KIHEI, Hawaii -- The RPM Group of Maui, LLC has announced the acquisition of the Paradise Speedway operation from Ed Britton. Britton has operated the 1/5-mile dirt track oval for the past five years. The popular short track is located 2 miles north of Kihei, Maui, Hawaii.
Jeb Onweiler and Les Harris are co-owners of The RPM Group of Maui, LLC. Onweiler has an extensive racing and promotional background. Onweiler began his motorsports career racing motorcycles before switched to Formula Ford road racing and finally Late Model stock cars. Hes successfully operating speedways in California, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, and Hawaii. Onweiler moved to Maui on October 1 from Carson City, Nevada where he served as general manager at the Champion Motor Speedway in 2003.
Harris is a prominent Valley Isle businessman who owns and operates west Mauis One Napili Way. Harris has a strong motorsports background as well, including 20-years in drag racing. Over the years, Harris has made numerous contributions to Maui racing. Harris was also a member of the Valley Isle Timing Association (VITA) board of director from 1999 to 2003.
The first change was the speedways name. Paradise Speedway has been renamed Maui Motor Speedway. Onweiler indicated the new title would increase international branding opportunities for the facility.
Under the direction of Onweiler and Harris, major improvements are on the horizon, with racer safety and fan comfort concerns becoming their primary focus.
The track has been idle since the 2003 season concluded on November 8. The construction process is expected to last for at least two months with the 2004 grand re-opening tentatively scheduled for the second week in February.
Safety related improvements for the racers will include; new outside perimeter crash wall, additional safety fencing, new track lighting, PA system, and a reconfigured oval. Comfort related improvements for the fans will include; new grandstands with family seating, expanded concessions, new beer gardens, and a new general parking area. The youngsters can look forward to a new KeikiZone Klub junior fan club, along with school bus rides, face painting, bounce houses, bicycle and box races.
New racing divisions will also be introduced, along with an expanded year around event schedule. Beginning in February of 2004, Saturday night shows will be presented the 2nd and 4th weekend of every month.
A new website www.MauiMotorSpeedway.com has just been launched so racers and fans can learn more about the new operation and keep up with the progress. Updated pictures will be posted throughout the construction process.
Said Onweiler; I met with the MASCAR (Maui Association Stock Car Auto Racing) racers last night to formally announce the speedway purchase and to discuss the new direction we plan to take the program. They are very supportive and pledged to help out as much as they can. As every promoter knows, if the racers support your program, success will surely follow. The old speedways in rough shape and needs major renovations. However Les and I feel there is tremendous opportunity for oval track racing in Maui. We've decided to make the investment now so we can start building for the future. Once we get the oval running on all cylinders, the speedway will offer exciting family oriented entertainment every other Saturday night. I feel certain that well be able to produce an exciting product for the residence and visitors in Maui County.
Said Harris, Jeb and I are confident that with a lot of hard work, we can dramatically improve the conditions and overall attendance at the oval. His promotional ideas have increased attendance at several speedways and I see no reason why that wont happen at Maui Motor Speedway. Jeb already has the Maui racers and fans excited about the future and we sure appreciate their support.
For more information, Onweiler can be contacted at (808) 874.8655, or by e-mail at Jeb@MauiMotorSpeedway.com. Harris can be contacted at (909) 767.2404 or by email at Les@MauiMotorSpeedway.com
Cya @ da 'Shaka Show'
