NASCAR auto racing officials today reiterated that they are exploring the possibility of building a racetrack development in the Denver area, but made no commitment to a partnership with the National Western Stock Show.
“We know there is substantial demand for NASCAR racing in the Denver metropolitan region. As such, we continue to evaluate the possibility of pursuing a public-private partnership to develop a national-level motorsports entertainment facility in the market,” said Wes Harris, spokesman for Daytona Beach, Fla. – based International Speedway Corp.
“While we have had preliminary discussions with a number of interested parties, including the National Western Stock Show, we are not involved in any negotiations at this time.”
National Western officials this week referred to negotiations with ISC aimed at establishing a 1,000-acre complex near Denver International Airport and perhaps in Aurora that could host the stock show in January as well as auto-racing in warmer months and possibly sports training.
National Western President Pat Grant and board chairman Jerry McMorris said they envision a $600 million to $800 million facility done together with ISC. Even with no alliance, Grant and McMorris said they’re aiming for a $200 million to $225 million stock show facility.
Both expressed optimism about the discussions with ISC and said they hoped to put a ballot initiative before voters in November to secure significant public funding.
International Speedway officials “do not have a pre-determined timetable for concluding our evaluation or determining a specific course of action,” Harris said today. “We appreciate the complexity of this exciting potential project and are committed to taking the time necessary to thoroughly explore this important economic development opportunity for the region.”
Today Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer said he’s interested in a project but was non-committal – the posture of Gov. Bill Ritter’s office and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
“If we could do something that works for the whole region, as well as our citizens, that would be great,” Tauer said.
“We don’t have a specific proposal from anybody. We’d be more than happy to talk with them (National Western and ISC officials) about some detailed ideas.”
Bruce Finley: 303-954-1700 or bfinley@denverpost.com
