Operators seek go-ahead on project
Tue, September 2, 2008
STOCK CAR RACING: $2 million in renovations planned at Delaware Speedway, including new lighting, new grandstands, washrooms and private suites
By JIM CRESSMAN
DELAWARE -- Delaware Speedway operators hope their ambitious $2-million renovation gets the green flag next week.
The ownership group and the Spivak family, which has owned the property since 1972, will sit down to discuss a written long-term lease.
The current lease runs through 2010, although the operators did receive a verbal commitment in January that it will stay a racetrack for at least the next 35 years.
"There's a commitment from the landlord, but that's not a written commitment and we have an ownership group that wants to invest money in the track; it's just getting the actual written agreement understood by both parties," Delaware race director Jeff Wilcox said during Sunday's APC 300 Great Canadian Race.
"The last thing anybody wants to do is spend a couple million dollars on property they don't have a long-term lease for. Nick Spivak wants the place here for a long time, it's just getting to an agreement."
The operators want to see the Spivaks partner in the renovations since they'll ultimately own them.
The track is operated by Arlen Scherba of Sombra (40 per cent), Dave Meldrum of Stratford (10 per cent), and John Sheppard of Scarborough and Dave McDonald of Freelton (50 per cent). They took over from Tony Novotny in November 2000.
Wilcox also denied rumours the Spivaks are considering selling to a developer. "If it was for sale I think we'd know about it, because the ownership group did want to buy the land at one time."
Once a deal is in place, Wilcox said the first task is to replace the asphalt track, which will likely pave the way for a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. NASCAR is concerned about the deteriorating racing surface and pit road.
"I would say it's a legitimate concern and we realize if NASCAR is to come back the track has to be done," Scherba said. Wilcox said the track surface also is a concern, "but we do need to make sure our facility is up to par for having that type of event."
Scherba said it's important to get a NCATS race. It's been three years since the CASCAR Super Series, now NCATS, has been at Delaware.
"We asked them for a date in 2006 and when they delayed, we moved on," he said of the split. "We never shut the door. Whether you make money or not off that race, it's the image, the track awareness you get from NASCAR."
Also included in the changes are a poured concrete wall around the half-mile, new lighting, new grandstands, washrooms and private suites.
Anyone heard any more news on this? It should would be great to see ISMA back next year on a smooth, well-lit track...
If the Delaware team and the Spivak's can get this all tucked away I'll be there with bells on, the price of gas be damned!! Any show at a totally reno'd Delaware would be awesome. Eagerly awaiting any updates!! Maybe something will be announced this weekend...?? Here's hoping!!
As many may recall, Barrie began their reno in '05 immediately after the race season closed and completed the track and walls before the snow flew, but as most probably know, there were problems with the asphalt the next spring. Haste makes waste? I'm not the one to ask, but ya gotta wonder. Obviously Delaware's physical plant is quite a bit larger so a fall completion isn't likely, but however long it takes it'll be worth it.
They should consider doing Pit Road in Concrete as it stands up allot better to jacks, stands and spilt fuel.
Either way- Delaware has always been an awesome track and anything to improve it will only increase it's value with Racers and Fans alike.
Would not surprise me if something is mentioned soon after Saturdays final event at that is the Enduro Nationals and Wreckfest.Wonder if the word wreckfest means wreck the place (track) so it will have to be done.Would not surprise me if there is a NCTS race there in 2010.