon, she received a copy of the board's meeting agenda, detailing its plans for the track. Williams said it's not normal for her to receive an agenda from the board. She also generally doesn't attend board meetings.
Kings Speedway in Hanford shut down last year, but since has reopened with a limited schedule. Other tracks to close recently include Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Cajon Speedway in El Cajon and Stockton 99 Speedway.
Madera Speedway first opened in April 1972, said former longtime track announcer Ken Takeuchi. The track has hosted racers from Jeff Gordon, who raced the one-third mile asphalt track as a pre-teen, to 2005 Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart, who raced at the track in 2003.
"For every [large] race track that opens up, you don't have a new [small] one open up," Takeuchi said. "That's a problem."
The reporter can be reached at gestwick@fresnobee.com or(559) 441-6379.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Doug Hayes on 09/21/06 at 9:39am

As a tax payer and racer, I'm sick of these little sh*thole
politicians wreaking our future to put in ANOTHER stripmall. You know, we're going to get screwed by
all these people. I'm sick of it. Ya know, if all racers
in California could show up to some of these meeting
and pushed these people back...Madera, Petaluma, Stocton. Only a handfull of people show up at these public
meeting, if five thousand angry people showed up
and burned thier little town down...
I'm sick of it, and I'm not sure "racers" as a larger
group (including myself) are doing this right.
Think Hells Angels kind of actions (or not, well maybe).
We're NEVER getting any of these tracks back people.
What about a racers association that has our own
lawyers? What about burning down thier town?
It's not going to get any better with losing all these
historic tracks. We should fight! JMO

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Perrin on 09/21/06 at 9:40am

Fair board members are appointed by the state governer. They usually have a four year term. Just look back at who that governer was and you understand the problems state and county fairs now face.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Becky_S on 09/21/06 at 9:55am

So does that mean the 1/4 midget track next to the speedway will be closing down also?

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by dirtboxhero on 09/21/06 at 10:09am

its a bunch of crap...look at bakersfield speedway...you've got people that are buying land to build a house next to the track...then complaining....YOU MOVED NEXT TO A RACE TRACK!!!! it is upsetting....does anyone know how those db tests were going that they were doing on bakersfield speedway?

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by fish151 on 09/21/06 at 10:38am

The Quarter Midget @ Madera speedway is also going to be tore down, there lease is up in 2007. It is going to be a parking lot.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by LMR on 09/21/06 at 10:59am

That's sad news.
As stated before, it continues a string of recent pavement track closings. Mesa, El Cajon, Stockton and now Madera. All these track were major contributors to the NASCAR flagship in the west. Harvick and Kurt Busch, to name two, honed their skills on these very tracks.

NASCAR had a great thing in the regional touring divisions, but threw it away only to help contribute to the growing monster of cookie-cutter racing we all love to HATE.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by 81LOVELESS on 09/21/06 at 11:51am

this is a real bummer to hear of any track getting shut down it makes me sick to my stomach to hear this all because somebody with alot of money can do it p1ss on them

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by P.MARTIN SS11 on 09/21/06 at 5:57pm

its all a money thing when it comes right down to it

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by dannyracer6 on 09/21/06 at 9:07pm

Is it this bad in other parts of the country or is it just California with it's liberal polititions and hungry developers who could care less for what the people want....Such a shame...You can yell all you want, but no one listens, cause they don't care. What will they do next, put smog on our 32's and muscle cars???? dr6

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by the_dirt_hurt on 09/21/06 at 10:30pm

dannyracer6 wrote on 09/21/06 at 9:07pm:

So which is it? The "hungry developers" who give to the RIGHT or the "liberal politicians" who pander to the tree huggers on the LEFT? When it comes to our precious race tracks we as common everyday folk who enjoy racing are being bent over by both groups END OF STORY.

I am non partisan. I realize that both parties are out to screw the little guy. In this instance of Madera, its a clear case of the campaign donating developers winning out.

Do you think it was treehugging liberals who shut down Mesa Marin? Nope, again developers and their "pseudo conservative" mindset. Add in a willingness to sellout and Voila!

Bakersfield Speedway, again developers threaten the racing. Santa Maria, again developers. These are not "spotted owl saving hippies" they are money grubbing a-holes.

When it comes to losing racetracks we as fans and enthusiasts should put aside pre-concieved political notions and see these a-holes for what they are on both sides of the coin, GREEDY self serving jerks. Both sides are as culpible and should be railed against.

Division based on partisan politics is what is allowing this to happen unprotested. SPEAK UP AND LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD....DO NOT REST... CONTINUE TO ANNOY THE HELL OUT OF ALL OF THESE JERKS.

I am now stepping off of my soapbox.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Troy Morris Jr. on 09/21/06 at 10:50pm

A sad reality is, regardless of who or what goes in place of the race track, consumers and racers alike will shop at the mall or buy the house that was once turn 2. If racers and fans alike protested the business and developments we would have a voice. We must put actions behind our words, otherwise we are all bark and no bite.

www.unrealvinyl.com

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by FASTMIKE on 09/22/06 at 6:54am

I WANT TO BUILD A DIRT FACILITY OUT BY FAMOSO.

ANYONE WANT TO HELP?

peace.................................mike

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by dannyracer6 on 09/22/06 at 8:18am

I agree with the ..conservative,,,liberal post...I ment nothing by it when I mentioned liberals...was not being political...guess I ment what you said...money grubbers out for their own selfish gain, no matter what their stance is politically...I do not like extreem on either side! I am a racer who does not like to see a way of life pushed out in the name of progress....BAH..HUMBUG!!!!!!They do not take us serious...they think we are just a bunch of beer guzzling rednecks who dont matter. That is the knock racing has gotten over the years...At least at the local level....We have got to figure out a way to change the general perception these people have of us....and I do not know how to do that. Nascar does it with PR pros....We dont have that...I dont think protesting and boycotting with work, cause, again, they dont take us serious....but guess that is all we have....On a more positive side...I am hearing rumblilngs of a new racing complex being studied at the Tulare Farm Show grounds....Not too many details out yet, but the guys who are working on it, have the bucks to pull it off.....mmmmmmmmmmm..we'll see....dr6

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by dirtboxhero on 09/22/06 at 8:31am

very true dirt hurt.....and that would be awesome to see tulare get a new track!!

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by hschamp90 on 09/22/06 at 9:07am

If you want to support RACING you need to back "Riverside Motorsports Park" that is proposed in Merced. The EIR (environmental Impact Report) has been issued and is out for public review. Google Riverside Motorsports park and check it out. If it's approved it will have everything. Support is needed for this project, let's get behind it RACERS.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by imracin68j on 09/22/06 at 10:23am

Latest story

Madera Speedway may break for 1 year
Official says track could take a recess to allow for growth.

By Gary Estwick / The Fresno Bee

(Updated Friday, September 22, 2006, 4:45 AM)

Madera District Fair CEO Scott Sample said Thursday the Madera Speedway may take a one-year hiatus because of commercial development on fairgrounds property, but the track should be back in operation for the 2008 season.

Sample's remarks came one day after the Madera County Fair Board voted to terminate the contract of speedway promoter Elizabeth Ann Williams at the end of this season. Williams signed a five-year lease with a five-year option in January 2005 to operate the one-third mile asphalt race-car track, which is on fairgrounds property.

Sample said the track must be temporarily shut down to accommodate construction, which will take place on the site of the track's parking lot. When it's completed, a new parking lot will be built.

Sample expects to lease the 28 acres for $927,000 a year for five years. After that, the amount of the lease will increase 10% every five years. The property brought in between $100,000-150,000 last year, and should be near this pace by the end of the year, he added.

Wednesday's decision angered a crowd of approximately 50 race enthusiasts, many of whom questioned how selling 28 of the fairground's 110 acres to commercial businesses would mesh next to a noisy speedway and the stench of livestock during the annual county fair.

"We need the money," Sample said. "I've been trying to tell the racing community, you guys might lose a year, but in the long run, you'll be much better off because the fair will have the resources to make the improvements to the speedway that have been needed for a long time."

Williams called Sample's plans a "smokescreen," adding that "this was the first step to them getting the entire property developed. No promoter is going to come back here after they see what they've done to me."

If the board wanted to re-open the speedway after one season, Williams asked, why didn't they tell her their plans in advance?

"They didn't have one person in that room [Wednesday evening] support them and they still did it," she said. "Is that supporting the community?"

Canceling the 2007 season would affect more than 1,000 racers, including about 150 who race exclusively at the track.

Few of the financial facts were discussed at Wednesday's meeting.

"I don't think [the public] was going to be rational or accept anything we had to say, so we tried to say the least as possible," Sample said. "I don't think they cared to hear what we had to say."

Williams said Wednesday she had no prior notification of the board's development plans.

Sample countered by saying while he hadn't spoken specifically to Williams about the development, "Should she be totally surprised? I wouldn't think so."

Williams disagreed.

"How would you be if you signed a five-year deal with a five-year option and at the end of the [second] year they tell you you're done," she said. "They never intended for me to finish the contract, and that's fraud."

Sample said the fair district has yet to sign an agreement with a developer.

Sample said the improvements may be completed in time to save the 2007 season, but the board didn't want to be bound by Williams' lease, which could delay the project.

On Wednesday she said she plans to sue the board. Sample also said there were no plans to offer Williams a financial settlement.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Troy Morris Jr. on 09/22/06 at 6:22pm

I dont know what I could do, but I would love to help out Mike. We need a racer cooperative, it would be the most logical way to build a track in these times. If the racers felt a source of ownership they would be more supportive of every aspect in the daily functions and responsibilities. One thing that would have to be certain though, regardless of how much money you contributed or what you do for the track, when it comes to inforcing the rules we must all only be a number.

www.unrealvinyl.com

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Late_Model_Mark on 09/22/06 at 6:45pm

This recent news just blows. We have taken a beating these last two years. The dopes that run fair boards are such dipwads of epic porportions. I am so weary of going to a tracks last race. I have been to at least 14 tracks and there last race.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by LMR on 09/22/06 at 8:01pm

This is from the SuperMod site......

Supers Celebrate The Final Harvest

by Nathan Svoboda
SAN MARTIN, Calif. -- The Nationally sanctioned ASA Western States Supermodified Racing League will travel to California’s Central Valley to compete in Madera Speedway’s “35th Annual Harvest Classic 100” featuring the leagues only sanctioned “Twin 50 Lap Main” event. The close racing competition will entertain both adult and youth with pit stop action occurring on the front straightaway during a twenty minute intermission.

The high speed horsepower of the supermodifieds has been a favorite of Madera Speedway fans since the track’s inception and will be again at Saturday’s Harvest Classic. Unique to other sanctioned events will be the double main events divided by a short intermission for crews to refuel, rotate tires and tune their nostalgic machines to ensure their apace in Victory Lane.

The league’s schedule shows Madera Speedway as its final event for 2006, but WSSRL Officials are hopeful in scheduling a final “Go Fast Sports Drink Championship Season” race before the end of the year. Bell Helmets recently announced its support of the nationally televised WSSRL which can be seen on the Outdoor Life Network, as an in-car camera sponsor.

This will be WSSRL’s final visit to the W.C. Promotion’s managed Madera Speedway after their contract was terminated at the end of the 2006 season on Wednesday (September 20th). This decision was in preparation for a proposed shopping center redevelopment project, including a Lowe’s Home Improvement Store, which was discussed by the Fair District’s CEO, Scott Sample who told media the track would be closed in 2007 for construction and improvements. Madera residents believe the track’s future looks grim after viewing the redevelopment project plans. "They're gonna get rid of the track. That's their whole intent, and the first step is just to take the promoter down, and that’s what happen," said racer Richard Herzog. Show your support of local motorsports with your visit to Madera Speedway!

Saturday’s racing action begins at 3:00 PM with qualifying followed by an autograph session at 5:15 PM and green flag racing beginning at 6:00 PM.

For further information about the supermodified league, visit, www.wssrl.com or for information about Madera Speedway, you may visit www.maderaspeedway.net

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by Dodgerdog on 09/22/06 at 8:30pm

O man....this is too bad. I have fond memories of Madera. My uncle raced there for a few years back in the early 80's. It was one of the cleanest, best kept tracks in the valley.

How ironic that they'll build a Lowes on the property, one of the leading coporate supporters of racing.

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by AirTimeTom on 09/23/06 at 9:01am

Never been to Madera Speedway, but if I lived there I would support the track and Promoter!!!!!
I have seen to many tracks close in my years as being a race fan and even when I promoted. Some of these tracks were Ascott, Corona Raceway, Riverside International Raceway, and even here in the State of Washington, Spanaway, it was an awesome paved 1/4 mile but due to the house contruction they closed it too.
You know I have nothing against baseball, football BUT I have never seen any of these fields being torn down and what about the noise and the lights ect. ect.,,, Like I said I have nothing agaist these games, but when it comes to our sport (racing) we get plowed under.
I live in a fast growing town of Port Angeles, Wa. we do have a 1/4 mile track and it has been here for years and I mean many years and the buildings is getting closer and many complaints, one day it will be closed too I hate to see that happin.
Well I just wanted to say, "I give you my support and good luck".
PS I'm looking into maybe finding a track to promote or ?
If any body knows of one please contact me @
cherokee49@olympus.net
From: Air Time Tom ( T & M Promtoions )

Title: Re: Madera Speedway Closing
Post by AirTimeTom on 09/25/06 at 3:38pm

Want to reframe my statement,,, I did not promote at these tracks that I mention, but I have promoted before.
These tracks I was speaking about I saw close.
I want to say I suport the owner and promoter of Madera!
Hope we can all still have our sport,, (racing!!!)
Air Time Tom...................(T & M Promotions)