Calgary considers race track options

By John Hopkins

Work is progressing to create a Calgary area motorsports facility once Race City Motorsport Park closes for business at the end of this season, according to an update from the CMRA, which organizes road racing events at the track.

According to a posting on the CMRA website (www.roadracing.org) the MARCS committee has been meeting regularly with Calgary city officials regarding the plans for developing a venue to replace Race City. The MARCS group consists of Rick Coutts, Calgary Alderman Shane Keating, former Calgary City Alderman Rick McIver, and Ryan Oakey, president of Cardel Homes.

There has reportedly been increased support in Calgary city council for the development of a new facility, either in a reconfigured form at the current Race City site or in an alternative location. One such option is a newly propsed cargo airport development near Airdrie, just north of downtown Calgary.

"In the past, the issue of a facility that included motorsports was polarized – people were either for or against it," said the CMRA website report. "Now there seems to be general support for the concept, the quality of dialogue with the city has improved, and there has been a positive change in the tone of the discussions.

"One of Alderman Keating’s key messages is that this type of facility should receive the same kind of support as other recreation, arts, sporting, and community related facilities. Although there is no will to provide financial aid, it is clear that that support will be stronger for a not-for-profit organizing body (similar to the not-for-profit Calgary Stampede board) rather than a for-profit business venture."

It appears certain that the existing Race City road course cannot be maintained, as the city's work toward converting the land into a storm water retention area has moved too far along and there remains political opposition to maintaining the race track.

But Alderman Keating has presented a "notice of motion" in city council requesting the city develop a list of lands that could accommodate a race track. The Airdrie location is considered quite promising as it is considered unlikely to arouse opposition from residents.