Kokomo Tribune

Vacant building offers 900,000 square feet and has ample parking.

By KEN de la BASTIDE
Tribune columnist

Situated along the rolling farmland on U.S. 31 in Tipton County on a 145-acre site at the intersection of Ind. 28 is the unfinished $530 million Getrag transmission plant.

With Getrag Transmission LLC filing for bankruptcy protection and the world’s automakers in the midst of depression era sales numbers, it appears that it could be several years before the building is completed or a buyer located.

Perhaps some millionaire race car driver or team owner should enter into negotiations to lease the building and property on an annual basis or until a buyer is found and use the vacant shell of a building for indoor auto racing.

Does it sound far fetched? Think about the logistics of the building. It is 900,000 square feet and is four stories tall.

Dirt could be hauled inside the facility and a half-mile dirt track could be constructed. Granted the track would have long straight-aways and tight corners, kind of like the Martinsville track. Restraining walls and fencing could be installed.

Temporary seating could be leased for fans, temporary pit stalls erected outside the building for the crews and the gaps in the wall could allow fumes to escape.

Rain won’t impact the racing and there is plenty of free parking on the grounds. Indoor midget, late model and sprint cars could be raced twice a week on a year-round basis.

Consider the financial advantages. Getrag would receive income from the lease which could pay its creditors, Tipton County could impose an admissions tax to be used to pay off the bond issues. Local business would benefit from fans purchasing food and fuel.

Racing teams and fans from throughout the Midwest wouldn’t have to stop attending races because of the weather. It could make Tipton County a destination for racing of all types.

Who knows, perhaps karts and quarter-midgets could race in the middle of the week?

Kokomo would see an increase in overnight stays as race teams seek a room for one or two nights and restaurants would see an influx of customers.

Maybe even the Speed Channel would televise some of the events instead of the lame programs it airs most of the year.

This is a win-win for everyone. Race teams get to compete, fans get to view the sport they enjoy year-round, Tipton and Howard counties would get additional tax revenue and local business makes more money.

Don’t forget that this weekend there will be racing at an indoor convention center in Toledo and on the weekend of Dec. 19-20 there’s more racing at the Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum.

Drivers from around the U.S. and Canada are scheduled to compete including Tony Stewart and Ken Schrader.

Local drivers racing include Jon Stanbrough, Mel Kenyon, Dave Darland, Billy Wease and Tony Elliott.

Some people might consider racing at Getrag a crazy idea. But remember, indoor racing takes place in Tulsa, Atlantic City and in Florida. None of the venues provide the advantages of the Getrag site.

Theres a huge Ford Transmission plant vacant in Batavia Ohio. In Stock car cournty but Oh well.

I like the idea, but don't expect Speed to stop airing any lame shows anytime soon. It seems that they are replacing what rare decent show they might have with some auto parts commercial camoflagued as a "how to" show or another iteration of Pinks. . . . .

It would be one hell of an idea.But that is all it will be.In today financial state nobody is going to do it.But I really like the thought of racing in Indiana all year long.Not a half mile but just like Tulsa or Duqouin.What a dream!

de la Bastide writes a good column and has a good head on his shoulders when it comes to racing but this is a total pipe dream.

Companies and governments just don't see auto racing as a viable income source. Besdies Getrag will dump it off on someone else's shoulders for a massive loss just so it looks better on the books.

Pipe dream yes And as far as De LaBastide writing a good column Hmm Please point one out.. Sorry your right he does write a good column (when it doesnt pertain to racing) He should stick to ******** and world news let the racing community read Bowmans articles.. Hell Ive read many of DeLaBastides articles when he cant even get the drivers names or teams right ...

This isnt even a Pipe Dream its illogical especially with this Economy

Just my 2 cents

Hay guess what, these building are setting all over the midwest. There will be even more of them next year. On one hand I would like to see someone try to do something during the winter, but on the other hand if it was every week I would be divorced. The other thing is drivers need time off to recover financially. Just worried about what kind of following a place would get. If it ran weekly I think it would be hard to have full fields.

Divorced, hey, that is a good one. Oh, wait a minute. I AM divorced. Let's go with it. . . .. (It's okay, my girlfriend LOVES racing).

twice a month from january till the start of regular race season might not be too bad

Being my business is just a few miles down the road, there is a ton of horror stories from that building (chapter 11). It has so many construction liens against it. I doubt anybody has a key that will unlock any doors. A paving company has a lien for paving for over $500,000. There are alot more and those construction business will probably go down the tube because they will never be paid for their work. I am told the windows will be yellow next year because any use now will be to store corn. Ha!

Lynn