Trouble for FAASST & PMP

[Drano]

Looks like the community has had enough with FAASST's job as managers of the track. Never would have seen that coming /sarcasm.

http://www.koaa.com/story/30399104/safety-concerns-spark-a-push-for-new-management-at-pueblo-motorsports-park

http://www.krdo.com/news/racers-want-new-management-at-pueblo-motorsports-park/35846854

Hey Husky, isn't that you on your Busa?

http://www.chieftain.com/news/4021782-120/council-faasst-motorsports-complaints

[blaircsf]

There is some discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/PMP.savethetrack

[GNGSXR]

Looks like the community has had enough with FAASST's job as managers of the track. Never would have seen that coming /sarcasm.

http://www.koaa.com/story/30399104/safety-concerns-spark-a-push-for-new-management-at-pueblo-motorsports-park

http://www.krdo.com/news/racers-want-new-management-at-pueblo-motorsports-park/35846854

Hey Husky, isn't that you on your Busa?

http://www.chieftain.com/news/4021782-120/council-faasst-motorsports-complaints

Have you personally been to the track this year for a track day or drag racing?

[Ezzzzy1]

My experiences with the track a its management have been great! My expectations are low when I go there but I have never had an issue.

And its been fun having the whole track to ourselves :twisted:

[Snazzy]

Have you personally been to the track this year for a track day or drag racing?

Probably not, like most people who dog on the track. It's a bandwagon to dislike PMP/FAASST

The ONLY thing I can say about the management is that it doesn't have enough corner workers or an ambulance, but as I have also said before that requires money. Money comes from people going to the track. People going to the track requires the bandwagon to be set on fire.

And at least the FAASST manager, unlike other tracks, doesn't make nasty comments about you to your own boyfriend :)

[tecknojoe]

Didn't we do this thread already?

[longrider]

We have had this discussion before but the fact that the drag race community is requesting the city council to kick Faasst out and get somebody new is definitely something new.

[Drano]

Have you personally been to the track this year for a track day or drag racing?

We have had this discussion before, and I have expressed myself pretty clearly in opposition to any support for FAASST and PMP if they continue to gamble rider-safety for a paycheck. But, I'll answer your question.

Nope, I haven't. Why? Because I'm firstly not in a position financially to afford a track day. Don't worry, I will be out on the track in 2016. Second, because, even if I had the means to do track days, I won't ride at PMP until they improve their safety practices. A wise consumer will use word of mouth before spending their money, and I've heard enough about PMP to know that I'll not be spending my money there. Most especially, I'm not going to put my life on the line for their buck.

They want me to ride at their track? They had better have an ambulance and sufficient corner workers when I get there. The logic that I should risk my safety now so that they can get the money for better safety in the future is backwards. When it comes to racing, if you build it, they will come, not the other way around. This isn't a restaurant that can only better serve their customers when they get enough money to buy more appliances and pay for more staff. This is a place where safety should be priority #1. I wouldn't pay good money to go to an amusement park that has poor safety and maintenance practices, why should I make an exception for FAASST and PMP? When there is a legitimate risk of serious injury or death at a private facility providing a venue to ride at the limits of both man and machine, then they should be required maintain the highest safety practices to mitigate said risk to the highest level necessary.

If you, or other riders, are willing to gamble on the chance that you won't, some day, crash in such a manner that requires the fastest intervention possible by EMS, then I say more power to you. It's your life to lose. I will side with those who place a higher value on their own lives when paying good money for the chance to legally ride as fast as they dare. If FAASST and PMP offer ambulance services and sufficient corner workers, I'll ride there. I'll happily support them, but I won't do so beforehand.

Before the accusations start popping up that I'm a coward, or that I should compare this risk to that of riding on the street, or if only I knew what it was like doing track days back in the day, just forget it. I have already heard, and understand, your perspective. However, best practices for safety are developed over time from oversights and incidents. FAASST and PMP are ignoring what has practically become the standard for most reputable tracks across the country and are doing so under the claim that they can't afford it. If they can't afford it, then it is time for them to move on.

[WolFeYeZ]

I would love to see the books from PMP... I see a whole lot of money going in and nearly nothing to show for it. Maybe its time for an audit.

[The Black Knight]

Didn't we do this thread already?

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh581/DNA_SWIRL_777/Stuff/Matrix.jpg_zpsceggsjeu.gif

[GNGSXR]

We have had this discussion before, and I have expressed myself pretty clearly in opposition to any support for FAASST and PMP if they continue to gamble rider-safety for a paycheck. But, I'll answer your question.

Nope, I haven't. Why? Because I'm firstly not in a position financially to afford a track day. Don't worry, I will be out on the track in 2016. Second, because, even if I had the means to do track days, I won't ride at PMP until they improve their safety practices. A wise consumer will use word of mouth before spending their money, and I've heard enough about PMP to know that I'll not be spending my money there. Most especially, I'm not going to put my life on the line for their buck.

They want me to ride at their track? They had better have an ambulance and sufficient corner workers when I get there. The logic that I should risk my safety now so that they can get the money for better safety in the future is backwards. When it comes to racing, if you build it, they will come, not the other way around. This isn't a restaurant that can only better serve their customers when they get enough money to buy more appliances and pay for more staff. This is a place where safety should be priority #1. I wouldn't pay good money to go to an amusement park that has poor safety and maintenance practices, why should I make an exception for FAASST and PMP? When there is a legitimate risk of serious injury or death at a private facility providing a venue to ride at the limits of both man and machine, then they should be required maintain the highest safety practices to mitigate said risk to the highest level necessary.

If you, or other riders, are willing to gamble on the chance that you won't, some day, crash in such a manner that requires the fastest intervention possible by EMS, then I say more power to you. It's your life to lose. I will side with those who place a higher value on their own lives when paying good money for the chance to legally ride as fast as they dare. If FAASST and PMP offer ambulance services and sufficient corner workers, I'll ride there. I'll happily support them, but I won't do so beforehand.

Before the accusations start popping up that I'm a coward, or that I should compare this risk to that of riding on the street, or if only I knew what it was like doing track days back in the day, just forget it. I have already heard, and understand, your perspective. However, best practices for safety are developed over time from oversights and incidents. FAASST and PMP are ignoring what has practically become the standard for most reputable tracks across the country and are doing so under the claim that they can't afford it. If they can't afford it, then it is time for them to move on.

A simple yes or no would have satisfied my question. I was honestly just curious if you've been to the track at all. I did about 10 or 12 track days this year and didn't recognize the bike in your avatar picture. Your novel on being overly defensive about the topic is a little strange but oh well. It's the internet!

[The Black Knight]

FWIW, I managed four track days this year. Was hoping to get around six but blowing a fork seal on my last track day kind of screwed me. Got my fork seals replaced last month and have the bike apart now. Going to repaint the fairings to spruce the look up a bit, adding some new rear sets here in a few weeks. Then I'll be putting her back together and getting ready for next season. Time was the main factor why I couldn't get to PMP more this year. Switching jobs meant I lost all of my vacation time and had to rebuild it up over the course of this year. Planning on doing more next season, with hopefully a trip to PPIR and HPR.

Also I love riding PMP. FAAST has always been friendly and seem to know what they are doing. Yeah they don't have an ambulance or many workers but at least they are doing their best in my eyes. Would be nice for more from them but it is what it is.

Honestly, the thing that bugs me the most about Pueblo is that BS turn 10. I hate that turn with a passion. Honestly I think it would be cool if they add a couple more turns right off of turn 9. Make a quick chicane out of 9. So instead of just going straight across the paddock, make it a quick right(T9) then left(a new T10) and then a slow sweeping right hander(new T11), then picking the bike up to get a wicked drive down the main straight and completely do away with the BS of the now current Turn 10. Adding in two new corners would also make the front straight longer to get a higher top speed.

I hope PMP can get this all straightened out. I love the track and for me it's my home track(as I'm in the Springs).

[Drano]

A simple yes or no would have satisfied my question. I was honestly just curious if you've been to the track at all. I did about 10 or 12 track days this year and didn't recognize the bike in your avatar picture. Your novel on being overly defensive about the topic is a little strange but oh well. It's the internet!

Sorry about that, I do tend to get a little long-winded, but I just wanted to be thorough in my answer and recap what has been said before so we can get it out of our systems and move on from making it all about my opinion, and more about what's been happening over the past couple of weeks. :)

[Drama2]

I will agree on the sufficient corner workers. I volunteered to corner work and was told no because she oy hires full time. But previous week she was complaining about needing people and no one in that town wanted to work.


We have had this discussion before, and I have expressed myself pretty clearly in opposition to any support for FAASST and PMP if they continue to gamble rider-safety for a paycheck. But, I'll answer your question.

Nope, I haven't. Why? Because I'm firstly not in a position financially to afford a track day. Don't worry, I will be out on the track in 2016. Second, because, even if I had the means to do track days, I won't ride at PMP until they improve their safety practices. A wise consumer will use word of mouth before spending their money, and I've heard enough about PMP to know that I'll not be spending my money there. Most especially, I'm not going to put my life on the line for their buck.

They want me to ride at their track? They had better have an ambulance and sufficient corner workers when I get there. The logic that I should risk my safety now so that they can get the money for better safety in the future is backwards. When it comes to racing, if you build it, they will come, not the other way around. This isn't a restaurant that can only better serve their customers when they get enough money to buy more appliances and pay for more staff. This is a place where safety should be priority #1. I wouldn't pay good money to go to an amusement park that has poor safety and maintenance practices, why should I make an exception for FAASST and PMP? When there is a legitimate risk of serious injury or death at a private facility providing a venue to ride at the limits of both man and machine, then they should be required maintain the highest safety practices to mitigate said risk to the highest level necessary.

If you, or other riders, are willing to gamble on the chance that you won't, some day, crash in such a manner that requires the fastest intervention possible by EMS, then I say more power to you. It's your life to lose. I will side with those who place a higher value on their own lives when paying good money for the chance to legally ride as fast as they dare. If FAASST and PMP offer ambulance services and sufficient corner workers, I'll ride there. I'll happily support them, but I won't do so beforehand.

Before the accusations start popping up that I'm a coward, or that I should compare this risk to that of riding on the street, or if only I knew what it was like doing track days back in the day, just forget it. I have already heard, and understand, your perspective. However, best practices for safety are developed over time from oversights and incidents. FAASST and PMP are ignoring what has practically become the standard for most reputable tracks across the country and are doing so under the claim that they can't afford it. If they can't afford it, then it is time for them to move on.

[The Black Knight]

Sorry about that, I do tend to get a little long-winded, but I just wanted to be thorough in my answer and recap what has been said before so we can get it out of our systems and move on from making it all about my opinion, and more about what's been happening over the past couple of weeks. :)

Isn't it always about your opinion....

:D

[Drano]

Isn't it always about your opinion....

:D

Touché ;)

[Aaron]

I love riding the track, but Drano does make a good point. I really want to go ride PMP this Saturday, but I won't go without a few corner workers and an ambulance. Mentioned this on PMP's Facebook page as well as the PMP hating Facebook page. How many $100 riders do they need to lose before they realize that the ambulance may well be cost-effective?

[GNGSXR]

I'd love an ambulance to be there at every track day. I would also love 2-3 more corner workers around the track.
I also fucking love riding the absolute piss out of my BMW at a place that is safer than normal roads even without the ambulance and extra corner workers. We take a risk everyday just getting out of bed, but to each his own.
I have no idea what the fix is for Pueblo but the PMP save the track page is not proposing any solutions either. Just complaints.

[blaircsf]

Their solution is to reopen the bids for PMP management, and then presumably have the track managed by someone new.

Whether this is actually a solution or not (especially for road racers) is a different question.

[Slo]

I'd love an ambulance to be there at every track day. I would also love 2-3 more corner workers around the track.
I also fucking love riding the absolute piss out of my BMW at a place that is safer than normal roads even without the ambulance and extra corner workers. We take a risk everyday just getting out of bed, but to each his own.
I have no idea what the fix is for Pueblo but the PMP save the track page is not proposing any solutions either. Just complaints.

+1 on this.... I ran PMP on an open lapping day for cars and bikes, couple of corner workers who were supposed to be there were no shows. Had to run sessions, allow people into and out of the area including 50+ motorhomes and all the rest of the family vehicles for the quarter midget track along with the rest of the bikes and cars for the road course. Including taking in all sign-in and payments, keeping bathrooms stocked up and clean, etc.

Was a little un-nerving but in the end, I personally went around to each driver/rider and they were happy. What GNGSXR said is absolutely on point.....

[Drama2]

Went to City Council meeting last night on Saving PMP, and realized alot with how Judy is not the problem. Dont think alot of people realize how her 3 year contract has so many road blocks. First of all she doesnt own the area, she pays 35k a year to lease it and then to top it off any profit over 170k she has to pay the city 70%. But the city has given her a VERY small budget to hire, maintain and improve the area. She is not even able to do any improvements without city approval. Now on another hand before she took over the lease the motorsports parks was costing the city almost a million dollars to operate, she was able to reduce this cost. In 2012 the year before she took over was total expence of 1.5 million and a net loss of 1 million. In 2014 the net loss to the city was 38k, in 2012 the city gave a hiring budget of over 100k, in her contract she was given nothing to hire it is all on her. The bottom take on all this is the City of Pueblo who needs to allocate a budget to Judy to improve the area.

[Drano]

Thanks for attending the council meeting and sharing what you learned from it. It certainly adds a greater perspective to the issue.

[Drama2]

Actually reading her contract and the city budget from 2012 to her 3 years in Lease also helped understand that this isnt her. She cannot even hire people without using their hiring system. Wish I could attach her contract on here. We need to speak up and explain why a bigger budget is needed. The city ice rink was built a couple years back, the city pays for a loss every year, in the amount of over 400k, their profit is only 124k. They have no priorities when it comes to what is needed. They dont see what they have is a gold mine, there is only 3 tracks in Colorado. HpR is operated by MRA, so that is where the money comes from to make improvements, PMP is owned by the city.

[Spooph]

Maybe this is why Pueblo is pueblo? Too bad there isn't an SOA to blame in this situation, or is there?

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/sonsofanarchy/images/6/68/Jacob_Hale_Newer.png/revision/latest?cb=20140909233134

[blaircsf]

HPR is owned/operated by CAMA (of which the MRA is a member). Just an FYI: http://highplainsraceway.com/track-info/hpr-history/

[blaircsf]

I would be interested to see the FAASST budget though. The city of Pueblo didn't hire Judy to run PMP, they leased it to FAASST. If Pueblo hired Judy/FAASST to operate the track then they would be responsible for providing the budget necessary to run it (if needed), but they leased it to an entity (FAASST) for them to run it. FAASST as a business has a track lease, personnel, equipment, upkeep, etc as costs, but they have track rentals, lapping day fees, etc as revenue. If all of the revenue was going to Pueblo instead then they would need to provide a budget for operation of the track.

Comparing to HPR, CAMA has debt payment (maybe, not sure?), personnel, equipment, upkeep, etc as costs, and their revenue comes from track rentals (to the MRA, SCCA, Porsche club, etc), lapping day fees, etc.

[Drama2]

The budget I found through google. When I say Judy, I am referring to Faasst.

[Drano]

The budget I found through google. When I say Judy, I am referring to Faasst.

Exactly, her name is Judy Faass. She is the president of FAASST Motorsports.

[blaircsf]

The budget I found through google. When I say Judy, I am referring to Faasst.
The Pueblo budget? I can find it, but it is pretty irrelevant to the discussion.

[UglyDogRacing]

Comparing to HPR, CAMA has debt payment (maybe, not sure?), personnel, equipment, upkeep, etc as costs, and their revenue comes from track rentals (to the MRA, SCCA, Porsche club, etc), lapping day fees, etc.

This is a correct statement.

[Drama2]

Nevermind anything I said, I am not speaking ill of Judy FAASST, I am saying is her hands are tied for what everyone complains about. Ie ambulance, repairs to corner 10, corner workers etc. If the city who provides her with a budget doesnt increase it, then it is a pointless battle for whom ever takes over contract on 1 January 2016.

[Drano]

Nevermind anything I said, I am not speaking ill of Judy FAASST, I am saying is her hands are tied for what everyone complains about. Ie ambulance, repairs to corner 10, corner workers etc. If the city who provides her with a budget doesnt increase it, then it is a pointless battle for whom ever takes over contract on 1 January 2016.

Don't be so hasty. Your information and contributions to this discussion are valuable. Perhaps, they need some more clarification. Here's what I have gathered from what was said:

1. FAASST leases the land from the City of Pueblo at $35k per year. In itself this is not unusual. Miller Motorsports Park is owned by Tooele County, and was previously leased out to LHM group before they abandoned it.
2. After earning more than $170k in a fiscal year, FAASST pays 70% of any additional revenue in taxes to the city.
3. The city gives her a budget to hire employees and maintain the facility. Employees are hired through the city. This does seem strange to me. I could use some clarification on this point. Since FAASST is in the most direct position to understand the needs of the facility, she should not be under any such bureaucracy by the city to do her job. It also doesn't make sense that they should give her company (FAASST) a budget from which she hires her own employees. That should be at her discretion as a private business, not the city's.
4. FAASST cannot make changes to the facility without first submitting a change request to the city. Not unusual either, since the city owns the land.

Blair, and myself for that matter, wants to know FAASST's budget. How much money are they making per year, and how is it being allocated and spent? If the City of Pueblo does have their hands in Judy's business to the extent you describe, it's understandable that she would have less power. I have some doubts that the city is that heavily involved in the affairs of a private business. If it is, then I'm surprised that any company would choose to do business with the city. In fact, there would have to be some huge incentive to keep me involved with them, but that's just my opinion. Since I don't know the particulars of how her business is run, I can't make an informed opinion about it. More information is needed.

I don't think anybody is trying to vilify Judy or FAASST Motorsports. I think some of us simply want to know more about what's going on from her end.

[WolFeYeZ]

It would be kinda awesome if CAMA could pull off a 30 year lease on it. Could probably do improvement then, and I remember someone saying an MRA Saturday/Sunday cost like $20k for track rental, but I could be wrong. $35k per year lease sounds like a steal, though I bet insurance is damn expensive.

[UglyDogRacing]

It would be kinda awesome if CAMA could pull off a 30 year lease on it. Could probably do improvement then, and I remember someone saying an MRA Saturday/Sunday cost like $20k for track rental, but I could be wrong. $35k per year lease sounds like a steal, though I bet insurance is damn expensive.

CAMA's purpose is to own and manage High Plains Raceway. The MRA currently pays $4000 per day for track rental at PMP. And yes, you can bet their insurance is very high, probably as much or more than the $35k they are paying the city.

[Aaron]

Judy just highlighted her management skills. After several of us paying for our track day this Saturday, she decided today, 2 days before the track day, to change it to cars only. Of course she didn't bother telling those of us that prepaid, and didn't automatically refund our payments. I'm just lucky Ryan noticed she changed the website. Fucking tired of this place.

[Gramps]

Sunday is open lapping for bikes at high plains. Not enough sign ups yet but the weather may help participation.

[blaircsf]

Nevermind anything I said, I am not speaking ill of Judy FAASST, I am saying is her hands are tied for what everyone complains about. Ie ambulance, repairs to corner 10, corner workers etc. If the city who provides her with a budget doesnt increase it, then it is a pointless battle for whom ever takes over contract on 1 January 2016.
I don't think her hands are tied as much as you are thinking. There are two ways the motorsports park could operate.

1. The city of Pueblo runs it. The city would hire a track manager who is responsible for the operations, pay them a salary, the city would pay for all the expenses and take in all the revenue.

2. The city of Pueblo leases it for someone else / a company to operate. The operation company is responsible for operating the track and expenses associated with it, and that company takes in the revenue.

My understanding is the current Pueblo contract is #2. The city of Pueblo leased the track to FAASST who is then responsible for the operation of the track. There are obviously limits (which would be specified in the contract) because Pueblo doesn't want to lease it out and have the operator decide to tear out the track and build something else. I could see the city having some stipulation around hiring to make sure that if possible local residents are hired.

The one piece I think is important is the road course users need to be aware of what's going on. If the management does change we need to make sure that road race users are represented.

[Okrapp]

The homepage now states that someone new will be managing the complex. http://pueblomotorsportspark.net/index.html

[RPMWFO]

Based on my limited interactions with Henry Lanier(the vocal opposition to Faasst and vying for operation of PMP) at the recent Pueblo City Council meetings regarding PMP, we can probably write off track days at PMP in the future. There was zero interest by him in discussing anything regarding road course lapping. Primarily focused on drag racing.

Faasst wasn't perfect, but it was a classic case of "the devil you know is sometimes better..."

[Drama2]

The homepage says that PMP is up for bid, not new management.

The homepage now states that someone new will be managing the complex. http://pueblomotorsportspark.net/index.html

[The Black Knight]

Based on my limited interactions with Henry Lanier(the vocal opposition to Faasst and vying for operation of PMP) at the recent Pueblo City Council meetings regarding PMP, we can probably write off track days at PMP in the future. There was zero interest by him in discussing anything regarding road course lapping. Primarily focused on drag racing.

Faasst wasn't perfect, but it was a classic case of "the devil you know is sometimes better..."
Well that just flat sucks. Was hoping for more track days there this coming season. I've followed this story loosely when it all started a few months back. This doesn't look good for the road course people.

Well looks like I'll be converting my GSXR back into street form and using it to commute to work this coming season.


The homepage says that PMP is up for bid, not new management.

"The Faasst Motorsports operations contract has not been renewed with the City of Pueblo, in spite of our attempts and requests to do so............

The Pueblo City Council questioned our ability to make the improvements and said "no" to a long term lease. They then decided to put the park back out on RFP. Our investors and partners, therefore, have removed themselves from the park improvement project. It will not happen.
Faasst Motorsports has been invited to bid on the future track operations. We are choosing not to.

If you have dates reserved at PMP for 2016, there are no contracts in place and no deposits being held. You are free to work with the new track operator once the City chooses one, or you may move your 2016 dates to another racing facility. Keep in mind, the RFP will be public Jan 1, bids are due Jan 29. The operator selection process will begin Feb 1 and the selection / contract negotiation process can take weeks or months.
We wish the City of Pueblo the best with the operations of Pueblo Motorsports Park.

- Faasst Motorsports"

The way I read it is that not only PMP is up for bid, but FAAST won't be the new management running the place. Either way looks back, which really sucks as I loved riding at PMP......

[Nolan]

And any improvements to the facility will take a much longer time..... If ever.

[tecknojoe]

Where were they planning to get that 1.5 million dollars to do all the improvements from?

[The Black Knight]

Where were they planning to get that 1.5 million dollars to do all the improvements from?

Investors

[blaircsf]

The city of Pueblo has decided to open up the RFP (request for proposal) process for an operator of the track. This is the same process that selected FAASST to operate the track a few years ago. According to the FAASST website they will not be submitting a proposal.

There has been discussion of all this on a facebook page (PMP.SaveTheTrack), and they say that rumors of drag racing only are untrue. While I believe a lot of the issues raised were around drag racing, they claim to be interested in improving it for all racers. I believe some of the MRA board has spoken with the city, so they are aware of the road course users as well.

I'm curious about all these improvements listed on the FAASST page. I've heard nothing about it before this, and while I understand why any investors / partners that were lined up would be backing out, I guess I'm suspicious based on the last few years.

At the end of the day, I hope the park improves and continues to be available for all racers. As road course users I think the best thing currently is to make sure that we are aware of what's going on, and anyone taking over is aware of road racers.

[big_sur]

Wasn't FAASST the only bidder for past RFP's? Who's going to run the track? Everyone is assuming somebody will just show up and magically make it better but I can't imagine pitching a racetrack operations business in Pueblo, CO to investors would be terribly easy, especially without any past performance.

As I understand it, the city of Pueblo kind of hates PMP anyways so I don't think it would be a stretch to imagine them closing it down if no suitable party responds to the RFP.

[Drama2]

It is pointless now, hardly anyone else spoke or wrote letters to City Council except for PMP. SAVE THE TRACK who as it seemed Mr. LANIER had a personal vendetta to oust Judy. His clan went to every meeting and as he stated one day to Pat and I we have 20 something bidders wanting to take over. NOW, according to their site they MAY have 1. I know I am negative on this, but I know Pat and I tried to help with going to meetings, writing letters but feel that such a valuable place had no priorities to anyone else. It wasnt perfect, but the price was good, the traffic on track was great and at least they did saturday or sunday open lapping. Wonder if Nick will want to manage it.

[blaircsf]

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/faasst-motorsports-will-no-longer-run-pueblo-motorsports-park/
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/mra-trying-to-keep-2016-race-dates-at-pueblo-motorsports-park/

[Drama2]

Thank you.


http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/faasst-motorsports-will-no-longer-run-pueblo-motorsports-park/
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/mra-trying-to-keep-2016-race-dates-at-pueblo-motorsports-park/

[Snazzy]

Hopefully the City of Pueblo won't close the track based off the fact that they just paid over a million dollars to re-pave the track.

This is very sad and disappointing.

[Drano]

Obviously where this can go from here is in any myriad of directions. It could be bad, or it could be good. Obvious Drano is obvious...

I don't necessarily see Pueblo's actions as being in the wrong. It was their choice to either renew, or to not renew, FAASST's lease. They chose the latter. So what if there was a very vocal group speaking out against FAASST's management of the park? The city council chose to listen to that group. That does not mean that FAASST did not also have a voice in that debate. In fact, FAASST should have had a more powerful voice due to: 1. Already having an established relationship with the city, and 2. Having the advantage of being able to provide substantial evidence from their operational history to demonstrate the benefits they have provided, and currently provide, to the community. It seems to me that FAASST simply couldn't sway the city council that they were the best, if only, choice for managing the park.

It sucks for FAASST, but it's not like they have exhausted their options to continue to operate the park. They could submit a new proposal. However, at this time they have said that they will not elect to do so. Perhaps this stems more from the lack of the city's willingness to extend a long-term lease, but in either case it shows (to me, at least) just how uncommitted FAASST was to the track, and to the community.

We'll just have to see how it all plays out, I'm hopeful that PMP will be improved by the new management and that it will offer the services which would entice me to ride there. Under FAASST, I doubt I would ever have ridden there.

[Hibs]

IMO, FAASST sucked at running the track (on the drag strip portion anyways). I had a very bad experience when I went there this year. Their tech is a joke, I had to show the high school kid how to tech my motorcycle. Great for a guy who wants to sneak by, but not safe at all for people racing and spectating. They prepped the starting line ONCE at the beginning of the night, didn't touch it after that. With my stock wheel base bike I had one launch where it hooked, all runs after that I spun due to very slick track conditions (almost sending me into the wall on one occasion) (There is no reason a 170hp stock wheel base bike should be spinning like that, I hook better on the street then I did there). They are extremely inefficient on getting vehicles down the track. Oh and I made my last pass of the night, don't even get back to the pits and they cut off the lights to the entire place. They claim their budget wouldn't support keeping the lights on. So I was stuck loading my motorcycle back in my truck using a damn cell phone flashlight. I would have expected almost 100 vehicles at $30 a pop plus spectators would have at least paid to keep the lights on for 15-20 minutes after the last passes so people could load up this stuff. I'm never excited to see a place close down, but that place wasn't safe at all, and as far as I was concerned a ripoff. What good is a drag strip where every run I'm spinning so my timeslips don't mean dick anyways.