Race City nears moment of truth

By John Hopkins

"D-Day" for the long term future of Calgary's Race City Motorsport Park now appears to be next Monday, Jan. 26.

On that day a report from the city's Land & Asset Strategy Committee will be presented to City Council. The report will provide an assessment and recommendations on the dispute between the city and Race City owner Art Mackenzie over the future of the facility beyond the end of the 2009 race season.

MacKenzie leases the land the race track is on from the City of Calgary, but the city wants to reacquire the land for a storm water retention pond.

Although no details of the Land & Asset Strategy report can be made public until next Monday, sources indicate it does not like good for Race City.

Complicating matters is the fact that Mackenzie said in an article in the S.E. Calgary News that he has a valid lease for the property until 2025. According to the S.E. Calgary News article, the City contends the lease had actually expired in 2000.

The Parts Canada Superbike Championship confirmed last week it will stage a round of its 2009 series at Race City June 25-28, promoted by Tim Johnson and Kel Davidsen, longtime racers and executive members with the Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association.

Additionally, the CMRA has released a six-round schedule at the track for the 2009 season.