Pacific plans ambitious expansion
Major expansion plans are on the cards at Pacific Raceways now that it is back under family control.
Picture: Pacific Raceways
Amulti-million dollar expansion plan has been proposed by Pacific Raceways near Seattle in Washington, according to newspaper reports.
The Fiorito family, which owns and operates the Kent track, is aiming to launch a $135 million renovation plan to upgrade the facility. No public money would be used in the project, track officials said.
The proposal calls for a new, relocated quarter-mile NHRA-sanctioned drag strip, an upgraded 2.25-mile road course, a banked 3/8-mile asphalt oval, permanent garages, improved road access and a large motorsports business complex.
The Fioritos have made $5 million in improvements since assuming managerial control of the property four years ago. Part of the financing for the expanison plans involves the sale of gravel extracted from the site, as the new racetrack's surfaces will be sunk into the ground to reduce noise. It is estimated some $15 million can be raised in this way, while the remaining funds would be financed by loans, according to track officials.
Gravel removed from the facility has previously been sold to the Port of Seattle, with the proceeds paying for all-aluminum grandstands that were built along the tower side of the existing drag strip.
The redevelopment plans will now be formally put to King County Council in what is likely to be a lengthy review and building permit process. The relocated drag strip could be ready for racing in either 2008 or 2009 if the outcome is positive.
"What we always have envisioned since Day One is a world-class multi-use racing facility," Jason Fiorito told the King County Journal "Everybody feels like it's a great idea. I feel good about where this is going and where it could go."
The Fiorito family have been involved with the raceway from the start. Dan Fiorito Sr. - who owned a road construction business - wanted to eliminate the dangers of teenage racing on public streets. As a result, he and his crew created the 2.25 mile road course during their 1959 summer break. The nine turn circuit is carved out of natural wooded terrain and also boasts an NHRA drag strip.
Family involvement was put on hold in 1976, when the Fioritos decided to lease out the facility under a 25 year agreement, during which the track was re-named Seattle Raceway. When the lease expired the track came back under family control and reverted to its original name.
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