For Lease: Sunshine Speedway

[owm61]

Sunshine

I heard about this 2 months ago, problem is we heard it before, The only thing they got going this time is there are some city council members that want to see this happen, so as far as permits i dont think that will be a problem. It would take a long term lease, and about 750.000. to purchase bleachers,lights,construct a tower, concessions, etc. The track is still sitting the way they left it, other than the sun pass bs that is set up as we speak. Maybe somebody like a amico or nasse or somebody with some cash and the love of the sport and the right terms could make this happen just saying. I know i've got some heavy iron just sitting on the back forty doing nutting so i'm all in, whatever i could do to help i'm in. I think that the powers to be realize what a economic impact or a shot in the arm it could be to the small business of st pete, so in the meantime keep yuz fingers crossed , and play the LOTTO

[Darren]

This is the deal straight from DOT.
New road forcast 2017
Lease would only be good for up to 5 years with a 60 days notice at any time during that 5 years if DOT needs to break the lease. So, even if you sign a lease for 5 years, its possible that your lease would be shorter then that. On the other hand if the road got push back to later then 2017, you al least got a shot for 5 years or longer.
Has anyone seen Stuart Lycette and Bring Back the Track group. Now could be their chance.

[openwm53]

The Track

The last time I seen the track it was and correct me if im wrong completely re black topped. I also thought the fence and flagstand was still there. I do know that the bleachers were removed because I helped dismantle some. I do not recall if the announcers booth or the tower on the pit side has been removed or not. The pits are just as they were cause the drag guys still use them. the onramp and off ramp still intact. There has always been rumors about the track re opening but this is the first time anything has been put in the paper to actually take bids. I am far from a politician but the Tri City Kart Club would also benefit from the re opening. some place for our kids to cut their teeth in racing. HMM that could be a political angle....just sayin

[carolwicks]

Be careful

I worked the Sunshine Reunion with Jack and crew so I know first hand what Sunshine Speedway meant to you people. HOWEVER... what they seem to be offering right now does not seem like a safe or smart investment. Looks like the city is looking for some desperate revenue to grab while waiting for something better to come along. Please do ALOT of homework before investing. Do we get to lose it twice. ;-( Just an opinion...
carol

[xracer]

the track was repaved about 2 years ago and the pits are still in good shape

[hage motorsports]

track as it is now

http://youtu.be/sUM370SYpA4

[jacko241]

I live in Saint Augustine, and I would tow there once in a while just to say I raced at Sunshine!

[Jimmy McKinley]

If any y'all're on Facebook, there's this:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Suns...group_activity

It's the Sunshine Speedway Alumni group. There's postings on there of what all's goin' on, and apparently, talks have been on since last February

I'm gonna copy and paste what I've read on there:

From: Shari Phillips

Sunshine Alumni - Here is a little insight into what has happened since February of this year... I had the privilege of sitting on a board with Ricky Butler, who also was a campaign aid for our district's senator in the previous election year. We discussed Sunshine a couple of times... then in March - at Country in the Park, Ricky asked him what could be done to re-open the track. A meeting was set for his office. With the help of Rick Day, a detailed study of the economic impact and the jobs lost was put together. Ricky and I met with the senator in his office. You see, Sunshine family, the stars were aligned... our district senator was on the FDOT committee and the jobs creation committee. Keeping quiet has been difficult. In September, I received an e-mail that the Gov Scott had given the ok. I have shared information with very few, those that I knew I could trust and wouldn't talk. Please don't be angry with them for not betraying my confidence. If you are a serious contender for the bidding process - and want any more information, please message me. If you don't have faith that it will happen - read the annexation for the property. The right lease offer and the state is all in. We might have been a dysfunctional family, but we were family. It's time for a real reunion - on the old track.
A very special thanks to Ricky - you've been amazing. We absolutely would not be discussing this today if it wasn't for your dedication and influence on the project. To my husband Tom (and KIDS!) for all his support during the 'top secret' craziness of another attempt at getting the track re-opened, and to Rick for his knowledge during the study creation process. I never lost faith. God is good. When people work towards a positive goal - with good intentions -it is in God's time that great things happen. You can really say I've been 'schooled' this year on government procedures and processes.
And the housing developments that are not happy - this will bring tremendous resources to our community - and racing has continued on that property for 4-6 nights a week. It's just not been the stock cars doing the racing and it's time to change that.

[openwm53]

Sure

looks like it could be a good thing......I personally would love to race there again

[Trash Inturn4]

Sure would be great having the old girl back in business. Sure miss a good Saturday night show at the 'Shine' sitting with the...TRASH IN TURN 4. Now you know the origin of my MONIKER.

[L2RHC]

Drive by the track every day and sucks to know its not open on saturday night! Live 5 minutes, I would personally help for free to get this place back up and running.. There are a ton of racers right here, yes it would take some work but its an absolute no brainer! Reopen!!

[chad3636]

lets get r done i was raised at this track but not gettin hopes up again if it happens one way or another id be there even if i had to put roll cage in my everyday driven car lol im sure there r plenty of us who would show up everyday to help put the place back togather

[openwm53]

I also know

several people and services that would help to get the place back on its feet for no charge

[Jimmy McKinley]

One suggestion:

Sunday afternoon shows to start with. Won't need lights (saves some initial $$$ there)...that, and four other west-coast tracks are already running on Saturday nights (Auburndale, Citrus, Desoto, and Punta Gorda). Run the same set of rules as everyone else. Four, *maybe* five classes - (Super) Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Mini Stock, and Pure Stock/Strictly Stock. That's it.

[MW68SS]

I always thought that was part of the reason for there success. They run Modifieds, Sportsmans,Street Stocks,Mini Stocks, and Features for Bombers and Figure Eights. Same classes every Saturday. Racing started by 7 and was done around 11 every week. Also they never changed the rules on the classes.