rebelracewriter Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Many of you probably already know that Saratoga Spwy. has been shut down for numerous weeks now. There are those of you, along with myself, that are interested in the future of the facility. After reading posts on their website and forum, I contacted(e-mail) the person that was interested in purchasing/leasing the track, Mr. Len Hobbs. It was a brief reply as alot depends on whether or not he actually gets control of the place. But he did ask if I would post a poll on the possiblity of racing two or three days per week.(Fri.-Sun.) So, he would be interested in knowing how many people would like to see/race open-wheeled cars(ie; Mods, Sprints, etc.) on one night, full bodied stock cars on another night, with possibly flat track motorcycles on the other. Now I personally have my own opinion, but I'm also not in the know on the ecomony of the CC area. And NO Jason, there was NOT any mention of paving the place!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Would this be like a Thurs night, Fri night, Sat night weekly thing? If so I would have to say no. Build up the weekly program then maybe split it up between nights. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperStock23 Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Speaking as a racer from Saratoga, I hope the deal goes through for Mr. Hobbs to purchase the track. I agree that we need to build up our weekly program again, get the grandstands full of spectatators. I can say that every time I have been to an ASCS show at this track, the stands where full. I don't know if this could be done every week though, as gate admission was increased every time to cover the cost of presenting the races. I'm also hoping if the track is sold, the new owner would not want to change our rules. We have a good car count right now that is waiting for a chance to go race again without having to travel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-37 Fan Posted August 4, 2003 Report Share Posted August 4, 2003 reb, I dont think Saratoga Speedway will open this year for one reason Gary Wright wants over 700,000 for the track and land Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted August 4, 2003 Report Share Posted August 4, 2003 I believe your thinking of CCSpeedway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meredith race engines Posted August 5, 2003 Report Share Posted August 5, 2003 i have never been there but i am with jason PAVE IT we need a few more paved tracks in tx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebelracewriter Posted August 5, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2003 MRE, I'll bet Jason put you up to that You may right on more paved tracks, but NOT two in Corpus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DVeit Posted August 5, 2003 Report Share Posted August 5, 2003 I usually just linger around here, but i have to reply now. Why would u want to pave it? Its a great dirt track! We just need someone to fix up the Chilli Bowl'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted August 5, 2003 Report Share Posted August 5, 2003 I found a couple of web sites that refer to a Len Hobbs from the South Texas area. Is this the same Len Hobbs who plans to purchase Saratoga? SA Business Journal and http://archives.californiaaviation.org/gan...s/msg09443.html Friday, February 2, 2001 Castroville airport's future is up in air By Zeke MacCormack San Antonio (TX) Express-News CASTROVILLE — Len Hobbs had big plans for this city's little airport when he took over as its fixed-base operator in September. But five months later, he has abandoned the facility and defaulted on his company's debts, leaving perplexed city officials trying to manage the facility and resurrect its promise. "It's pretty frustrating," Charlie Kast, a member of the city's airport advisory board, said before the panel met Friday to sort out its options for the small airstrip. The city, which officials say is owed more than $10,000 by Hobbs, has hired two of Hobbs' former employees to pump gas at the airport off U.S. 90 on an interim basis. Options under review include filling jobs such as airport director and fixed-base operator and/or manager. City Secretary Donna Schueling said Hobbs' financial troubles and sudden disappearance were unexpected. "He stood before the airport board at their January meeting and apologized, and said he would have it paid off by the end of the month," she said. "He never made good." Hobbs, a former executive at Dee Howard, did not return a phone message Friday requesting comment. He told the city and creditors in a Jan. 26 letter that his business, Ccom Flight Support, had ceased operations and had defaulted on its contractual and financial obligations. He blamed the failure on a lack of startup capital from unnamed parties "who pledged financial support and failed to perform when called upon." "May God forgive those who abandoned me," wrote Hobbs, who reportedly has left the area. He was the sole respondent last fall to a city advertisement for a new operator to replace Louis McCasland Jr., who had run the airport since 1979. The city and its insurers paid McCasland $240,000 and made other concessions to settle a dispute over his leases for airport offices, a shop and several hangars. McCasland, who still works at the airport as a hangar manager, also is unhappy about recent events. "I spent 20 years here trying to build up a business, and I want to see the airport succeed," he said. City officials said a background check of Hobbs last fall offered no hint of the impending troubles. "The council had high expectations," Mayor Archie Ragland said Friday of Hobbs. "He just got in over his head. I think he tried." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted August 5, 2003 Report Share Posted August 5, 2003 The first article you linked to seems like he owns several companies. A motorsports promotion company was mentioned. This article that was posted I found a few days ago. Maybe one of the businesses went wrong? Hopefully this is just one bad case and he has several good things going. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted August 6, 2003 Report Share Posted August 6, 2003 Reb, Try this one. SA Business Journal Nick Holt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racer26 Posted August 6, 2003 Report Share Posted August 6, 2003 I don't much care about his past, long as he gives saratoga a chance at being a success. I want to go racing again BADDDDDDD!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txhotmod Posted August 7, 2003 Report Share Posted August 7, 2003 Hope something can be done and lets get racing again BUT sure dont need another of those "Larry Stiles " deals again----------- and if all the newspaper reports are true---- kinda looks like it mite not be the deal we are all looking for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
97car Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 Just to let you know I worked at Dee Howard,I met Lyn a couple of times,it was my understanding that he once was a regional director for IMCA back in the eighties,I am not sure on this but this is what I heard. The times I did talk to him he seemed a sinceable man with what was going on at Dee Howard,but the upper management did not seem to listen,and if you keep up with the news Dee Howard Aircraft Maint. went under last year,however Lynn had been gone a few years before. He had some good plans for racing in the local area at the time also,but the local promoters did not listen or care to at the time,and we know what happened to them. Just from my impressions of Lynn,I hope everything goes thru ok and give him a chance hopefully things will go well,I unserstand Saratoga is a nice facility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RandyBorlace Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 racer26, are you pure stock #26 darin leonard? if so come to i-37 all the rookies that wrecked you are gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racer26 Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 I'll be there tonight! Been on vacation and had to fix my car from the last time there. Like the track, it just needs good driving. I haven't wanted to change my car in case saratoga reopens. Might go ahead and lock up the rearend for tonight though. It would be nice if they would install restrooms for the ladies instead of skid-o-cans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RandyBorlace Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 alright more cars ! bring some friends too we need more cars . we only had 11 last week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadRacing19 Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 Iwas wondering how I could find out the rules for I-37 . I was wanting to go race there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 rules at i37? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted August 9, 2003 Report Share Posted August 9, 2003 I emailed Mr. Hobbs the following earlier today: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mr. Hobbs, What is the status of your negotiations with Mr. Wright? As you probably know, there is quite a bit of interest in the fate of Saratoga here on TexasSpeedZone.com. Nick Holt Moderator TexasSpeedZone.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mr Hobbs wrote back: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nick, I have submitted a formal, written, proposal to Gary Wright. I have not rec'd a response. I would hope he would, at least, reply with a "Yes... No...or Maybe?" I'm prepared to re-open the track within one week after purchase. The ball is in his court. Cheers, Len Hobbs +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racer26 Posted August 11, 2003 Report Share Posted August 11, 2003 Try this link for the rules @ I-37. http://hometown.aol.com/radler8905/i37speedway.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted August 11, 2003 Report Share Posted August 11, 2003 I recently received the following Email from Mr. Hobbs: ====================================== Nick, A lot of people are 'completely' unaware of the cost of operating a race track. The equipment (for track preparation) at the track is 'junk'. I will have to buy a new maintainer, a water truck, a tractor with a shredder for mowing and several other pieces. That's tens of thousands of dollars before anybody shows up at the track. Then I have to pay people to get all that done. I'm interested in keeping Micahel and Donna Carlock working for the track...but even that will require a 'new set of management conditions' at the track. I'm a 'hands on' owner/promoter. I will be resposnsible for everything, good or bad, that happens at the track. My plan is to transform Saratoga Speedway into a premier dirt track...suitable for television. More of everything...and better than anybody else. Cheers, Len Hobbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel63 Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 I honestly hope that Saratoga gets up and running soon. I sure do miss the races. However, some drastic things must be done. My fiance' is from Iowa and I was privalaged enough to be view there racing a month ago. Puts our Saratoga to shame. Saratoga's track was a million times better, but it needs some help. Lighting would be my first choice. I'm a lighting agent in town and I know that even something cheep like Musco isn't that much money. It can be done, with the admission that is charged. Also, I think that there should be CERTIFIED track officials. As much as I know some of those people personally, they have no certification for what they are doing. Half the time you don't even know who workes there and who is a spectator. I think someone with proper managment skills could really get this place going. I think the Carlocks were really trying, but it just didn't work. Racing more then every two weeks, or once a month helps things too. Anyway, just wanted to add my three cents. Maybe things will get better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperStock23 Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 Has anyone heard how the deal to purchase the track is going? I have been hoping we would know something soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebelracewriter Posted August 20, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2003 SS23, The last I heard from Len Hobbs(today), is that he has tendered an offer to Gary Wright on purchasing the facility. To date he has still not received a reply, so basically it in the hands of Mr Wright. Which is what his reply was to Nick a couple weeks ago. I can't understand why anyone would rather have the place sit idle, but then look at Texas Dirt Speedway, Mr Friesenhahn has let that place sit for years now. I'm guessing these two owners want more than anyone is willing to put up, especially when you consider the amount of work/equipment/money needed to get the places back in racing shape again. Sorry there's sadly no new news to report, but I'm sure Mr Hobbs will let myself or Nick know what happens, as soon as it happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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