They had plans to open the gates at I70 Motorsports Park in 2019; The county is making that very difficult

I70 Motorsports Park sits pretty in Odessa, Missouri near Kansas City. Before that, the former race track sat dormant.

For years, activity lacked at the race track. Trees began to crack through the racing surface. The forest was deeply invested in reclaiming the property.

Kansas City businessman Chris Payne stepped in to save the race track. His team has plans to cover the track in dirt. They want to fix up the facilities and make the 1/2 mile track look better than ever.

Fans rejoiced across the country as the initial announcement went viral on this very channel among others.

The grand re-opening was originally set for May 18. However, it has was pushed back until June as they ran into issues with the county.

On Thursday, they met with the Lafayette County Planning Commission for the third time since the announcement. Now, it’s been put on pause again and the track owner doesn’t see anything happening in 2019.

500 die-hard race fans made an appearance at the courthouse on Thursday.

The county appears to have a full list of concerns regarding the rebuilt race track. They want sound barriers, fencing surrounding the property and lighting.

The county has a list of requirements including a chain link fence: “The facility will look like a minimum security prison. The Kansas Speedway doesn’t even have fencing around the property perimeter, just the track itself.”

The county attorney is set to complete a list on conditions regarding construction at the track. It will then be voted on at the Lafayette County Courthouse on April 17th at 7pm.

“This is a big hurdle we get through the process and get our special use permit for the property that allows us racing to continue,” Payne told FOX4 KC.

I70 Speedway race track

I-70 Motorsports comments on the county issues

March 22nd, 2019

“Last night it became apparent Lafayette County Administration is trying very hard to kill the reopening of I-70 Speedway as I-70 Motorsports Park,” I-70 Motorsports Park said in a facebook post on last week ahead of a final meeting.

“We’ve been working with the County for six months and they now decide to engage an outside consultant to poke holes in our 167 page application.”

“The County’s consultant should be there to help the success of development, not to continuously try to derail a project and try to persuade the County Commissioners from approving something as positive as the redevelopment of the old I-70 Speedway facility into a new multi venue and racing complex.”

“One would believe a consultant would actually visit the site he is being paid to discuss, but he never has. We hope the County Commissioners will make the right decision.”

“Your support is much appreciated and needed, including attending the next and final meeting on Thursday, March 28th at Berry Acres Convention Hall in Odessa, Missouri. Please arrive by 6 pm and show your support. The public hearing starts at 7 pm sharp.”

I 70 Motorsports Park: Update

Mach 29, 2019

The meeting mentioned above has since taken place. No decision was met. The next meeting has been rescheduled for April 17th, 2019.

Following the meeting on Thursday night the track returned to social media to provide an update:

“A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who came out last night and supported the reopening of I-70 Motorsports Park. Another BIG THANK YOU to the Berry family for use of their awesome facility, Berry Acres,” read the facebook update this on Friday.

“As many of you witnessed, there was not a decision made by the Planning & Zoning Board and the meeting was ONCE AGAIN continued. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17th, 2019 at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Lexington, Missouri.”

“The commissioners stated they’re going to recommend many conditions for I-70 Motorsports Park, including a new traffic study, a new lighting study, sound level restrictions, storm water management plan, an new 8 foot chain fence along the entire property perimeter (at a cost of $250,000 or more) and the likelihood of many more conditions.”

“The facility will look like a minimum security prison. The Kansas Speedway doesn’t even have fencing around the property perimeter, just the track itself.”

“With Lafayette County’s continued delays, any racing or events in 2019 at I-70 Motorsports Park is not looking good.”

“Once again, thank you to all the residents of Odessa and Lafayette County which support the reopening of I-70 Speedway as the new I-70 Motorsports Park.”

You can see a video of I-70 Speedway in it’s dormant state below.

I70 Speedway video

More

I-70 Speedway re-opening as a dirt track

Lonesome Pine Raceway reborn as dirt track with the name Clay Valley Speedway

Links

I-70 Motorsports Park