1 It may be just the time to put the bid up after the initial bid and extension were granted
Which may or may not include a application from current Leasor.
2. And I have no clue if its true or not. Current Lessor has no plans to continue post 2017 (Pure hypothetical)
On a personally not, I think the tracks been run well. Promoted well and crowds are way up compared to prior 2007. They have four USAC National, A WoO stellar date, Lucas LM's and now the Downey which is a stellar Mod show. The Night of Destruction last year might have sold out twice if they coul have kept selling tickets.
Your mileage may vary (Compared to my thoughts.
But I don't think someone without some capital to start with would be able to just up and run it.