Re: Bad News from out West
 

It wasn't the same track after K. Hall was booted! It will be missed! Just like me retired! Could be my last post.
Been a long time sense I been in here.
Then you have Bayland Raceway, Fremont Drags, 1/4 midget track, is car dealers and was going to be the Oakland A's new place to play ball!

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by terrehautian:
Williams Grove used to also have a Amusement Park, but it is closed now.

As for MAnzi.....just a general question about Arizona....is any lawns out there actually have grass or do they all have dirt or something that is not grass, never been out there. I know it gets hot.

Yep....but Rocks n' cactus' don't need water to survive!!........
__________
Brucer'

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by AustinSprinter:
Yep....but Rocks n' cactus' don't need water to survive!!........
__________
Brucer'

Astroturf doesn't either, and doesn't need mowed either...:O:

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Yes, Superduke, he is a businessman. Too bad this businessman chose not to keep promises he made to the community. Sad that money (and making more than one can spend in a lifetime) has become the sole purpose of many businessmen.
What about the car owners and drivers who built cars, bought parts and equipment, begged for sponsors? Apparently agreements with racing associations, track sponsors, employees, don't mean anything to the businessman. Everyone associated with racing here was led to believe races would be held at Manzanita this year- a new manager was hired, schedule published. I am not naive enough to think that things will stay the same- but I do believe there is a right way and a wrong way to do business. And, this in my opinion is the wrong way. To hell with history, tradition, loyalties, take that money to the bank.
:thumbsdown:

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by SUPERDUKE:
:applaud:WELL MEL PAID 2 1/2 MILLION FOR IT 3 YEARS AGO AND SOLD IT FOR 10 MILLION! NOW TELL ME IS THAT BAD? I WOULD AND SO WOULD ALL OF YOU TAKE THE MONEY!!!! MEL USED TO PROMOTE THE AZ. STATE FAIRGROUND RACES! HES A BUSINESS MAN!:checkered:

Ok, Take two million of the profit build another track and still be 6 million ahead.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

CHighAZ-
Bravo for putting that perspective on it. I can see selling at the profit offered. I can see the purchaser wanting to make their usage quickly, but what galls me is that this looks so much like Take The Money And Run. Surely a track like Manzanita could have a "Final Season Farewell" that would be worthy of the Nostalgia that so many of us have for this mecca of dirt track racing. And in a state that has perpetual warm to hot to really hot weather, I can't be led to believe that the seasonal particulars lorded over the insistence that bulldozers begin moving in less than a month.
The season was set, and as you note, sponsors were secured, plans made, parts purchased and cars readied. I'll accept the inevitable ends of most dirt tracks in my lifetime, and it WILL make me cherish the ones I see today, and take my son to. But to have ZERO forenotice of this evaporation of a place with the legacy of Manzy just does not sit well.
I truly hope that another track emerges in the area (Paging Humpy Wheeler! Attention Tony Stewart!), but my guess is if it does appear, it will of course sit outside one of the turns at PIR and race about four shows a year and look like Vegas' surface. The Phoenix area is growing, frankly, quicker than it should, so I understand that real estate values for commercial purposes are going to put a crimp in anyone's plans to open an independent oval dirt track that won't be soon encroached upon and rendered into yet another truck-driving school, interstate warehouse or strip mall. Let alone one that is any kind of convenient short hop from any residential areas.
I, personally, would have made absolutely certain to get back there for one last weekend (perhaps two) if I would have known the time was this short. I would have bought my last ticket, my last rack of ribs, burrito, Foster's and shirts and programs, and reflected on the times I spent there with my father, brother, son, cousins and uncle, as well as so many friends and racers. At its best Manzanita was in the pantheon of great historical half-miles in history. That history will have to suffice for all of us now.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by sceckert:
CHighAZ-
Bravo for putting that perspective on it. I can see selling at the profit offered. I can see the purchaser wanting to make their usage quickly, but what galls me is that this looks so much like Take The Money And Run. Surely a track like Manzanita could have a "Final Season Farewell" that would be worthy of the Nostalgia that so many of us have for this mecca of dirt track racing. And in a state that has perpetual warm to hot to really hot weather, I can't be led to believe that the seasonal particulars lorded over the insistence that bulldozers begin moving in less than a month.
The season was set, and as you note, sponsors were secured, plans made, parts purchased and cars readied. I'll accept the inevitable ends of most dirt tracks in my lifetime, and it WILL make me cherish the ones I see today, and take my son to. But to have ZERO forenotice of this evaporation of a place with the legacy of Manzy just does not sit well.
I truly hope that another track emerges in the area (Paging Humpy Wheeler! Attention Tony Stewart!), but my guess is if it does appear, it will of course sit outside one of the turns at PIR and race about four shows a year and look like Vegas' surface. The Phoenix area is growing, frankly, quicker than it should, so I understand that real estate values for commercial purposes are going to put a crimp in anyone's plans to open an independent oval dirt track that won't be soon encroached upon and rendered into yet another truck-driving school, interstate warehouse or strip mall. Let alone one that is any kind of convenient short hop from any residential areas.
I, personally, would have made absolutely certain to get back there for one last weekend (perhaps two) if I would have known the time was this short. I would have bought my last ticket, my last rack of ribs, burrito, Foster's and shirts and programs, and reflected on the times I spent there with my father, brother, son, cousins and uncle, as well as so many friends and racers. At its best Manzanita was in the pantheon of great historical half-miles in history. That history will have to suffice for all of us now.

Your great post says it all Mr. Eckert. :applaud: :respect:

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by sceckert:
CHighAZ-
Bravo for putting that perspective on it. I can see selling at the profit offered. I can see the purchaser wanting to make their usage quickly, but what galls me is that this looks so much like Take The Money And Run. Surely a track like Manzanita could have a "Final Season Farewell" that would be worthy of the Nostalgia that so many of us have for this mecca of dirt track racing. And in a state that has perpetual warm to hot to really hot weather, I can't be led to believe that the seasonal particulars lorded over the insistence that bulldozers begin moving in less than a month.
The season was set, and as you note, sponsors were secured, plans made, parts purchased and cars readied. I'll accept the inevitable ends of most dirt tracks in my lifetime, and it WILL make me cherish the ones I see today, and take my son to. But to have ZERO forenotice of this evaporation of a place with the legacy of Manzy just does not sit well.
I truly hope that another track emerges in the area (Paging Humpy Wheeler! Attention Tony Stewart!), but my guess is if it does appear, it will of course sit outside one of the turns at PIR and race about four shows a year and look like Vegas' surface. The Phoenix area is growing, frankly, quicker than it should, so I understand that real estate values for commercial purposes are going to put a crimp in anyone's plans to open an independent oval dirt track that won't be soon encroached upon and rendered into yet another truck-driving school, interstate warehouse or strip mall. Let alone one that is any kind of convenient short hop from any residential areas.
I, personally, would have made absolutely certain to get back there for one last weekend (perhaps two) if I would have known the time was this short. I would have bought my last ticket, my last rack of ribs, burrito, Foster's and shirts and programs, and reflected on the times I spent there with my father, brother, son, cousins and uncle, as well as so many friends and racers. At its best Manzanita was in the pantheon of great historical half-miles in history. That history will have to suffice for all of us now.

Exactly. Even the loss of Ascot was tempered with a farewell season.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Here are some quotes from the newspaper when Mr. Martin bought Manzy- we all truly believed he meant what he said. ( bold emphasis is mine)

From the AZ Republic August 15, 2007


"Manzanita Speedway, considered one of the top dirt tracks in the country since it opened in 1951, changes hands today.

Phoenix businessman Mel Martin, who helped build the facility as it was being converted from a dog-racing track, and his son, Bobby, are the new owners. Both are lifelong fans who own race cars, and they offered assurances that dirt-track racing would continue.

"The (Kimbros) main interest was to protect the integrity of Manzanita and auto racing because they know how important Manzanita is to people all over the country," said Wood. "Mel Martin had the background."

"We want to tell them, 'thank you,' let them know we're moving on," he said, "and that it's going to be a racetrack for years and years to come."

This is why the racing community in Arizona feel like they were blindsided.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by davidm:
I fear the day that something like this happen to Williams Grove. The houses are getting closer every year.

And it'll start with noise complaints - homeowners complaining about the noise, the late night lights, the traffic and the dust.... So the grove will hold a few meetings, and take a few steps to address those issues....

And the houses will continue to get closer...the land will become worth more if it is sold for development than if they use it as a race track....

And the new home owners will complain some more....and the track will decide to sell out rather than try and address the various complaints, whether or not the complaints ar real or imagined....

Most folks don't follow or support racing, and have little or no interest in tradition or history in something that doesn't involve them...or their interests.... and eventually another race track with a storied history will bite the dust.....

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by CHighAZ:
Here are some quotes from the newspaper when Mr. Martin bought Manzy- we all truly believed he meant what he said. ( bold emphasis is mine)

From the AZ Republic August 15, 2007


"Manzanita Speedway, considered one of the top dirt tracks in the country since it opened in 1951, changes hands today.

Phoenix businessman Mel Martin, who helped build the facility as it was being converted from a dog-racing track, and his son, Bobby, are the new owners. Both are lifelong fans who own race cars, and they offered assurances that dirt-track racing would continue.

"The (Kimbros) main interest was to protect the integrity of Manzanita and auto racing because they know how important Manzanita is to people all over the country," said Wood. "Mel Martin had the background."

"We want to tell them, 'thank you,' let them know we're moving on," he said, "and that it's going to be a racetrack for years and years to come."

This is why the racing community in Arizona feel like they were blindsided.

My only comment is that EVERYONE has a right to change their mind. And if you read the article properly, you'll see that it's Dennis Wood speaking, not Mel Martin.

If you can tell me that you haven't changed your mind once in the past three years. then I'll accept your position that you were blindsided.

As a business man, I can tell you that changing times demand changing strategies....just ask GM, US Steel, or PPG....or any other company dealing with this economy......

Re: Bad News from out West
 

This is terrible news. I cannot say I am totally shocked. I was out there 10 years ago and there was nothing to the south of the track. I was back 5years ago and it starting to really be developed. A freind of mine who relocated there from Indiana told me then he couldn't see it lasting another 5 years. I went back last fall and the area south was totally develpoed, and I was hoping it could hold on. In fairness to the Martins taxes were probably more a year than the place made. A very sad day as it was definitly one of my favorite tracks. It looks like my fall vacation just got shorter. Too bad my wife and I already booked our flights. One good thing, most everything there could be unbolted and moved. Anyone know a good sugar daddy?

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by mds motorsports:
ABC Motorsports.com has posted thet The Martins have sold Manzi to a trucking company and it will close April 1st. What will now happen to the Westerns-Copper on Dirt? A very sad day for open wheel racing and the history of such a awesome race track.

Ah, CRAP!:thumbsdown:

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by AlkyMadness:
What gives with these trucking companies and classic dirt tracks? That's what happed to Atomic Speedway in TN. Became a Crete Carrier terminal.

Well, guess I'll never see this vintage track in person.

Twin Cities Speedway/North Star Speedway/North Starr Speedway in Blaine, MN became a truck terminal, too.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by sprntr:
Twin Cities Speedway/North Star Speedway/North Starr Speedway in Blaine, MN became a truck terminal, too.

And what driveway does Gas City share?

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Yes, Sprinter 25, I have changed my mind since Aug. 2007. About things like what I wear to work, where I go to eat, the color of my nail polish, what to buy for my house- but not about agreements I have signed, verbal commitments I've made to people who depend on my word. Yes, Mr. Martin has the right to sell the land that the track sits on, he has the right decide what ever he wants, to make whatever money he can. But there is also a "right" way to treat people. I doubt he woke up one day this week and made some calls and sold the property. My point is he let everyone think they were going to have a racing season this year, he hired people in January thinking that, car owners spent time and money with that understanding. I was taught you have responsibilities with those rights- call me old fashioned. I forgot the golden rule has no place in business these days.

By the way, the parts of article I posted were just that- parts. The first was an assurance given to the author that dirt track racing would continue by Mel and Bobby Martin. The last sentence, the "he" was not Dennis Wood- it was a quote from the general manager hired by Mr. Martin. But of course they changed their minds. :crying: race fans in AZ

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Since it seems there already are cars and owners in Phoenix that should prompt someone to consider a new track. Maybe the Gila River Indian Community should be approached. They are on the south edge of the metro area adjacent to Firebird Raceway and I10. They have a casino,hotel, two golf courses and are building a bigger hotel and casino. At one point they offered the land for the new Arizona Cardinals football stadium but the politicians didn't want to lose all the tax revenue by having it on indian land. They also have lots of land with nothing on it and may not have to comply with the EPA regulations. It sure would be great to hear a 410 again without mufflers. The San Felipe Pueblo built a nice facility at Hollywood Hills in New Mexico and the casino helps support it. You don't get so fixated on making a profit when those slot machines pay most of the bills
Just thinking out loud. :doh:

Vern Plotts

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by ColoradoFan:
Since it seems there already are cars and owners in Phoenix that should prompt someone to consider a new track. Maybe the Gila River Indian Community should be approached. They are on the south edge of the metro area adjacent to Firebird Raceway and I10. They have a casino,hotel, two golf courses and are building a bigger hotel and casino. At one point they offered the land for the new Arizona Cardinals football stadium but the politicians didn't want to lose all the tax revenue by having it on indian land. They also have lots of land with nothing on it and may not have to comply with the EPA regulations. It sure would be great to hear a 410 again without mufflers. The San Felipe Pueblo built a nice facility at Hollywood Hills in New Mexico and the casino helps support it. You don't get so fixated on making a profit when those slot machines pay most of the bills
Just thinking out loud. :doh:

Vern Plotts

The problem with it on the reservation is what they demand in return. This was tried by Buddy Murphy back in as I remeber the 80s and did not work. The lease was not to bad but at that time they wanted a huge % of concession's ,and a part of front gate ,and there had to be as I remeber 60or70% Indians hired as workers for ticket and concession sales. I do remeber in the end it did not last very long and the 3/8s mile dirt track was gone forever.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

I just caught the tail end of the first news story I have heard about Manzy closing on channel 12 news. The reporter stated something about the name being bought and efforts being made to relocate the track somewhere in the valley. Although the history of running at that famed track would be lost, it is the first bright ray of hope that we could get another dirt track here in the valley. Maybe what I saw in the paper last week about land in Goodyear being set a side for a race track is true. Will report more as it becomes available. Headed to Manzy tonight with my friends late model may have more to report Sunday morning.


Patti

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Sad news indeed. Hopefully a new track can be constructed in the valley to place it. This reminds me all to well about Santa Fe Speedway. When it was first built there was nothing around it. Then as time when by $400,000 on up to $1,000,000 homes where constructed closer and closer to it. All these people moved there knowing there was a racetrack in close proximity but still complained about the noise. Developers ended up buying the property around it to build more homes and eventually, I believe the principal owner died leaving it to his kids and they sold it to the developers. But the developer didnt get the chunk of change he was hoping for out of the property because the mass site cleanup that would have to be done from years of oil and who knows what else getting dumped onto the ground and now it is a parking lot for a school bus company. So much history being lost everywhere you go these days. What about going to a historical society and trying to get historical status for some of these racetracks that have been around for years. They do it for other historical sites in the country. Why not racetracks?

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by Lowlife517:
Sad news indeed. Hopefully a new track can be constructed in the valley to place it. This reminds me all to well about Santa Fe Speedway. When it was first built there was nothing around it. Then as time when by $400,000 on up to $1,000,000 homes where constructed closer and closer to it. All these people moved there knowing there was a racetrack in close proximity but still complained about the noise. Developers ended up buying the property around it to build more homes and eventually, I believe the principal owner died leaving it to his kids and they sold it to the developers. But the developer didnt get the chunk of change he was hoping for out of the property because the mass site cleanup that would have to be done from years of oil and who knows what else getting dumped onto the ground and now it is a parking lot for a school bus company. So much history being lost everywhere you go these days. What about going to a historical society and trying to get historical status for some of these racetracks that have been around for years. They do it for other historical sites in the country. Why not racetracks?

They have to present something of value to a community or the nation and racetracks are generally not looked upon as that.

Originally Posted by :
All these people moved there knowing there was a racetrack in close proximity but still complained about the noise

I singled out this statement for one particular reason. What needs to be done (and MUST be done) is a who was there first ruling. It's not only racetracks that suffer but also farmers, and people who have lived in an area long before these rich people move out there. I guess the old adage "First come First served" means nothing anymore. It's more like" Who ever has the most money get's their way.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Just so you guys know.... this sale has nothing to do with the housing and noise.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

There is no reason at all, beyond unwillingness, that a new facility can't be established in a metropolitan boomtown like the greater Phoenix area to fill the void left by Manzanita's sale. I second Coloradofan's notion that a Reservation locale may have huge upsides. Frankly, the issues that might have squelched doing deals with Native Americans in the past don't carry much water in these economic times.
They hear the pitch, they make their proposal, and either a deal is struck or not. As property owners, they should be able to establish a percentage-based cut of deals, especially as they are likely to provide a great many goods and services.
But whether it gets placed on reservation-land, out in the ever-decreasing boondocks of the valley, next to PIR, or in Little Mexico, the idea that an enormous metro area with an established fan base for racing and exceptional weather year-round can support a new track is a no-brainer. Here's to an eventual New Manzy Raceway....

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by sceckert:
There is no reason at all, beyond unwillingness, that a new facility can't be established in a metropolitan boomtown like the greater Phoenix area to fill the void left by Manzanita's sale. I second Coloradofan's notion that a Reservation locale may have huge upsides. Frankly, the issues that might have squelched doing deals with Native Americans in the past don't carry much water in these economic times.
They hear the pitch, they make their proposal, and either a deal is struck or not. As property owners, they should be able to establish a percentage-based cut of deals, especially as they are likely to provide a great many goods and services.
But whether it gets placed on reservation-land, out in the ever-decreasing boondocks of the valley, next to PIR, or in Little Mexico, the idea that an enormous metro area with an established fan base for racing and exceptional weather year-round can support a new track is a no-brainer. Here's to an eventual New Manzy Raceway....

Building a track on a reservation is about as stable as building a racetrack a mile from a 20 year old housing community.

I shouldn't really go into details but if you need any examples, look at Hollywood Hills Speedway. One of the nicest dirt facilities in the country and it sat dormant for almost two years before it got an operator. Ask yourself why. The current promoters are taking a huge risk in making that place work, in more ways than one.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by Slide Job Racing:
Just so you guys know.... this sale has nothing to do with the housing and noise.

Slide Job Racing, so please tell us what this sale does have to do with? What caused Mel Martin to pull the plug on Manzy after the track had already opened for the year, had released a schedule for the year and secured sponsorship for the year? I personally think this has been the hardest thing for the racing community to except. If the racers had been told at the end of last year or over the winter there would be no racing this year. They would not have spent hard earned money getting there cars ready. A sale like this does not happend overnight. Hopefully there will be an article in the AZ Republic soon that will help us understand way this sale has taken place at this time. My guess is economy, economy, economy!!! Was Mr. Martin one of the 40 some Arizona residents that had invested their life savings with Bernie Madoff?

The Martin family since taking over ownership of Manzy had made several improvements to the facility, maybe those improvements and the fact that the Martin family were themselves Manzy racers gave us all a false security that Manzy would be around for another 50 years. Maybe that is why so many from the Manzy racing community feel like they have been blind sided with this sale.

Manzy closing on April 11th means the Arizona racing community has lost two tracks within approximately 1 1/2 hours from each this year. Several posters have mentioned Keith Hall in this thread, last November when I attended a race at USA Raceway in Tucson Keith was working at this track; maybe that is why it was so easy for some of the ASCS dates to be picked up by that track. Just a guess on my part!

Patti

Re: Bad News from out West
 

As of right now Mr. Hall has nothing to do with USA Raceway (lawsuit pending) Kevin Montgomery and Benji Lyons are promoting the track.
Southwest Crane was one of the bidders that had their hat in the mix when the Kimbro's sold it. The mineral rights alone are worth millions may be one of the motives behind it. I know you are aware of the rock quarry behind the track. Southwest had offered to purchase the track a few months ago and the Martins told them no. If the track was to be sold.... X amount would be the price. It has taken a few months but unfortunately the price was met. As bad as we all think that this is.... it does not change the fact the the Martins are good people.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by Slide Job Racing:
As of right now Mr. Hall has nothing to do with USA Raceway (lawsuit pending) Kevin Montgomery and Benji Lyons are promoting the track.
Southwest Crane was one of the bidders that had their hat in the mix when the Kimbro's sold it. The mineral rights alone are worth millions may be one of the motives behind it. I know you are aware of the rock quarry behind the track. Southwest had offered to purchase the track a few months ago and the Martins told them no. If the track was to be sold.... X amount would be the price. It has taken a few months but unfortunately the price was met. As bad as we all think that this is.... it does not change the fact the the Martins are good people.

I just heard last night at Manzy that Keith Hall was let go over the winter fron USA Raceway, the party that told me did not mention a lawsuit. Guess I shouldn't have assumed because someone they would still be there.

IMHO, I do not think anyone has said or stated they think the Martin's are bad people. People just want answers, this is a big shock to everyone because unlike the other tracks we are aware of closing this year, Manzy opened and had a schedule in place for the year.

I don't know who was announcing last night with Windy, whoever he was he said the racing community will deal with the cards they have been dealt. He expressed great optimism that there will be a new Manzy somewhere in the valley. He talked about the strength of the fan base for dirt track racing community here in the valley. Only time will tell how this all plays out.

Patti

Re: Bad News from out West
 

I was not implying that you were saying that the Martin's were bad people by no means Patti. I guess it was just out of frustration of reading what others are saying on other message boards about not supporting the last days of the track. I for one won't miss it for the world. Take care and I know we will see you there next weekend and the 11th as well. I am sure it will be an exhausting night as I will be hopping between 3 cars for the last night at the place we so love.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Everytime I reread this thread I just hope this is just a nasty/horrible April Fool's day joke being April 1st is throw around as the final day of the track.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

This is the saddest NEWS.... I grew up at that joint. Went to grade school with Keith Halls Daughter.I think if it does go down Dig all that clay up and bring it to Eldora or somewhere in Indiana. Ihave not been there in years. They used to have some pretty tacky New Mexico clay.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by dirtywhiteboy:
Everytime I reread this thread I just hope this is just a nasty/horrible April Fool's day joke being April 1st is throw around as the final day of the track.

No dirtywhiteboy, it is not a nasty/horrible April Fool's joke. Althought those were my thoughts when I first so it posted. Sadly it is true, just watched the Verus coverage of the USAC midget and sprint features; am still in disbelief that was the last USAC race I will ever see run at Manzy.

Patti

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by Slide Job Racing:
I was not implying that you were saying that the Martin's were bad people by no means Patti. I guess it was just out of frustration of reading what others are saying on other message boards about not supporting the last days of the track. I for one won't miss it for the world. Take care and I know we will see you there next weekend and the 11th as well. I am sure it will be an exhausting night as I will be hopping between 3 cars for the last night at the place we so love.

Slide Job Racing, I did not think you were implying that I thought the Martin's were bad people. Alot of people are frustrated by this news, this has effected racers all over the country not just the Arizona racing community. On Friday of Copper on Dirt the two gentleman sitting next to me had ties to Ron Shuman when he use to race. I believe one of them owned a car he drove at some point in his career, they made the trip from IOWA. On Saturday night the man sitting next to me had on a NEMA midget sweatshirt, sure enough he came to Manzy from CT. In that same section was a couple from PA. that enjoyed going to Jennerstown to watch ISMA run. Manzy was the type of place that no matter what kind of racing you followed you had to make at least one trip to Manzy in your racing lifetime.

Yes, I will be there next weekend, also April 4th & 11th; as well as the World of Outlaws Show March 28th. Good luck April 11th. Last night there was also some indication the season could run a few races longer than April 11, we will have to see what happends.

I don't understand your statement "I for one won't miss it for the world". My personal belief is everyone that has ever been to Manzy is going to miss the racing, the friendships they have made over the years and the history of the place.
The one thing I wouldn't miss is the drive down 35th Ave. to get to the track at times it can be pretty scary.

Safe racing,

Patti

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by IndyBound:
I don't understand your statement "I for one won't miss it for the world". My personal belief is everyone that has ever been to Manzy is going to miss the racing, the friendships thry have made over the years and the history of the place.

Patti,

I took that to mean he wouldn't miss the final races at Manzy for the world. I think that's what he was saying. Just watched the speed report, still can't believe it's for real. :crying:

David.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

I've never been to Manzy, seen it on video/TV plenty of times.

I guess what seems so upsetting to me, I live in one of the most densely populated regions in the country right between Philadelphia and New York City. There's just no place to build anything except where something else already exists, and we've lost countless historic tracks because of that.

It just seems to me from my northeastern elitist mindset that out in Arizona you could throw a rock from where you are standing at any moment and come up with a million acres to park a bunch of equipment on. Of course I know it's not that simple, just unfortunate.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Thank you Ovalmeister... I would not miss that last race for the world.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by Ovalmeister:
Patti,

I took that to mean he wouldn't miss the final races at Manzy for the world. I think that's what he was saying. Just watched the speed report, still can't believe it's for real. :crying:

David.

Thanks David, sometimes I'm a little dense. I didn't catch the speed report today, going to watch the 11 P. M. version. I still can't believe it either. I am still trying to win the lottery, I guess the list of places to spend the money keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Patti

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by IndyBound:
Thanks David, sometimes I'm a little dense. I didn't catch the speed report today, going to watch the 11 P. M. version. I still can't believe it either. I am still trying to win the lottery, I guess the list of places to spend the money keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Patti

Patti, I thought I either heard them say on the Speed Report or read on the ticker at the bottom of the screen that the were looking for a site to relocate the track. Was I dreaming that or maybe that was just wishful thinking?

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Terre haute was very close to this already. Thanks mike king and company, we can only hope the promoters get enough help and fan support to keep this historic venue open for the rest of us and children to enjoy.

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Yes, if you can believe what you read, I saw it also, on the ticker last night. Bob

Re: Bad News from out West
 

Originally Posted by Seadog:
Patti, I thought I either heard them say on the Speed Report or read on the ticker at the bottom of the screen that the were looking for a site to relocate the track. Was I dreaming that or maybe that was just wishful thinking?

No Gregg, you weren't dreaming. The first news report I saw hear in Arizona said the Speedway name has been bought and there is talk of relocating to some where in the valley. Actually last week there was an article in the West Valley View a small west valley paper that said land somewhere in Goodyear has been set aside for a race track but hasn't been developed yet. From what I learned at the track last Saturday, two people involved with currently running Manzy have bought the name and do plan to try to relocate the track. The question is where? Rumors were flying about the Indian land by Firebird, of course I would rather see it come to the west valley. Interpretion is the key word here, Windy and a younger announcer both addressed the subject of the track closing; my interpretion of what they were saying was the sale was handled in a wrong manner, unfairly to the racers and racing community that has supported Manzy for so long. They mentioned something about the ideal situation would be to have a new track up and running by October, however permits and town board aprroval can be a long process. I know that for a fact, myself and a large group of my neighbors have taken a interest in the shaping of our town, we regularly attend council meetings, unless your name is Walmart permit approval is an endless battle.

Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part or selective interpretion, but I interpreted what the announcers were saying as follows: if the track had been sold with the understanding that the racing season would be completed in full for the 2009 season, the parties buying the name could have started the process of buying land, securing permits and possibly having a track built in time for the 2010 race season.

On Wind Tunnel, Dave stated that the Manzy promoter didn't even know the land was for sale. I notified the competitors that I go racing with about the sale as soon as I saw it posted on IOW; they didn't have a clue. I am back on my rant again but, IMHO I feel this is why the racing community is having such a hard time with this news; a racing schedule had been secured for 13 regular classes of cars as well as two USAC special events with three classes of cars, the World of Outlaws and USAC Off Road GP (which I had never seen on the schedule before). Sponsorship had been secured for the year. The Martin's are a racing family which when they bought the track it is my personal belief gave people a false security that they no longer had to worry about the rumors of Manzy going away. I will stop ranting and simply say let's hope it doesn't take long for Manzy to be relocated. An I personally vote to relocate to the west valley.

Patti