E
Eagle1
Guest
Article Link
Speedway pushes for second event
By LOUIS BREWSTER
STAFF WRITER
FONTANA — About a month ago, a certain buzz was created within NASCAR Winston Cup circles when word surfaced that a significant announcement was scheduled April 26 at California Speedway.
the time Saturday rolled around, the momentum of the buzz had subsidized. The only announcement was that of Jamie McMurray's association with a new movie.
However, that did little to end the speculation that the Fontana track was in line for a second Winston Cup date. Such talk has been circulating ever since NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. said the sanctioning body was considering a realignment of the schedule in 2004.
Indeed, Thursday's action by the San Bernardino County Planning Commission -- which went largely unnoticed -- spoke volumes as to the speedway's future. With a 3-0 vote, a conditional use permit that included night racing was approved.
That's the first step of the process that could result in California getting a date that might be transferred from another International Speedway Corp. property. France, speaking to the press in January, mentioned that Rockingham, N.C., or Darlington, S.C., could lose one of their two Cup dates in the future.
California was mentioned as a possible replacement, as was Kansas Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway, also ISC tracks. All three tracks have worked to get the political backing and possible financial support to purchase lights, said to cost about $6.6 million at Fontana.
Throughout NASCAR circles, Fontana is considered the favorite for a second date, that it's California race to lose. Speedway president Bill Miller doesn't see it that way.
"I don't think we have a race to lose," said Miller, "Rather, ISC needs to make the best decision for its shareholders. We stand on our marketplace and merits of the facility.
"We feel that's the position we have to offer."
Miller also said that any funding arrangement for the lights is not contingent on landing a second date. The track is located in the San Sevine redevelopment district, which could generate the funds that would "benefit us, the county and the surrounding communities," said Miller.
Lights will be required as NASCAR and NBC are thought to want a Saturday night race in the fall. Fox currently broadcasts the Fontana race, so a second race would have to be in the second half of the season when NBC has the TV rights.
All three tracks have been very active on the political front.
Paul Biane, San Bernardino County second district supervisor, was at the Fontana track on Friday and Saturday, being ushered about by Miller. Biane is seen as a strong supporter for the track in its effort to get a second date and lights.
"I believe there is strong support for whatever proposal staff brings forward," said Biane. "We understand this is a very competitive process. Both (Kansas City and Phoenix) have potential for growth.
"I think this is a beauty contest."
Also at the track Saturday was Phoenix president Bryan Sperber. Although Kansas and California were quick to start their campaigns, Sperber has taken a conservative approach.
"I don't think timing is as important as substance," said Sperber. "We want to make sure all out I's are crossed and T's are crossed before we move forward."
Kansas president Jeff Boerger told an audience last week that "chances are fairly good" for a second date. He's getting plenty of support from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who had a conversation with Lisa Kennedy, France's daughter, and said "she thinks Kansas is very much in the running and very competitive."
Friday's crowd of 30,000, the biggest first-day crowd at the speedway, encouraged Miller. Another 60,000 were on hand Saturday and today's Auto Club California 500 is expected to attract upward of 125,000.
Speedway pushes for second event
By LOUIS BREWSTER
STAFF WRITER
FONTANA — About a month ago, a certain buzz was created within NASCAR Winston Cup circles when word surfaced that a significant announcement was scheduled April 26 at California Speedway.
the time Saturday rolled around, the momentum of the buzz had subsidized. The only announcement was that of Jamie McMurray's association with a new movie.
However, that did little to end the speculation that the Fontana track was in line for a second Winston Cup date. Such talk has been circulating ever since NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. said the sanctioning body was considering a realignment of the schedule in 2004.
Indeed, Thursday's action by the San Bernardino County Planning Commission -- which went largely unnoticed -- spoke volumes as to the speedway's future. With a 3-0 vote, a conditional use permit that included night racing was approved.
That's the first step of the process that could result in California getting a date that might be transferred from another International Speedway Corp. property. France, speaking to the press in January, mentioned that Rockingham, N.C., or Darlington, S.C., could lose one of their two Cup dates in the future.
California was mentioned as a possible replacement, as was Kansas Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway, also ISC tracks. All three tracks have worked to get the political backing and possible financial support to purchase lights, said to cost about $6.6 million at Fontana.
Throughout NASCAR circles, Fontana is considered the favorite for a second date, that it's California race to lose. Speedway president Bill Miller doesn't see it that way.
"I don't think we have a race to lose," said Miller, "Rather, ISC needs to make the best decision for its shareholders. We stand on our marketplace and merits of the facility.
"We feel that's the position we have to offer."
Miller also said that any funding arrangement for the lights is not contingent on landing a second date. The track is located in the San Sevine redevelopment district, which could generate the funds that would "benefit us, the county and the surrounding communities," said Miller.
Lights will be required as NASCAR and NBC are thought to want a Saturday night race in the fall. Fox currently broadcasts the Fontana race, so a second race would have to be in the second half of the season when NBC has the TV rights.
All three tracks have been very active on the political front.
Paul Biane, San Bernardino County second district supervisor, was at the Fontana track on Friday and Saturday, being ushered about by Miller. Biane is seen as a strong supporter for the track in its effort to get a second date and lights.
"I believe there is strong support for whatever proposal staff brings forward," said Biane. "We understand this is a very competitive process. Both (Kansas City and Phoenix) have potential for growth.
"I think this is a beauty contest."
Also at the track Saturday was Phoenix president Bryan Sperber. Although Kansas and California were quick to start their campaigns, Sperber has taken a conservative approach.
"I don't think timing is as important as substance," said Sperber. "We want to make sure all out I's are crossed and T's are crossed before we move forward."
Kansas president Jeff Boerger told an audience last week that "chances are fairly good" for a second date. He's getting plenty of support from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who had a conversation with Lisa Kennedy, France's daughter, and said "she thinks Kansas is very much in the running and very competitive."
Friday's crowd of 30,000, the biggest first-day crowd at the speedway, encouraged Miller. Another 60,000 were on hand Saturday and today's Auto Club California 500 is expected to attract upward of 125,000.