Race City future goes to vote

By John Hopkins

Calgary's City Council is expected to vote on a motion to decide the future of Race City Motorsports Park next Monday, Nov. 3 or Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The motion put forward by Aldermen Ric McIver and Joe Connelly asks that the City of Calgary honour its existing lease with Race City, which runs until 2025. The city currently plans to break the lease in 2010 so it can expand the Shepard Landfill, which sits adjacent to the facility.

The motion outlines several benefits the racing facility brings to the city, including acting as a deterrent to street racing thanks to its drag racing programs and serving as a tourism draw for the area. The motion also says Race City is responsible for over $100,000 a year in revenue to the city through rent, tax and business tax.

Race City Motorsports Inc. president Art Mackenzie has asked users of the facility in the Calgary area to contact their Aldermen and ask them to support the motion when it comes to a vote.