BAKERSFIELD, California -- When we all gathered in Bakersfield for Mesa Marin Raceway's 28th, and final, October Classic we were assured that two things were going to happen: Mesa Marin was going to pull out all of the stops to make the 2005 Classic the biggest and best three days of racing in its long and illustrious history. Secondly, somewhere in the late hours of October 15th we were going to have to say goodbye to a motorsports facility that meant everything to us and no matter what level of toughness we ascended to we were going to feel the pain.
Everyone knew this night was coming back in June when Mesa Marin Vice President Larry Collins held a press conference and announced the decision to sell 40 of the track's 56 acres to a housing developer and 2005 would be Mesa Marin's final season. While that announcement left many of us speechless, we eventually had to admit that all of the reasons were sound. There was a need for his parents, Marion and Shirley Collins, to slow down. At 69 years young they both continued to dedicate their lives to the race track they created and Larry Collins knew they would never consider retirement as long as the track was still open.
The other reason was attributed to a housing boom in east Bakersfield. When Marion Collins began constructing his race track in 1976 an infringement on neighbors wasn't an issue. There were no neighbors. The local government agencies granted him a conditional use permit to construct and operate the track despite the fact it was on land zoned for residential use. At the time any development that would generate more tax dollars in an undeveloped area was considered welcome.
But over the years more houses were built in east Bakersfield and, when the area got its own water and sewer facilities, the Collins family knew trouble was coming. They soon realized that Bakersfield city government was not going to help them. In fact, the City Planner had already suggested that they should consider closing or moving because their current conditional use permit was not going to be extended. Faced with a long and expensive fight that could not possibly be won, the Collins accepted a real estate offer that was too big to refuse.
Over the 28 years of its existence, Mesa Marin Raceway has been incredibly good for the community according to the Kern County Board Of Trade. It's been estimated that the raceway contributed over one billion dollars to the local economy during its life span. That figure is based on tourism spending as well as businesses, families and individuals who relocated to Kern County because of Mesa Marin Raceway. It was estimated that the 2005 October Classic alone was going to bring in approximately $4.7 million in tourism to the county.
According to the raceway's historical records, 3.7 million spectators sat in the grandstands to watch the racing while another estimated 50 million watched Mesa Marin events on television. Over 200,000 laps were completed around the half mile oval with 7,500 trophies handed out to winning drivers.
But all of these incredible statistics came down to a single number on the evening of October 15th. That number was one. One more night to enjoy a night at Mesa Marin and then, later that same evening, one more race before it was time to say goodbye.
As the black and white checkered flag fell on Mesa Marin's final lap I found myself standing alone, near the backstretch wall, thinking about the 13 years I had been covering races at this track. I recalled watching drivers like Kevin Harvick, Ron Hornaday Jr, Matt Crafton and Kurt Busch use Mesa Marin as career springboard that launched them to their current status in NASCAR's national touring series. I recalled the first ever race truck, built by Gary Collins in the Mesa Marin race shops, and how that turned into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Most of all, I recalled all of the talented and fascinating people I met there and how much the privilege of covering Mesa Marin events meant to me.
Returning to the front part of the race track, the victory lane celebration was concluding and it was time for Marion Collins to say farewell and thank you to all of the fans who had gathered at the raceway that night. It was also our time to thank him for everything he did for us over the past 28 years. "Over the years the people I've met are far more important to me," he said. Then, with a strong rush of human emotion, Collins added "will everybody please cry with me? Thank you for everything."
The question really didn't have to be asked because nearly all of us, standing on the track's front straightaway, had already joined him in releasing all of our emotions. Almost on cue, a soft rain began falling over the raceway. It was almost as if the Bakersfield skyline was joining the rest of us in expressing our sadness.
Then I noticed the most unusual thing after leaving. Approximately a half mile from the track there was no rain and the asphalt appeared to be bone dry as if no rain had ever fallen there. It seemed like the rain only fell over Mesa Marin Raceway. I recalled thinking to myself "I'll be damn it's actually true, Marion Collins really can control the weather."
Thank you Collins family and everyone at Mesa Marin Raceway. The time we spent with you was magical and will not be forgotten.
