Anybody hear about this new track??

[Matt D.]

I would think they would want to develop the dragstrip at the same time that they do the rest of the facility. It's mentioned in the press releaase and it is shown on the map. I would think they would do it all at the same time.

I would think the dragstrip would go in first since it would be much easier to build than the rest of the track. I would also think the dragstrip would be a larger draw than the track itself. I guess that's just me though.
What about Phase 2 don't you understand? It says it right on the map of the facility...

[santa]

Thats awsome! I hope it all goes well! Thats like a 40 minute drive instead of a 2 hour drive to rockfalls.

[Alpine TSi]

What about Phase 2 don't you understand? It says it right on the map of the facility...


Where? Or are you looking at a different map?

[Matt D.]

Where? Or are you looking at a different map?
This one:
http://www.mnsportcompacts.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=679

[Kracka]

Hopefully something works out, I'd love a nearby road-course.

[Alpine TSi]

Ahh, so it was a different map. Now it makes sense. Nonetheless I still wouldn't mind having that around.

[desolate]

A closer track? I not going to complain about that. :D

[JET]

That would definately be cool. The CRA would love it too (motorcycle road racing). Right now they have to go to Topeka for a 2nd track besides BIR (which is closed this year). I would definately be game for that. I wonder if they would have a 1/4 mile strip integral to the track until they get a seperate one? Like BIR has. Either way I would definately go there.

[JET]

Alright, there has been an update on Pine Run's website. Their EPA study is done and it has been submitted to the Pine County board. If it gets approved then everything should be a go! It doesn't sound like the board can totally stop it, just make them do more stuff to make it easier on the enviroment.

They are still on schedule to break ground this fall and have the track open next fall! It sounds like the drag strip and everything will open up at the same time now.

[MATCHBX]

Well, as most already know, the track is officially called off. They still want to build a track but they are going to look for another site. Also, they are going to focus more towards go kart racing and road racing.

Here is a press release about it.

J.D. Investments to abandon Henriette Minnesota site for Pine Run Motorsports Park
>
>
>After a years worth of detailed work and an extensive environmental
>assessment of the Henriette MN. site, J.D. Investments, Pine Run
>Motorsports Park have chosen to pursue a new location for a motorsports
>facility. An introduction of the project in January 2005 to the Pine County
>community and year long environmental assessment of the property produced a need for continued environmental assessment. J.D. Investments CEO and
>project developer Jed Copham and staff recently made this decision rather
>than pursue an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as directed by a Pine
>County Board of Commissioners decision in October.
>
>Jed Copham goes on to explain, at the Henriette location, wetlands and
>future soil corrections were the primary factors for moving from the Harley
>Sod Farm location. Part of our year long exercise in Pine County included a
>required wetland deliniation study to establish or designate onsite
>wetlands. Continued meetings and discussions with a number of regulatory
>agencies could not produce a wetland deliniation. Having that would have
>been a much needed starting point to establish onsite wetlands and further
>produce an extensive and final layout of the facility. Soil corrections
>were another strong point in moving from the sod farm site. Through our own
>research, we knew that sod farms in the metro area were being converted to
>usable land uses. We felt that the Harley Sod Farm could be established for
>our own use in much the same way. Soil borings at the site also produced
>various levels of peat and mixed soils and admitedly, it was extensive in
>some areas but, we chose to work with these conditions if other factors
>could be met.

Copham goes on to say that the Henriette location included a 1/4 mile drag strip, 3.6 mile road course and a 3/8 mile go kart track on 530 acres. Considering the amount of activity that would have been generated at the Henriette site, our new location will be downscaled to include less day to day activity, less annual activity and focus primarily on our original business plan for a pristine road course facility and go kart track.
>
>Pine Run Vice President and General Manager Scott Quick adds that Pine
>Run's year long exercise in Pine County produced overwhelming support from
>residents and the business community in both Pine and Kanabec Counties. We are greatful to everyone that supported our efforts, all throughout Minnesota and ask for their
>continued support as we evaluate other sites. We're especially grateful to
>all of our friends and supporters in Pine County that welcomed our
>development and saw it as a good business opportunity for the area. Racing
>enthusiasts throughout Minnesota that have followed our project from the
>beginning should also know that J.D. Investments is commited to
>constructing a motorsports facility and our decision to move from this site
>has not detered our passion to find a new home.


It sucks, but hopefully they will find another site close to the metro. Some have suggested south of the cities, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.