KCIR again in danger of being closed!

[Chevy454]

This, from YellowBullet...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Statement From Rob Park (one of KCIR's owners).

Throughout history KCIR has had its trials and tribulations that we have all had to endure and this chapter is no different. To all of the loyal fans and racers I can’t thank you enough for all your support. I am sorry I have not communicated on a broad spectrum earlier but by a contractual obligation and advice of our attorney we were asked to refrain from any public statements for the time being. I have since realized with all of the uncertainty it is vitally important that everyone know our side of the story, or at least as much as we are allowed to share at this time. I assure you it will be fully disclosed in time.
The entire story is too lengthy to tell in detail but I will attempt to give you the Cliff’s notes version. After we sold the track in 2008, the owner at that time offered to sell KCIR to the city for a park (which was necessary to complete the housing development across the road) and planned to build a new motorsports facility in conjunction with a road course up by the airport. As we all know those plans took a dramatic halt.
After learning the plans a group of investors had for the property, that didn’t include a drag strip, I set out on a mission to help save the track. With family life as my priority (wife and four kids) I knew I didn’t have the time available to put forth towards the track, as an owner, that it needed. Luckily Chris was in a position that he was willing to help even knowing the uncertainties surrounded by the current situation. I can assure you, without Chris we never would have even got this far.
Shortly after the transition I was approached by neighborhood and city officials to discuss the future of the track in its current location. I was asked to develop a proposal for what I felt would be a viable motorsports entity that would be located within Kansas City and would be a draw for the city. With the aid of Dan Porrevechio (yes he actually has been helping ) we developed a very comprehensive plan to relocate the track and develop a motorsports business that would be a “win” for everyone involved. As time went by we needed an answer and gave the city a deadline, the deadline approached and they asked for a week extension (which we granted) at the end of the week is when we received our first letter. You have all seen that one. Since that time, not knowing exactly what was going to happen, we have spent a considerable amount of time and money consulting with our attorneys looking for any other options and none were available. To this date no one has came to us with any options. The ability to exercise eminent domain through the use of condemnation is a very powerful and it is very expensive to the land owner(s). We have been given a very loud and clear message we are not wanted here. If you read between the lines of what is being said publicly you can see the play on words and how they are trying to use them to their advantage.
Our intentions never have been or will be to eliminate drag racing in Kansas City. Remember how I make my living. Anyone that actually knows me knows better. I do have a desire to help with a new track that we could all enjoy with much fewer restrictions in an area that we are welcome. We are continuing discussions to try to find a feasible solution for all racers, fans and owners.
Again, I can’t thank all of you supporters enough for what you are trying to do.
Rob Park </div></div>

[Chevy454]

The letter(s) from KC to the track, as referenced above...

[john s]

New guy here, I tried to access the petition website and it was having troubles or something. It looked like it also had a picture of that lady covering her eyes for some reason. I intend on trying to sign it when it comes back up. This is rotten to the core to say the least. John

[SmallHurst]

It official!!! This weekend is indeed the last go at KCIR!!! I am going to have to make it down for a last run!!!

Long live the home track of the AHRA!!! Looks like I get to travel to Topeka, Mo-Kan, Wichita, Great Bend, or MAR!!!!

[old5.0]

Yet more proof, as if any more were needed, that the political class is not the friend of the little guy, no matter their party affiliation. It's popular these days to rail against the evil corporations, but the corporations have no enforcement mechanism without the government in their corner. Anyone who claims that the Democratic party is somehow less complicit in outrages against the people than the Republican is willfully blind. A year from now, when street racing has increased tenfold, the politicians will feign indignant outrage, as though they have no idea how this could happen, and the sheep will let them get away with it.


If this post is too political, feel free to delete it. The political farce that has played itself out right in front of us over the past few weeks has made me sick to my stomach.

[SmallHurst]

One last hooray....Free test-n-tune from noon to 5 on Saturday weather permitting. I will be there with camera in hand!!!

[SmallHurst]

A petition to put to the owners of Kansas Speedway to build a drag strip.

KCK drag strip

[old5.0]

Signed.

[SmallHurst]

KMBC news link

KC STAR article

[old5.0]

Well... let the street racing commence, I guess. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]