Thaco
03-15-2006, 05:08 PM
Here is an article from todays Calgary Sun
Wed, March 15, 2006
Race City revving to return
By TY PILSON, CALGARY SUN
While a new investor is waving the green flag on his bid to take over Race City, track owner Art MacKenzie cautioned it's not a done deal yet.
MacKenzie and Cochrane automotive consultant Rome Awde have an agreement in principle for Awde to sub-lease the track for 2006 and run a full racing schedule.
"It's pretty much a done deal between Art and I to take over the facility for 2006," said the 45-year-old Awde. "So, now we're trying to put a race schedule together."
MacKenzie is cautious about the deal but added he's optimistic.
"We have an agreement on what we want to do and how that could be executed," said MacKenzie. "It will be wonderful if it comes together. I'd love to see as much racing as I can in this city."
MacKenzie decided after last season to quit running events at the track and rent out the facility instead, effectively spelling the end of racing in Calgary. Awde heads a small group that's interested in eventually buying the track for $1.7 million, he said, and then put as much as $2.5 million into upgrades down the road to attract larger events.
"I think the guys out there who might invest in this need to see us walk the walk," said Awde. "So, this was an opportunity to keep racing in Calgary for a year and show what we can do."
Awde said he's now busy trying to put together a racing schedule in time to have the track open for its first event May 14.
The national Parts Canada Superbike Series is confirmed for the Canada Day long weekend and Awde said he plans to run the Father's Day Funny Car Classic as well.
Awde said he's also spoken to the drag racing association, the roadcourse association as well as various oval racing groups, including IMCA, the Legends, the super trucks and big rigs.
"Saving Race City for 2006 is pretty much my focus right now," said Awde. "I want to make some cosmetic changes to the track, get the worker bees out there. Next year, we'll look at upgrades at that point."
There may be hope yet
Wed, March 15, 2006
Race City revving to return
By TY PILSON, CALGARY SUN
While a new investor is waving the green flag on his bid to take over Race City, track owner Art MacKenzie cautioned it's not a done deal yet.
MacKenzie and Cochrane automotive consultant Rome Awde have an agreement in principle for Awde to sub-lease the track for 2006 and run a full racing schedule.
"It's pretty much a done deal between Art and I to take over the facility for 2006," said the 45-year-old Awde. "So, now we're trying to put a race schedule together."
MacKenzie is cautious about the deal but added he's optimistic.
"We have an agreement on what we want to do and how that could be executed," said MacKenzie. "It will be wonderful if it comes together. I'd love to see as much racing as I can in this city."
MacKenzie decided after last season to quit running events at the track and rent out the facility instead, effectively spelling the end of racing in Calgary. Awde heads a small group that's interested in eventually buying the track for $1.7 million, he said, and then put as much as $2.5 million into upgrades down the road to attract larger events.
"I think the guys out there who might invest in this need to see us walk the walk," said Awde. "So, this was an opportunity to keep racing in Calgary for a year and show what we can do."
Awde said he's now busy trying to put together a racing schedule in time to have the track open for its first event May 14.
The national Parts Canada Superbike Series is confirmed for the Canada Day long weekend and Awde said he plans to run the Father's Day Funny Car Classic as well.
Awde said he's also spoken to the drag racing association, the roadcourse association as well as various oval racing groups, including IMCA, the Legends, the super trucks and big rigs.
"Saving Race City for 2006 is pretty much my focus right now," said Awde. "I want to make some cosmetic changes to the track, get the worker bees out there. Next year, we'll look at upgrades at that point."
There may be hope yet