Tucson Raceway Park today announces a delay in the conversion of the racetrack to the new proposed clay surface. TRP previously announced that they would be launching the new dirt schedule on August 21st, however it has now been confirmed that project will require further engineering to move forward. Mark Ebert President of Tucson Raceway Park, “We are certainly disappointed, however we had a nice productive meeting with representatives from the SWFC and the county this week and I’m hopeful that we are all on the same page now. I thought that we had a meeting of the minds on this issue, and we were comfortable moving forward but after many years in business I should have known that a meeting of the minds is certainly not a signed contract and I would like to apologize to everyone involved, particularly the racers and the racing community. I know that the starts and stops hurt everyone’s enthusiasm and confidence in the project, but we remain very committed to moving forward with the conversion to dirt here at TRP.”
The dirt conversion process has opened up many questions at the racetrack, including the viability of the track continuing as an asphalt track. Ebert and the management group there plan to consult with industry experts to check on the viability of the asphalt now and in the future. “I understand that there is great passion for the asphalt surface, I fell in love with the place when I came there to race on the asphalt. However, the scope of this project has made us take a much deeper look into the viability of continuing on the asphalt surface. After initial conversations with many people it may no longer be possible to run on the existing asphalt surface past this year maybe one more. If that clearly becomes the case here, we will once again look to grind up the existing asphalt surface and pending approval through the fairboard and county move forward with dirt track racing here.”
Ebert was clear in his statement that Tucson Raceway Park will not be issuing any dirt schedule until the Fairboard hearings and written public approval. “We will be answering the Fairboard’s request for more information as soon as possible, and I’m hopeful that we can have adequate information to them for the next board meeting in August so that they are able to look at this project at that point. We will be doing all we can to work with the board and forward this process, there will be no further dirt scheduling until we have written approval and everyone is on board”, said Ebert.
Tucson Raceway Park does plan to move ahead with their huge Metal Mulisha FMX Jump Show at the track on September 11th. The track has announced free admission for all active military personnel, an Ego Challenge Spectator Drag race, the return of the now somewhat famous Super Soaper Enduro and an open comp Street Stock and Factory Stock race. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone once again and having a little fun. With Metal Mulisha the only surface that really matters is way up in the air with their amazing flips and tricks. We are really looking forward to seeing them again, bringing the crew back and seeing some of the racers again. I’m looking forward to having some fun with everyone again soon, and Metal Mulisha should be just the event to guarantee a great time for everyone”, concluded Ebert.
