surfnsprint

I got to the racetrack about five o’clock last night. All the gates were flung open, but the entire place was empty except for mud and vision. I walked about for about an hour and let my mind run.

They fixed up the concession stands real nice. New roof tiles, new ceramic counters, new paint job. They kept the same old prices.

The pit crews have a new grandstand, solid concrete, up high to see the track and designed for a quick exit if you need to get down to your sprint car in a hurry. Small improvements, but another step forward.

I stood in the empty stands and looked out over the dark rich dirt of the racetrack. It reminds me of black gold. What would it cost to build this anywhere? With the price of dirt in California, especially with an ocean view, this track, pits and parking has to be worth a quick 100 million.

Of course, you couldn’t build it anywhere anymore. Between zoning, city planning, neighborhood associations, state and federal land, you might get permission for a track like this out in nowhere. It’s a heck of a drive to nowhere and you’ve lost the ocean view.

How cool to live in Ventura County and race on a track like this. How great to be in California and own a track like this. How did we all get here? Who do I thank? It’s not perfect, but it sure is close.

A few rain delays have not dampened my anticipation. Ventura Raceway is a diamond. With pride in our racetrack, we will be racing all summer.

Support Ventura Raceway, it’s your raceway!