Promoter hopes raceway leads to bigger and better things

Carson City Raceway at Fuji Park is providing family-oriented motorsports and entertainment. It's helping also to generate additional revenue for a much bigger picture.

"To a certain extent, the Nevada Motorsports Center project is riding on the backs of our speedway and quad racers at Carson City Raceway," said Jeb Onweiler, president/CEO of the proposed NMC.

"Proceeds from the raceway will be used as seed money for the new NMC multi-use motorsports and entertainment complex. So we have a lot riding on the races at Fuji Park."

The proposed complex will feature a state-of-the-art facility with a 1/2-mile asphalt tri-oval and 1/4-mile dragstrip. One of the proposed sites is a 156-acre parcel of BLM land east of Carson City.

With Champion Speedway racing uncertain beyond the 2005 season, many feel it's imperative a new site is chosen and construction get under way as soon as possible.

"We're looking at several locations in Northern Nevada, but would prefer to build in or near Carson City," Onweiler said.

"The capital city has a long-standing tradition for hosting motorsports events and we would like to keep that in place. The project will generate entertainment, new construction and employment opportunities and strong economic benefits for the community.

"However, without a secured site, we've done all the legwork we possibly can. We have several major investors interested in the project, but we can't move forward without a completed business model. We realize there are others who want to also replace the local speedway, but feel confident our plans will best serve the local community, as well as Northern Nevada."

Mayor Marv Teixeira said he has seen conceptual plans and the project has "very nice potential."

"Sure it (the plan) has merit," Teixeira said. "But the key here is it is BLM land. The principle player is BLM. The city will try to facilitate it and we're looking into it, but haven't heard anything back (from BLM)."

Teixeira said others are interested in the land for similar use including local businessman Les Kynett and an unnamed party from Las Vegas.

"It depends on how the land can be acquired," Teixeira said "A state lands bill could take a couple of years. To say it is imminent is premature. The concept is there and I hope it does happen. But I don't see anything happening in the near future."

Racing at Fuji Park features AMA Pro Speedway, youth speedway, peewee speedway, along with pro and peewee quads. Racers compete on a temporary, 1/10-mile oval inside the rodeo arena. Young racers compete in the DC Motor Sports Pocket Rocket and Ponderosa Stamp bicycle races. Kids enjoy the Fun Jumpers KidsZone playground under the direction of Chris Slabaugh, featuring EconoBox Drags, bounce house, face painting and more.

The remaining schedule includes: May 21, July 2, July 30, Aug. 13, Aug. 20, Oct. 8 and Oct. 22.

Onweiler has been promoting motorsports more than 25 years, including 2003 as general manager at Champion Motor Speedway. Joining him is longtime Carson City resident Robert Kline, who has more than 40 years motorsports experience.

"Carson City Raceway at Fuji Park is an important stepping stone toward the big picture," Onweiler said.

"When I arrived in Carson City in 2002 and took over at CMS in 2003, we made wholesale operational changes - new playgrounds, bicycle races, tasty food, and an exciting quick-paced show that started and ended on time. Our events produced strong attendance, family entertainment and affordable prices. We will never lose sight of that philosophy.

"We've performed our due diligence and considered all local and regional factors. Plans are solid and I've assembled the most experienced motorsports management team available in Northern Nevada. We are ready to move forward with this project."

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.