ReddyZ06

There is a plan in the works for a motorsports park that sounds well thought out for Columbus Ohio. The site would be the old Columbus Clippers baseball stadium. The parking lot there has been used for autocross for years.

www.cooperparkcomplex.com

There is of course some opposition to the facility being mounted by another local group.
Some interesting reading here:
http://forum.ovr-scca.org/index.php?topic=242.0

Mike

WNeal

Nice plan but have learned to believe it when I see it

ReddyZ06

Excellent point. Especially when you consider that the Columbus 500 only lasted a few years. There is a group mounting significant opposition to the park already. One of the links posted above however has an online petition in favor of the park.
Mike

FastZR1

How is Jeff Gordon linked to Columbus, OH, and what did they do to help his career? Just wondering.
I'm from Ohio and a Gordon fan but never knew he spent much time in Ohio.

Bink

1/2 mile oval with interior road course?? Small - that's a Go-Kart track..

davidfarmer

and so close to Mid-ohio.......

ReddyZ06

Actually, I hear that unlike the graphic images, plans have changed and the entire area will be blacktop - no grass. That would allow more layouts for auto-x etc. The way I understand it they don't plan to compete with Mid-Ohio's 2.2 mile track or even Columbus Motor Speedway's 1/3 mile paved oval. If it ever did get built though it sounds like a great alternative venue for motorsports.

The opposition to the facility is mostly from a group against noise. There will be some public hearings and there is an electronic petition to support the building of the facility.

Oh, I don't get the Jeff Gordon connection either, maybe it's just an investment opportunity. It's explained as an opportunity for Jeff to give back to the community. I would guess it means the performance automobile community not specifically Columbus.

Obviously I am not on the inside with this project. I just passed it along because an additional performance facility always sounds good to me. I hope it happens, I'll support it.
Mike

WNeal

I am with you on this and do hope that it gets built.
More venues are always good for many reasons.

racerbob4

Actually Jeff Gordon flew over Ohio on his way to the Chicago race and the Michigan race.

ReddyZ06

Here is the link to the electronic petition to show support for the park:
http://www.petitiononline.com/CPX2010/petition.html

Mike

ReddyZ06

Here's a 10 minute youtube video update on the Cooper Park complex development.
Again, it is 10 minutes long and really just explains why the area was selected for the tech center and race track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlMKOVdoDT8

Mike

ReddyZ06

UPDATE:

After many meetings with area commissions the Cooper Park Complex took another important step last night. For the first time there was an official presentation to the Columbus zoning planning commission - or what ever the name is. The Columbus commission has approved the project to be submitted to city council and recommends approval for the proper zoning. There's still a long way to go, but there could be another great facility for motorsports in the midwest in the relatively near future.

Mike

ReddyZ06

The technical research center/race track is at a critical point and could use your help. Monday June 27th Columbus city council will vote to approve or dis-approve the re-zoning of the old baseball stadium to the new race facility.

Council President Ginther has announced he will vote in favor of the track but there are 7 other council members yet to choose sides. Mr. Ginther has a Facebook page and if you chose to "like" his announcement to vote for the track before the Monday vote it might sway the other council members.
Here is a link to the City Council President Andrew Ginthers facebook page. Please go there to state your appreciation for his support. We need the rest of the council and mayor to know that the city is behind this. Spread this link today!

http://www.facebook.com/notes/columb...50290476056147


If you are not familiar with the site currently, it is a run-down baseball stadium in a economically stressed part of Columbus. The people there are overwhelmingly in favor of this privately funded 30-40 million dollar development and the jobs that it will bring to their area. However there are several vocal opponents and our support would help council decide.

Thanks,
Mike