Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Denver/Colorado Proposed Track News

DENVER PROPOSED TRACK NEWS/RUMORS

Colorado Sports Complex to include racetrack: On 1100 acres in rural Adams County, in what is technically still Aurora, developer Bill Schuck plans to build the largest sports project in Colorado history. Shuck says he envisions an oval, a road course, a drag racing facility, indoor and outdoor karting facilities and a concert pavilion as part of the Colorado Motorplex. "We are confident that we will be seeing racing in the Front Range of Colorado in the very near future," said Schuck in an interview in his Colorado Springs office surrounded by previously unseen graphic images of the Motorplex. "This is going to happen. The question is not if, but when and our plan is to have a track in place for the public to attend in 2013." Earlier efforts to bring NASCAR or Indy racing to Colorado have been vexed by challenges to finding a suitable location for a track. A site in Commerce City was rejected in part because it was too close to residences and earlier efforts in Aurora were turned down for fear the taxpayers would have to support it. At Schuck's Transport development, bordered by Front Range Airport and I-70, there are no nearby homes, easy access into and out of the development, the property is already zoned for a track and no tax dollars needed to build the project. Schuck says the oval alone will cost "several hundred million" dollars to construct. "This economy is very, very difficult," he said. "Fortunately, we're working on a concept that's very unique. This is not just another real estate deal. We have spoken with (NASCAR team) owners. We have spoken with drivers. We have spoken with numerous investors, all of whom have expressed an interest in becoming part of this facility. Colorado needs a motor sports facility." Schuck says he has not received any guarantee from major league racing that they will come if he builds the oval and yet, he says the reaction he's received in the process of putting the plans together has been overwhelmingly positive. He cites previous efforts by the sport to gain access to the two million people who live in the metro area. He expects to break ground next year, creating numerous jobs and what he calls an economic boom for Aurora and the state of Colorado in the process.(9 News)(5-27-2010)

Developers announce Denver area race track plans: A group lead by Colorado Springs developer Bill Schuck announced plans Wednesday to build a new race track in northeast Aurora [CO]. The $200 million race track would feature a 1-mile oval speedway, a 4-mile road course and a karting facility. It would seat between 65,000 and 100,000 fans on 1,500 acres on the TransPort property east of Peña Boulevard. The private venture is expected to break ground in 2010 and and will host numerous racing events, such as stock car, open wheel, midget and road racing. The developers said Wednesday the decision to move forward with plans for the track was influenced by the recent passage of Senate Bill 173, the Colorado Tourism Act, which could provide the group access up to $50 million in state sales tax revenue pay off construction bonds over a 30 year period. The bill has not yet been signed by Gov. Bill Ritter. TransPort also said it will ask Ritter and other government officials to help apply for federal discretionary stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Officials for the Florida-based International Speedway Corp. have said for more than two years that they would like to build a track in the metro area, but said any sort of venture would have to be a public-private partnership.(Denver Post)(5-28-2009)

Colorado House OKs incentives for NASCAR track: Colorado took a big step closer to being able to attract a NASCAR racetrack when the House approved a legislative proposal Wednesday that would allow the first-ever state-funded package of incentives geared toward attracting major tourism projects. Senate Bill 173 won final approval on a 46-19 vote one day after extensive floor debate over whether it was an economic-development tool or corporate welfare. Twenty-three Republicans and 23 Democrats backed the measure, while 15 Democrats and four Republicans opposed it. A main goal of bill backers is bringing a NASCAR track to the Aurora area, but the enterprise zones also could be used to build everything from Winter Olympics facilities to museums that might draw visitors across state borders.(Denver Business Journal)(5-1-2009)

Denver track on hold: The brakes have been slammed on a plan to build a NASCAR racetrack in the [Denver] metro area. The International Speedway Corp. was looking to build a racetrack in the Denver area, eyeing land in Aurora near Denver International Airport as a likely site for a $400 million track on 1,000 acres. But more than two years after the company's initial public show of affection for the area, ISC officials "don't have anyone on the ground" in Denver anymore, ISC spokesman Wes Harris said. And the slumping economy makes it even more unlikely a track will be built anytime soon, although ISC says it still wants to build a track here at some point.(Denver Post)(3-29-2009)

ISC claims it is still interested in Denver: It's been 16 months since International Speedway Corporation announced that it was evaluating the possibility of building a national-level motrosports facility in the Denver area that would be capable of hosting a Sprint Cup race. Nothing has happened since ISC revealed its intentions and now there's a strong feeling that the company that owns 11 tracks that host Sprint Cup races is no longer actively pursuing a track in the Denver area. Wes Harris, senior director of Corporate and Investor Communications for ISC, claims that's not the case. "I wouldn't consider it dead," Harris said of the possiblity of building a Denver-area track. "We are still interested in the market." Harris admits progress has been slow because ISC is seeking to develop a public/private partership, work out a way to find a possible date on the jam-packed Sprint Cup schedule, find land to build the track and convince local authorities of the advantages of having a track. "The process itself is slow but we have not lost interest from ourselves or the people in the market," Harris said. "The key is getting something done with a public/private partnership rather than finding land. We need a public/private partnership. "The market is very important. We want to be in that market. We want to be racing there in the future but we are going to take our time."(Rocky Mountain News)(6-19-2008)

ISC Calls Denver Track Discussions "Preliminary": NASCAR officials reiterated that they are exploring the possibility of building a racetrack development in the Denver area, but made no commitment to a partnership with the National Western Stock Show. "We know there is substantial demand for NASCAR racing in the Denver metropolitan region. As such, we continue to evaluate the possibility of pursuing a public-private partnership to develop a national-level motorsports entertainment facility in the market," said Wes Harris, spokesman for Daytona Beach, Fla. - based International Speedway Corp. "While we have had preliminary discussions with a number of interested parties, including the National Western Stock Show, we are not involved in any negotiations at this time." National Western officials this week referred to negotiations with ISC aimed at establishing a 1,000-acre complex near Denver International Airport and perhaps in Aurora that could host the stock show in January as well as auto-racing in warmer months and possibly sports training.(Denver Post)(1-18-2008)

Aurora [Colorado] hangs tough in bid for racetrack: Commerce City is out of the running, but Aurora officials still hope to lure a NASCAR racetrack to the city. Ten months after International Speedway Corp. announced its desire to build a NASCAR racetrack in the metro area, ISC officials still haven't decided on a location or whether it will be built here at all. Wes Harris, spokesman for the International Speedway Corp. in Florida, said his company has looked at several locations for a potential track but nothing recently. Now, the ISC is focusing on securing a commitment for a public-private partnership to help finance the track. That could mean, for example, creating a special taxing district similar to how Invesco Field at Mile High was financed or other measures. "We're very interested in Aurora, and we are very interested in the metro Denver region," Harris said Friday. "In order to be able to run NASCAR Sprint Cup level events, it's going to require a public-private partnership. Our focus right now is on just trying to build support for that." One talked-about site in Aurora is near Front Range Airport. Another potential Aurora site near the High Point development close to Denver International Airport fell through this year. Discussions between Aurora and ISC have slowed in recent months because of the City Council elections (a potential tax increase is never a popular campaign plank to run on) in November and now the holidays. But Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier said he still thinks there's a good chance Aurora will land the track, a facility that would put Aurora on the map, generate sales-tax revenue and be an amenity to the entire region. "I'm confident we could put together a deal," Frazier said. "We're going to continue to press this thing and hopefully make it a reality for the people of Aurora and Colorado."(Denver Post)(12-17-2007)

News on the Denver track: Two Colorado businessmen - Vail's George Gillett and Denver's John Frew - have been mentioned as local partners in International Speedway Corporation's proposed track in the Denver area. Gillett, co-founder of the Grand Prix of Denver (2002-06), owns stock in ISC and is co-owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Frew, originally a lawyer, is the former president of Colorado Ski Country USA and general manager of the Grand Prix of Denver who is now building sports arenas. Gillett and Frew, who both left the Grand Prix of Denver long before its demise, said they would like to work with ISC, but denied any involvement so far. "We think the track will be a wonderful success if it's built, but I don't want to be presumptuous," Gillett said Saturday. Frew, who built and manages the Broomfield Event Center, home of minor-league basketball and hockey teams, is working on a similar project for the NHL's Dallas Stars in Cedar Park, Texas, future home of the Stars' AHL team. Coincidentally, Frew and then-partner Bob Sutton, who succeeded Gillett as the Grand Prix of Denver's top boss, previously tried to build a private road-course track on the same land The Schuck Corporation of Colorado Springs is hoping to sell to ISC and build the speedway near Front Range Airport in Adams County and annexed Aurora.(Denver Post)(10-4-2007)

Site in Colorado dropped as ISC track site: Commerce City [Colorado] has been dropped as a potential site for a NASCAR racetrack, making opponents happy and bringing hope to other possible sites - including Aurora. The International Speedway Corp. said Wednesday in a letter to Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale that sites in other cities have emerged as better overall opportunities for the racetrack. ISC executive Wesley Harris said the 1,300-acre parcel the company was considering near Denver International Airport was not compatible with its needs. A community galvanizing against the racetrack also played a role in the ISC's backing out of Commerce City, Harris said. The ISC is still looking at several other sites in the Denver metro area, including a parcel near Front Range Airport in Aurora, Harris said. Front Range Airport director Dennis Heap said the Aurora site is likely to be seen now as a prime location for the track.(Denver Post)(5-18-2007)

Election may put brakes on NASCAR in Denver: A group of homeowners thinks it may have successfully wrecked plans for a NASCAR super speedway in Commerce City by electing a new anti-track mayor and several City Council members this week. "We made NASCAR an issue in the election, and our candidates won," said Jason McEldowney, who heads the new Commerce City Citizens and Business Alliance. "This was a victory for Commerce City, and our way of life in Commerce City." Whether or not he is right remains to be seen. Denver lawyer Steve Farber, who represents the company that is proposing the track, was dismissive of the group's claims Wednesday. The International Speedway Corp. announced in February that it was eyeing land in Commerce City as well as eastern Aurora for the track. It envisions a $360 million to $400 million track and stadium that could hold 75,000 to 80,000 fans. The facility would include a large oval track with a race course inside it. McEldowney and many others who live in the new, upscale Reunion neighborhood 2 1/2 miles from the proposed Commerce City site immediately began organizing against the plan. Within weeks of ISC's announcement, Commerce City's council voted 5-4 against asking voters whether the city should turn its back on the track before it was even proposed. Mayor Sean Ford and Mayor pro tem Rene Bullock were among the majority who cast "no" votes. Councilman Paul Natale, who had supported asking voters if the city should even deal with NASCAR, was elected mayor. And Jim Benson, who ran as an anti-track candidate, was elected to the council. If the plan gets shot down in Commerce City, it could head for Aurora. However, one obstacle in Aurora's way is a charter amendment that requires the city to get voter approval for any financial incentives going to a racetrack. Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer has said the track could be a great amenity for his city, but he cautioned that, without a proposal from ISC, there are still too many unknowns. "You almost really can't even weigh in on it, because there's just not enough that's known," Tauer said Wednesday. "Hopefully, we'll be able to know more in the next month or two, but that's not up to us." ISC has told Commerce City officials that it hopes to decide on a site for its track by early May and that it would like to be racing in the region by 2011.(see full story at Rocky Mountain News)(4-5-2007)

ISC expects to have a track in at least Seattle, Denver OR NYC areas: NASCAR chairman Brian France fully expects International Speedway Corp. to have a new track in Seattle, Denver or New York City in the not-so-distant future. "I don't expect all three to get a facility built," France said before Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "But I do expect something positive to happen. I also expect lots of deterrents that happen when you try to build community support." France said Denver appears to have momentum. He was not concerned about recent insults by Washington state politicians who are fighting a move to the Seattle area. Expansion will make it more difficult for tracks such as recently renovated Las Vegas Motor Speedway to get a second date. In an ideal world, France would like another date for Kansas City, Homestead-Miami and Las Vegas. He urged that it could take time unless Speedway Motorsports Inc. gives up one of its dates at another track.(ESPN.com)(3-13-2007)

Denver track to be announced? UPDATE: hearing that International Speedway Corporation will make some sort of announcement of a race track or motorsports facility in the Denver, CO area.(2-13-2007)
UPDATE: Denver is one step closer to hosting top-level NASCAR stock car racing today, with the announcement that a subsidiary of the International Speedway Corporation is looking at land for a track in Adams County. The two parcels being evaluated are near Denver International Airport and close to the Front Range Airport. If the plans move ahead, Rocky Mountain Speedway Corporation envisions a public-private partnership to build a 75,000-seat motorsports facility. RMSC says the track would have a significant economic impact on the metro area, pointing to a similarly-sized track in Kansas City, which generated $150 million in economic benefits its first season of operation. Company representatives cautioned, however, that the project is still in a very early evaluation phase and that no decisions have been made regarding the location, the potential cost of the project, or how the public-private partnership might be structured if the facility were constructed. The company is looking at 1,300 acres in Aurora off I-70 near the Watkins exit, directly south of the Front Range Airport and a second parcel of about 1,300 acres in Commerce City between the 88th Avenue overpass and 96th Avenue exit on E-470. In 2005, International Speedway Corporation bought and then closed Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, a track that hosted NASCAR Busch series and Craftsman Truck races. That was widely regarded as a move intended to make a Denver-area track feasible. The company has made two previous attempts to build a track in the Denver.(KWGN site)(2-13-2007)

Denver area track being looked at: The France family's International Speedway Corp. may be struggling to get a foothold in New York and a foothold in Seattle, but that apparently hasn't kept it from looking for more potential speedway expansion sites. Denver now is on the ISC radar, according to real-estate sources familiar with the situation, with the ISC trying to get around 900 acres of land between downtown Denver and the Denver airport 25 miles east. It is unclear if that land is related to the development plans for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, 19,000 acres once property of the U.S. Army. The ISC is now ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the country's best 200 small businesses, "with rock-solid gross margins of 48% to 50% during the last four and a half years."Winston Salem Journal)(10-17-2006)

More on Denver area track: A NASCAR racetrack could be driving into the [Denver] metro area in the future. A formal proposal has not been given to Commerce City leaders, but the possible site is near 96th Avenue and E-470. On Monday night, the city attorney, Bob Gehler, released a statement that says, "There have been confidential meetings held between attorneys representing the city and International Speedway Corporation." But Gehler says there has not been a "formal" proposal and "if there is a proposal made to the city, there will be a public process through which the community can decide to accept or reject such a proposal." However, residents in the community of Reunion are concerned about having a racetrack near their homes. "It should go at another location. Don't let this slip through the crack for Commerce City," said Reunion resident Tim Benson. "Do whatever the city has to do to keep NASCAR interested in Commerce City, but put it out north of the airport or east of the airport or where ever you can put it." Commerce City leaders say if there is a formal proposal, residents will be notified when and where they can give input.(9news.com)(9-20-2006)

Denver track back in play? City officials said Monday agents for International Speedway Corp. are trying to piece together a land deal that could place the racetrack complex west of Denver International Airport, around 96th Avenue and E-470. The plans still are in preliminary stages and nothing official has been submitted to the city's planning department. But racetrack representatives were in talks with former city manager Perry Vandeventer before he was forced to resign earlier this month amid accusations of repeated drunken driving. Mayor Sean Ford said Vandeventer updated him on the NASCAR talks before packing up his office. "He just said that last he knew they were still compiling the land," Ford said. "From what I understand, it's going to be a major stock car and road track - maybe a home for the Bandimeres and for a Grand Prix," City Councilman Anthony Johnson said. Drag racing pioneer John Bandimere Jr., owner of Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, confirmed he was approached about a month ago by an agent for the proposed racing complex. "I had been asked if we would want to be a part of it, and my answer was, 'Not sure. Have to wait and see if what you're talking about is real,' " he said. Bandimere has reason to fly the caution flag. He pinned his hopes on moving to a larger track in Aurora six years ago only to watch it drive into a ditch. Developers there were pushing for a similar superspeedway to that being mulled today near the airport. But noise-conscious voters cried foul and passed a city referendum outlawing a racetrack in Aurora. Denver remains ripe for a superspeedway, especially because last year ISC bought out the owners of Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain. That track had hosted NASCAR Busch and Craftsman Truck series races. ISC has sat on the property since then, fueling speculation the company bought the track to rev up demand for a Denver-area NASCAR complex. ISC did not return a call for comment. A company spokesman said last month that while ISC is trying to expand, "there is nothing that has been announced" in Colorado.(Rocky Mountain News)(9-12-2006)

Seattle vs. Denver? International Speedway Corp., which owns 11 Nextel Cup tracks, has said it considers the Denver area an important market. So, if ISC continues to encounter problems in its bid to build a NASCAR track in Kitsap County, Wash., across Puget Sound from Seattle, the group might take a closer look at Denver. ISC has scheduled a May 31 meeting with Washington state lawmakers, who aren't eager to pay almost half the cost of a proposed $345 million, 84,000-seat speedway. ISC officials claim the track and the tax revenue it would generate would more than balance what the public invests. Meanwhile, ISC spokesman Stann Tate said things are proceeding as planned on construction of a track in Staten Island, N.Y.(Rocky Mountain News)(4-19-2006)

Denver still under consideration for a track: Denver still is a potential market for NASCAR despite the closing of Pikes Peak International Raceway, according to Lenny Santiago, senior investment relations analyst for International Speedway Corporation. PPIR had held Craftsman Truck and Busch Series races in the past, but Rocky Mountain Speedway Corporation, a subsidiary of ISC, purchased the assets of PPIR last month and the track has been closed. "Denver is definitely a very important market for us," Santiago said Monday. "ISC tried to do some projects there many, many years ago, but it still remains a priority in our forward growth. Right now, we have our (Nextel Cup) projects out near Seattle and Staten Island (N.Y.). Over the long term, we believe there is a potential in the Denver market for some NASCAR racing, whether it be Cup or Busch. We would definitely explore that opportunity. I'm just looking at something here for our TV stats for the Nextel Cup through the year, and the Denver market is up over double digits in terms of households in and ratings." And Denver has more potential than PPIR did for NASCAR events. "We purchased the Pikes Peak facility, and it had successful Busch races," Santiago said. "However, it had some challenges recently. The IRL (Indy Racing League) had pulled its date for next year. So it was facing a difficult situation in terms of other external market-related factors. In terms of ISC, we believe we can grow the Busch much more quickly, not to say it couldn't grow at Pikes Peak, but we believe we can grow it quicker at another one of our facilities, namely Martinsville (Va.). . . . Location certainly was one component of the issues that faced the Pikes Peak facility." There have been rumors the PPIR track could be turned into a road- race facility for nonspectator races. "We're actively seeking potential buyers, and part of our requirement is that it not be used for spectator motor sports," Santiago said. "That's not to say that if someone came in with a unique sort of development that maybe wanted to turn it into a private road course, that's a possibility, but as far as spectator motorsports, we'd rather not have the facility used for that."(Rocky Mountain News)(11-22-2005)

ISC to buy Pikes Peak Intl Raceway then close and sell, Busch race to Martinsville: Pikes Peak International Raceway announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its assets to Rocky Mountain Speedway Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation ("ISC"). Closing of the transaction is expected within the next week, and financial terms were not disclosed. ISC will honor all of PPIR's currently scheduled community uses and rentals through October 31, 2005. After that date, ISC expects to close the facility and begin to market the approximate 1,200-acre parcel for sale. ISC plans to petition NASCAR to realign PPIR’s NASCAR Busch Series event to Martinsville Speedway for 2006. In addition, ISC intends to relocate certain PPIR fixed assets to other racing venues in its portfolio. These assets include grandstand seating, furniture and other equipment and structures that can be utilized for future ISC expansion projects. PPIR’s 16 permanent employees will be given severance packages and a handful will assist in closing the facility. In its nine years of existence, PPIR hosted NASCAR, IRL, AMA, SCCA, USAC and IMSA-sanctioned events.(PPIR)(9-30-2005)

Pikes Peak Making a Push for a Cup race: Rob Johnson, president of Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, CO is warming up and about ready to make a pitch. "We've got market research done on a consumer report on (fans') desire to purchase tickets to a Nextel Cup event at PPIR," Johnson said of some of the data, prepared by a track task force, he plans to present to NASCAR officials. "We have just finished our economic impact statement for 2004 and what it would look like with a Nextel Cup race. We'll have all this done in the next two or three weeks, and then, at that point, we can start to schedule whether we go down there (to Daytona Beach, Fla.) or ask them to come here or (whether track officials) send NASCAR a packet." The timing could be right for PPIR. The Nextel Cup is looking to move into new markets, and Johnson believes PPIR is ready to play host to a Nextel Cup race. "The research indicates there would be overwhelming support for a race from a fan standpoint," said Johnson, whose track currently features Indy Racing League and NASCAR Busch series races. "All the information is coming together as far as, would people want to buy a ticket, would they buy a season ticket, would they support the race and can we handle the traffic if we grow to 65,000 people? Everything is coming out very well. We've got good political support, we've got good local support, so everything is moving forward. The big deal that came out of the economic impact is that, with a Nextel Cup event, it would be the single-largest event in Colorado annually. Now we need to go present the information in a professional manner. That's what our next step will be."(Rocky Mountain News)(3-23-2004)

Pikes Peak wants a Cup race: Community leaders will meet this week to discuss how to attract a major NASCAR race and its big-time money to a racetrack in Fountain, CO [Pikes Peak International Raceway]. "NASCAR said they are going to take a look at realignment and schedule adjustment in the future, and this is our chance to put our best foot forward," said Rob Johnson, president of the Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain. Johnson will meet with leaders from El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Fountain and Pueblo, on Thursday. Earlier this year, Colorado Springs economist David Bamberger estimated a top NASCAR race would generate $102 million in local sales, create 1,510 local jobs and generate $1.1 million in city sales tax receipts. PPIR, the track in Fountain, already has several major races, including a NASCAR Busch series race.(Sports Illustrated)(8-19-2003)

Not looking good for a Cup race at Pikes Peak: There likely won't be a Cup race at Pikes Peak International Raceway near Colorado Springs in the near future. The facility barely was half-full for the Busch Series race last Saturday. Insiders have intimated that if a Cup race is held in Colorado, it would be at a track built closer to Denver's airport by International Speedway Corporation.(Sporting News)(7-28-2003)

Pikes Peak enters alliance with ISC: Pikes Peak International Raceway could be owned by the International Speedway Corporation sometime in the next five years based on a partnership finalized Tuesday by the 42,000-seat Fountain track and the motorsports giant. ISC, a publicly traded company headquartered in Daytona Beach, FL, and the world's largest owner and operator of superspeedways, has a three-year contract to provide through a subsidiary management advisory and consulting service for PPIR, which recently concluded its sixth season of racing. The agreement gives ISC the right of first refusal should PPIR owners decide to sell their 1,200-acre complex, which includes a 1.3-mile road course. ISC's right of first refusal extends two years beyond the contract, which runs through 2005. The consulting contract gives Speedway Corp. a chance to look more closely at the racing business in Colorado, where it has been investigating placing a track. "We don't view Pikes Peak International Raceway as a Winston Cup facility, but we believe the current schedule of events provides a great opportunity to promote other major motorsports entertainment in the area," Lee Combs, Speedway Corp. senior vice president of corporate development, stated. The 1,200-acre Pikes Peak raceway complex includes a 42,000-seat, one-mile oval and 1.3-mile road course.(Denver Post and Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-7-2002)

Pikes Peak - Cup date? ISC to buy track? UPDATE: After failing twice to build a superspeedway near Denver, International Speedway Corporation is attempting to buy Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain. Citing a confidentiality agreement, PPIR president Rob Johnson would not discuss specifics of the proposed sale. But he did confirm negotiations are taking place. "I don't think it would hurt the track to align itself with (other major owners) in the industry," Johnson said. "But right now, there is nothing official. Is there a deal done with ISC? No." If the deal goes through, Colorado could get a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race without waiting for another track to be built. ISC, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., near its crown jewel - Daytona International Speedway - is operated by the Bill France Jr. family, which also runs NASCAR. There is no shortage of major stock car races at ISC venues. ISC's board members have wanted a track near Denver for more than seven years. Penske Motorsports Inc., which merged with ISC in 1999, tried to build a track in Adams County in '96. That effort, along with ISC's ensuing attempts to build tracks in Aurora and Arapahoe County, were political disasters.(Denver Post)(7-12-2002)
UPDATE: PPIR president Rob Johnson said there are ongoing negotiations between PPIR and International Speedway Corporation for partial or exclusive ownership of the track. A deal with ISC could bring a Winston Cup race to the facility.(Denver Post)(7-28-2002)

Denver Area Track Update: Within the past three years, International Speedway Corporation has looked into building a giant superspeedway at two Denver metropolitan locations. Despite losing political battles in Aurora and Arapahoe County, company spokesman David Talley said a third time could be the charm. "It's clearly on the back-burner right now, but Denver still interests us," said Talley, whose company merged in 1999 with Penske Motorsports Inc., which tried to build a Denver-area track in Adams County. ISC opened its newest superspeedways this summer, in Joliet, Ill. (Chicagoland Speedway) and Kansas City, Kan. (Kansas Speedway) and is tentatively planning on building another massive track in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Talley said the feasibility study there has been extended. "We've opened the tracks in Chicago and Kansas City, and that's pretty much what we're focused on right now," Talley said. "But we still want to be in Denver."(Denver Post)(8-11-2001)

Denver Update: WorldPark, the $500 million auto racing development east of Aurora(near Denver, CO), has stalled at the starting line. Plans for the 5,500-acre complex - which would include a relocated Bandimere Speedway, several other racing venues and commercial property - were shelved this week when the developer asked to indefinitely delay any further hearings on the plan. Opponents of the project stopped just short of calling the delay a complete victory. But they believe they've turned back the well-financed effort, at least for now. After Aurora voters turned down a ballot measure Nov. 7 that would have allowed WorldPark to be built in the city, developer Christopher Fellows vowed to go forward with plans to build in Arapahoe County. But Tuesday, he asked the county Planning Commission to delay any action on the project. WorldPark, planned about 5 miles east of E-470, also could include a NASCAR super-speedway, American Indian arts center, sports complex and commercial development. Before the November vote, supporters were hoping to open the complex within two years.(in part from the Denver Post)(12-7-2000)

Denver area Track Loses Vote...but: A day after Denver-area motorsports fans suffered a crushing defeat at the Aurora polls, the would-be prime tenants of the proposed WorldPark said the failure of Aurora's Referendum 2F wouldn't necessary put an end to their project. But stiff opposition will continue to shadow the privately funded, $500 million proposed complex. John Bandimere, owner of Bandimere Speedway, and International Speedway Corporation spokesman David Talley said WorldPark can be built by going through Arapahoe County procedures. But both were disappointed to learn it cannot be affiliated with Aurora, which would have annexed the 5,500acre. See more at the Denver Post.
Aurora(CO) voters said NO 61% YES 39% to allowing the City of Aurora to offer "indirect subsidies". Voters on Tuesday turned down a city charter amendment that would have allowed the city to provide "indirect subsidies" to developers of a 5,500-acre recreation and entertainment complex including a motor speedway and dragstrip. The WorldPark development was proposed for an unincorporated area of Arapahoe County, but city officials had hoped to annex it. See full story at the Rocky Mountain Times(11-9-2000)

Denver Vote: International Speedway Corporation(ISC) and Denver development partner Fellows Ventures Inc. face a public vote next week that will decide the fate of the proposed "WorldPark" motorsport-based complex just east of the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colo. Aurora voters will go to the polls to vote on rescinding a ban on building racetracks in the city. If voters approve that measure, ballot question 2F, WorldPark could be built in Aurora(SpeedVision)(11-1-2000)

Denver News: International Speedway Corporation, NASCAR's publicly-traded track-operations arm, announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Denver-area developers to do a feasibility study on a plan to build a motorsport race track in the city's eastern suburbs(SpeedVision)(10-26-2000)

Denver News: A proposed 5,500-acre recreation and entertainment complex east of Aurora cleared its first hurdle Tuesday when the Arapahoe County Planning Commission plugged it into the county's comprehensive plan. Without comment, the commission voted 5-3 to amend the plan to accommodate the proposed WorldPark project, which would include a Bandimere drag strip and possibly a large speedway. Full story at Rocky Mountain News(10-21-2000)

Denver News: The possibility that organ music at the new $3million St. Isidore's Catholic Church may get drowned out by the roar of race cars is beginning to worry the church's pastor. Arapahoe County officials say the race tracks at the proposed WorldPark will be miles from the cathedral-like church, which can be seen by motorists on Interstate 70 near tiny Watkins. But one track could be as close as a mile away, according to the developer. The proposed WorldPark development hasn't received final approval from Arapahoe County, which is planning additional public hearings, but it was given approval Tuesday by the county Planning Commission. Full story at the Denver Post(10-19-2000)

More Denver News: WorldPark and Bandimere Speedway could be coming to Aurora sooner rather than later. Aurora and Arapahoe County officials had assumed the 5,500-acre complex would be annexed to the city and eventually would open there. But developers, who already had asked the county for approval, now have applied to Aurora as well, and may choose to go through the city's approval process instead of the county's. Nevertheless, the project still wouldn't open for at least two years. Much of the decision hinges on Aurora voters. The project had been set to go before the Arapahoe County Planning Commission on Monday, but developers asked that a decision there be delayed. The meeting has tentatively been rescheduled to Oct. 17.(Denver Post)(9-29-2000)

Denver Track News: Developers of the massive WorldPark project east of Aurora were granted a postponement of a planning commission meeting Tuesday night to study noise and traffic impacts to neighbors. The 5,500-acre project, which includes plans for a new Bandimere Speedway, was slowed last month. The commission deadlocked after hearing five hours of testimony from supporters of the plan and from angry neighbors, who say it would change their rural lifestyle(Denver Post)(9-27-2000)

Denver and NY/NJ still on track: International Speedway Corporation still is considering adding race tracks in New York and Denver. President Jim France said the company has been concentrating on getting the new Kansas City and Chicago tracks completed. He said that ISC has spent about a year working on the Meadowlands to see if it was feasible to relocate there(Times Dispatch)(9-9-2000)

Denver News UPDATE 2: WorldPark, is a proposed 5,500-acre motorsports complex in Arapahoe County(Colorado) in which plans call for an NHRA-sanctioned drag strip, a NASCAR Winston Cup Series-visited superspeedway, two short tracks (dirt and paved) and a Grand Prix road course for go-karts and quartermidgets. The $500 million park could break ground as early as next month, beginning with the relocated Bandimere Speedway (drag strip) and a 3/8-mile dirt oval(Denver Post)(8-21-2000)
UPDATE The proposed WorldPark development, which would house a new Bandimere Speedway and other racing venues east of Aurora, faces a contentious public hearing tonight. Neighbors upset over plans to build the 5,500-acre project promise to pack the Arapahoe County Planning Commission meeting at 7:00pm. Developers will present their proposal to the commission in hopes they will approve an amendment to the county's comprehensive plan and allow the planning process to proceed(Denver Post)(8-22-2000)
UPDATE 2: story on the NHRA site: New home for Bandimere Speedway in 2002 AND Plans for a new $500 million, Bandimere Speedway/sports complex were being discussed late into the evening Tuesday, with most speakers opposed to the complex due to noise, traffic and disruption of a rural lifestyle. As of 10:30pm/mt, the Planning Commission had not voted but was considering an amendment to the county's plan to allow the WorldPark development to continue through the planning process(Denver Post)(8-23-2000)

Denver Track News: Bandimere Speedway plans to move across the metro area to become part of a massive complex that could include an oval superspeedway just east of Aurora(CO), developers confirmed Wednesday. The $500 million, 5,500-acre proposal, to be called WorldPark, would be located 5 miles east of E-470 and just south of Interstate 70 off Watkins Road, as first reported in The Denver Post. The plan is subject to approval by Arapahoe County and faces a contentious public hearing before its Planning Commission on Tuesday. The developer, Chris Fellows, expressed optimism that the NASCAR superspeedway, proposed by International Speedway Corp., could be included at the site. Letters of intent have been signed by both sides, and Fellows said active negotiations are continuing.(Denver Post)(8-18-2000)

Denver Track News and Story: Residents near a proposed new Bandimere Speedway east of Aurora, Colorado say the race track has gotten off to a false start. Calling themselves Residents Opposed to the Aurora Racetrack, or ROAR, the neighbors are organizing to fight plans for a 5,500-acre development that would include the relocated speedway. The project gets a public hearing before the Arapahoe County Planning Commission on Aug. 22. In advance of the hearing, ROAR is hosting a community meeting on Aug. 19 in Watkins to inform residents of the pros and cons of the proposal. They've been in contact with the project's developers and are seeking some mitigation efforts(Denver Post) for past info and news on the Denver project(8-11-2000)

Denver Track News: According to Mayor Paul Tauer, the Aurora City Council voted 9-1 in favor of placing an amendment on the November ballot that modifies and clarifies a motorsports initiative that was passed last year. The City Council's vote was passed Monday night on its second reading. Tauer said the amendment is a step in the right direction to allow International Speedway Corp. to build its massive, privately owned NASCAR Winston Cup Series superspeedway near Interstate 70 and E-470(Denver Post)(8-4-2000)

Denver Track News: The Aurora City(CO) Council unanimously approved a ballot measure that could pave the way to build two new raceways. Bandimere Speedway and the developers of a 110,000-seat oval super-speedway are looking at locations near the intersection of Interstate 70 and E-470. But the proposed tracks are hamstrung by a vote last year that prohibits the city from providing "direct or indirect subsidies" to any motor sports facility(Denver Post)(7-19-2000)

Colorado Track News: An organization(Support Making Auto Racing Tracks, or SMART) backed by Aurora Mayor Paul Tauer and many of Colorado's biggest auto-racing personalities has been formed to educate Aurora voters and aid in the building of the once-proposed superspeedway near E-470 and Interstate 70. In addition to educating Aurora voters on the advantages of having annual NASCAR Winston Cup Series races in Colorado, SMART's intent is to show Florida-based International Speedway Corp. that the majority of Colorado's racing community wants its business. ISC's proposed track was a priority for the world's largest motorsports builder last summer, but a confusing initiative passed by Aurora voters in November has put the project on the back burner(Denver Post)(6-20-2000)

Denver/Colorado News: Despite his track's well-documented growing pains and tenuous future as a NASCAR Winston Cup Series host, Pikes Peak International Raceway president Rob Johnson said Colorado's first superspeedway is heading in the right direction. PPIR's fourth season, however, will feature just three major-event weekends. See full Denver Post story at: Pikes Peak prez remains positive and When you consider that Concerned Residents Against Speedway Havoc is funded by a would-be competitor 90 miles south of the proposed Aurora racetrack, it should come as little surprise to learn CRASH's founder and mouthpiece doesn't even live in Aurora. During a recent interview, CRASH spokesman Landri Taylor of Montbello admitted he has no direct ties to the city of Aurora. So why is he vehemently opposed to International Speedway Corporation's proposed track, to be located near Interstate 70 and Highway E470? And what gives him the right to speak on behalf of Aurora residents? see the Denver Post story at Track opponent playing 'sham game' and one last story: Sunday Focus: Fast track to nowhere all three by Mike Chambers(Denver Post)(2-8-2000)

Denver Track Out? UPDATE: The International Speedway Corporation(ISC) did not exercise its option by last week's deadline to purchase the land at E-470 and Interstate 70 for a proposed motorsports racetrack. ISC feels their 'plate is full' with Kansas and Chicago track breaking ground and the Meadowlands feasibility study about to take place. It could open the door for a Winston Cup event at the Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, CO. The 3-year-old track already has made expansion plans to accommodate the 100,000-plus fans who regularly attend Winston Cup events and is only 80 miles from Denver(Denver Rocky Mountain News)(1-20-2000) -- UPDATE: According to the Denver Post, the option-to-buy agreement between International Speedway Corporation and the owners of a piece of property near Interstate 70 and E-470 in Aurora expired in November, not last weekend. That move took place shortly after an Aurora ballot initiative surprisingly passed Nov. 2, making it impossible for the city to subsidize racetrack infrastructure, and shortly before ISC joined the city in a lawsuit against the initiative's sponsor, Concerned Residents Against Speedway Havoc, which is being funded by the owners of Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain(goRacing)(1-21-2000)

Denver Track a go? A senior executive for International Speedway Corporation on Friday said that the chances of his company building a superspeedway near Interstate 70 and E-470 in Aurora is "100 percent." It is the first time an ISC or Penske Motorsports Inc. executive has publicly said that, barring a complete disaster, the NASCAR Winston Cup Series-hosted track "definitely" will be built. The track is planned as a 1.5-mile, 80,000-to-110,000-seat facility, priced at more than $100 million. Two sources said ISC is trying to have the track race-ready by the spring of 2001. McMorris said he also has "heard 2001" for Colorado's inaugural Winston Cup race. See full Denver Post story at Speedway gets green light by Mike Chambers(8-3-1999)

It's Back, Denver: Peter Coors, chief executive of Coors Brewing Co., and two members of the Colorado Rockies ownership group, Jerry McMorris and Charlie Monfort, have joined a bid by Penske Motorsports to build a superspeedway in Denver, the Denver Rocky Mountain News learned Thursday. The superspeedway, which will be located at Interstate 70 and E-470 near Denver International Airport, will draw races sanctioned by the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Championship Auto Racing Teams, sources told the News. The speedway would be modeled after Penkse's California Speedway, a 2-mile oval in Fontana, Calif. See the rest of the article at Superspeedway on track(Denver Rocky Mountain News). NOTE: a few weeks ago, Roger Penske said he was dropping this effort, see the March 25th story: Penske won't take off near DIAguess things changes(4-16-1999)

Denver Track Update: Penske Motorsports has walked away from its option to buy 640 acres of land near Denver International Airport to build a superspeedway. But top-level PMI executives Wednesday said building the company's 110,000-seat track in metro Denver remains one of the company's top priorities and a new land agreement could take place by early April(Denver Post thanks Jeff)(3-25-1999)

Denver Track Article: The Federal Aviation Administration has raised concerns about a proposed race track that would put crowds of more than 100,000 people under planes landing at Denver International Airport. See the rest of the story at: Penske's new Denver track faces FAA hurdle by Bill Kiser at iRace(11-30-98)

Penske/Denver news: The Federal Aviation Administration has raised concerns about a proposed Penske Motorsports race track that would put crowds of 120,000 people under planes landing at Denver International Airport. Penske is thinking about building a 2- mile oval track and stadium on 640 acres in Adams County. The facility would be located almost 3 miles directly south of DIA's Runway 34 Right and less than a mile south of Runway 35 Left. See the full story at:Plan for race track near DIA raises concerns(Denver Post)(11-23-98)

Denver News: On RPM2Nite, a question was asked on the status of the proposed Roger Penske race track near Denver, CO. The answer: Meeting are supposedly underway and an announcement could be made as soon as next week.(11-10-98)

Denver Update: Penske Motorsports remains interested in building a track in the Denver area. Greg Penske said company executives are scheduled to have more meetings in Denver this week. Still no firm timetable.(iRace)(11-5-98)

The expected sale of Colorado National Speedway has been finalized, but a surprising twist to the deal has Pikes Peak International Raceway involved - possibly as part owner. Former CNS owner Marshall Chesrown, who confirmed Thursday that he closed on the $2.5 million deal with David Gammel earlier this week, speculated that PPIR owner C.C. Myers and Gammel might become - or already are - partners in the NASCAR track in Dacono. See the story at: CNS, Pikes Peak could become partners.(The Denver Post Online)(2-20-98)

In today's Denver Post there is a article about that Pikes Peak International Raceway Gets a Busch Race. The race is likely a 200 mile race on June 14th, 1998(10-15-97)

As for the proposed Denver track, Penske has a option to buy the land. So he has not bought the land yet. In the Denver post it said that they have not put pencil to paper to see if it is a profitable situation, see the story at: Penske plans Adco race track at the Denver Post(thanks Kirk)(8-17-97)

More Penske track news/rumors: "But the big story of the day is that Roger Penske is already logging plans for what could be a 1999 Winston Cup race at a new two-mile superspeedway he plans to build in Denver, a $110 million dollar venture on 640 acres of land adjoining that city's new airport. The proposed Denver track would be finished by the spring of 1999 and would open with 105,000 seats, according to reports from officials in Denver familiar with the presentation that Penske officials have made. That time frame might be optimistic, given the Denver weather. Penske was here (Michigan) yesterday but declined to comment on the proposed track. Richard Childress, who has been working with Colorado business partners to build his own track near Denver, says he is now putting those plans on hold. The most promising time for a race in Denver, Childress said, would be July or August. The new Pikes Peak track, which opened this year about 80 miles from Denver, is now for sale, Childress said. He's been approached about buying it, but he says he's rejected the offer"(JournalNow), my worthless opinion: why build another track when there is such a nice facility only an hour from Denver?(8-16-97)

Per SpeedNet: "Penske Motorsports Inc. was also busy this week expanding holdings. PMI will purchase approximately 640 acres in the Denver metropolitan area. The property is located in Adams County, 15 miles from downtown Denver, and near the new Denver International Airport. Under the agreement, PMI will have access to the property to conduct customary due diligence and to engage in those pre-development activities necessary to obtain approval for the construction and operation of a permanent motorsports complex"(SpeedNet), what about Pike Peak, that's a nice new track and is only 75 miles south of Denver(my thoughts)(8-13-97)

A Denver Race Track?: From the Denver Post - A group of investors is interested in building a "super speedway" for racing cars on about 320 acres of land near Front Range Airport. The investors, whom airport officials won't identify, have been looking at public and private land to the south and east of the airport for the past several months. Officials say the track could lure more business to the general aviation field. Officials aid the investors approached county officials about the track last fall. He said the authority has made no decision on the proposal "because we haven't seen any details." Front Range, about 40 minutes from Downtown Denver.(6-22-97)

I hear that a group in Denver is ready to build a track if France gives them a WC date(4-21-97)

Past Race Track and Schedule News/Rumors
Race Track Links
Tickets/Tours Links
Jayski's Silly Season Sprint Cup News Page
Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Main Page

the Jayski site is owned and served by:

Born On Date: July 18, 1998

This page designed by Jayski LLC, 1996-2013© All Rights Reserved.
Jayski's® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.