RickBetterley

Reading the Boston Globe Sunday, when, much to my surprise, the idea of a new SCCA track to be built in Palmer (central MA) was mentioned:
"The best news for regional racers: A 2-mile track is proposed for a site in the central Massachusetts town of Palmer and would host a variety of racing events and offer instruction."
This has been discussed before, but I haven't heard anything new since March 2006.
Does anyone have any insight in to the prospects for this particular track being built? New tracks are difficult to site, especially here in the crowded North Eeast; I can't imagine that it could happen in MA (even though there is plenty of room in Pallmer).

ltc

I know one of the people involved with the project, his son and my son race karts at the local track.
He wasn't at the first race this past weekend, but when I see him I'll ask for an update.

I have already offered to write a check, dig with a spoon, sell body parts/organs.....whatever I can do to help make this happen.

A track an hour from my house......I'll never be home again.

RonCT

This thread could become a "contact list / support group" to help the effort. So when contact is made with the track organizers, they can see this thread and it will also give us a way to get in touch with them directly. A new track would be fantastic and it should help lower the crazy track rates we are paying. Supply and demand...

joel-cs

I am interested in helping too!

BostonDMD

I am in. Let's hope it happens...... soon......

RickBetterley

Would you be interested in offering up our collective support? I had given up on this track happening but since it was mentioned in the Globe Sunday (and the Globe is never wrong), maybe it has some life?

ltc

Next time I see him at the kart track (May 11-12th I think), I'll mention it and post back any updates.

Brian Morris

I just looked through the SCCA NER Newsletter at:

http://www.ner.org/region/PT/index.htm

The original plan was to have permits by the end of 2006 - as of Oct. 06 that wasn't going to happen. They can extend the option on the land for a fee, and as of Oct. 06 they were still working on permits. Some unexpected wetlands issues, which they are reconfiguring the track for.

The original plan was to get the permits in place and then work on the financing - they don't feel it will be a problem raising the money once the permits are in hand.

There's info in the August and October newsletters, but nothing after that (but they only go through Nov.).

--Brian Morris
89 951

RonCT

My profession is land development, financing, marketing, etc. I've done some very large projects and some have included "recreation" components. No race tracks. But let the ownership know that I'd be willing to help, be a sounding board, provide a testimonial, etc.

Matt Romanowski

If people want to help - the best way is probably to join SCCA (for $85) and then offer to help the committee. I doubt they are looking here for help.

Noel

Wow, that would only be 1 hour from my house.

This reply is merely to subscribe to the thread in order to keep track of progress.

ltc

Bump......I can still have hope

BostonDMD

I am with you....

Best wishes.....

ltc

This is encouraging:
http://www.masslive.com/metroeast/re...350.xml&coll=1

Article mentions cars AND karts.

Less than an hour from my house.

My wife will never see myself or my son again.

RickBetterley

Interesting article; thanks for posting the link - hopes to be open for 2009; unlikely, but a good start.
Anyone that can get a new track permitted in MA has my admiration.