electric1 Posted November 4, 2011 Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 County has informed LSQMA that they do not wish to renew lease, and that the club will be sent out a letter to vacate the premises Nov 15, 2011 and have 30 days to remove structures and then plans on bulldozing track!!! If anyone has contacts with county officials that may be of help to save the racetrack please contact them immediately! We have asked for at least one year to find a new location. Please help keep quarter midget racing alive in San Antonio! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted November 4, 2011 Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 (edited) This is just wrong! That track has over 50 years of history. It should be considered an "Historical Landmark". I plan on making a few call, E-mails, whatever it takes. I just cant imagine why they would want to doze that little piece of the park. Something sounds fishy. Here is a place to start. Make those calls and e-mails folks. By Phone: 1 (210) 335-PARK (7275) By Mail: Bexar County Parks Department 233 N. Pecos la Trinidad Suite #480 San Antonio, Texas 78207 Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM By Email: PARKS@bexar.org Edited November 4, 2011 by PAPA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandersracing Posted November 4, 2011 Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 what is with SA and closing race tracks Hope we can save this track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesHigdon Posted November 5, 2011 Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 (edited) I have had EXTRODINARILY good luck working with my district’s city councilman (Chris Medina) about a range of issues including some related a local racer getting more than his fair share of grief from code compliance. I would be more than happy to contact him again but I would suggest contacting that district’s councilman and framing your case around what it does to keep local kids out of trouble, aid them in excelling in an international sport and the historic value of the track. I also wouldn’t rule out contacting TV news media as well as some of the tracks (or racer’s) larger sponsors for help. You could also contact local TXSZ sponsors or figures with some pull and let them work what power they have. HEB (racers at TMS in recent years), Zachary Construction, Sirizzotti Construction, Aramendia Plumbing and VP Racing are all local companies that either sponsor or support local racing, see what sway they can put in motion? This (like many government issues) will likely be won in the court of public opinion. As a secondary point, why in this economy would the city be spending money to demolish something in a park with room all around it? Edited November 5, 2011 by FSAERacer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford27 Posted November 5, 2011 Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 LETTER OF SUPPORT SENT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastmontgomery15 Posted November 5, 2011 Report Share Posted November 5, 2011 WE RACED THERE FOR 9 YEARS I HELP REBUILD THAT PLACE AND SPENT ALOT OF MY TIME THERE WITH MY FAMILY. AND I WASNT THE THE ONLY ONE. THERES 54 YEARS OF RACING THERE AND IT HAS KEPT OUR KIDS OFF THE STREETS AND OUT OF TROUBLE AND WEVE HAD SOME MOVE ON TO BIGGER AND BETTER RACING!!! I CALLED THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER TOMMY ADKINSON TODAY THREE TIME AND ASKED HIM TO CALL ME BACK NOT ONCE DID HE CALL BACK I ALSO SENT HIM A EMAIL AND A MESSAGE ON FB STILL HAVENT HEARD FROM HIM. THAT LAND AND TRACK WAS BUILT AND DONATED TO THE KIDS AND FOR QUARTER MIDGET RACING BY AJ PLOE.I THINK SINCE THE CITY AS GIVING THE COUNTY MONEY TO BUILD THE HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL THERE THAT THEY FEEL OUR TRACK IS A EYESORE TO THEM. I ALSO HEARD THEY WANT TO PUT A KIDDY PARK RIGHT THERE WHERE THE TRACK IS. AND NOT TO GIVE ANY NOTICE TO THEM THAT A BAD DEAL!!! I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD CALL THE NEWS STATIONS AND LET THE CITY AND COUNTY KNOW WHATS GOING ON WITH THIS.MAYBE THEY CAN BUY SOME TIME. SOME OF US HAVE EVEN PUT OUR OWN MONEY INTO THE TRACK TO KEEP IT LIKE IT IS AND I BELIEVE ITS ONE OF THE NICES TRACKS AROUND NOT TO MENTION THE REALLY GOOD RACING YOU CAN GO WATCH FOR FREE AND SEE A BUNCH OF KIDS RACING AND SMILEYING AFTER THEY GET OUT OF THEIR CARS!!! THATS WHAT I MISS FROM RACING THERE WAS THE FAMILYS YOU WOULD MEET AND THE FRIENDS YOU MADE!!! GO FIGHT FOR YOUR TRACK LSQMA YOU NEED THAT TRACK!!!!! DONNIE MONTGOMERY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelchair49 Posted November 6, 2011 Report Share Posted November 6, 2011 Always sad when any track is forced to close. FIGHT City Hall . What does San Antonio have against race tracks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted November 6, 2011 Report Share Posted November 6, 2011 I pulled this off the Bexar County website. Mr. Adkisson states in his "Bio" that he has a very strong belief in our history. This little track has a lot of history. I have never met the man but I've heard of him many times and he seems to be one of the good guys around here. Please contact him and tell him how you feel about the closing of the track. Try to be civil and friendly. We need him on our side with this. It will only take a few minutes to send an e-mail or make a phone call. Hopefully he can help save the track. If not.....then I have a lot of chain and locks and Im prepared to find the closest tree to the track and become one with the tree. http://www.bexar.org/commct/cmpct4/pct4.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted November 6, 2011 Report Share Posted November 6, 2011 (edited) I have also sent an e-mail to Trey Ware asking if he could help. I just sent an e-mail to Barry Davis at KENS 5 asking he he would look into this. If you guys can think of others please contact them. If you dont have the time or info to send to some of these people the let me know who they are and I will contact them. We have to do something. This might just be a tiny little track but its a track just the same. We have lost way to many tracks over the years because of our elected officials. Edited November 6, 2011 by PAPA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelchair49 Posted November 6, 2011 Report Share Posted November 6, 2011 Elected officals are elected by the majority if they get enough response they will response. T.V. needs something to report every day they are looking for news. Newspapers are the same. Radio stations are listened to every day by drivers stuck in the car by traffic or their job, I know I used to spend 4 or 5 hours a day in my car for sales. The talk shows need a topic to talk about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastmontgomery15 Posted November 6, 2011 Report Share Posted November 6, 2011 Donnie---I'll convey this to Betty Bueche. I have not been told about this and would like to hear from her as to what is happening. I'll be in touch.THIS WAS TOMMY ADKSSION RESPONCE WHEN HE MESSAGED BE BACK YESTERDAY.HE WILL CALL FRIST THING TOMMOROW!!! THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electric1 Posted November 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 I personally sat in on the meeting with the county officials that informed us (LSQMA) that they would be terminating our lease. They were Betty Bueche - director of parks Kelsey Menzel - assistant crimanal district attorney Jeneete Jay - ? Jose Travala - ? director of comanche park ? "PAPA" wrote: Here is a place to start. Make those calls and e-mails folks. By Phone: 1 (210) 335-PARK (7275) By Mail: Bexar County Parks Department 233 N. Pecos la Trinidad Suite #480 San Antonio, Texas 78207 Business Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM By Email: PARKS@bexar.org These are all people who's offices are located at the contacts above. "PAPA" your information was spot on as this is were the meeting was held that we were informed of the lease being terminated. At this point I think these are all paid county employees that want to see the track gone and any feedback would fall on deaf ears. Your later post with county commisioner Tommy Akisson's contact information is were I have directed my concers and would encourage everyone to call or email thier concerns. Maybe if we all speak up we can save this tack that means and has meant so much to all of us. Tommy Akisson contact info-----http://www.bexar.org/commct/cmpct4/pct4.asp Thanks, Shawn Ross LSQMA Member Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doitinthedirt Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 If AND I SAY IF I AM NOT CALLED OUT TO WORK TOO EARLY I WILL GO BY MR. AKISSON'S OFFICE IN THE MORNING. IT IS LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF GOLIAD AN CLARK ON THE SOUTH EAST SIDE. MY FAMILY AN FELLOW FRIENDS HAVE DEALT WITH HIM BEFORE. MY FAMILY HAS LONG TIME ESTABLISHMENTS NOT A 1/4 A MILE FROM THE TRACK . GREW UP HEARING THE CARTS RUNNING WHILE WE WERE PLAYING AN GOING TO WATCH. PART OF THE EAST SIDE SHOULD NOT BE GONE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electric1 Posted November 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 We are calling on the racing community to help us make a statement to our County leaders that the Lone Star Quarter Midget Association track at Comanche Park on 2600 Rigsby Ave., which was donated by AJ Ploch more than 50 years ago specifically for quarter midgets will not be taken without being heard from us. We need your support!! We are planning a support rally on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10 am till ? This will be held at the Quarter Midget track at 2600 Rigsby Ave, Comanche Park. Anyone that supports racing in San Antonio please show up and help the kids of San Antonio and surrounding areas keep their track!! Past and present quarter-midget racers, big cars to small cars, dirt to asphalt, car clubs, drag racers, family and friends, or anyone willing to show support PLEASE come out!! The more support, the bigger the statement. Please we need your help! Lets unite the racing community in San Antonio! Please utilize your media contacts and lets get the word out there. Any questions please contact Dennis (Shorty) Ross at 210-535-0331. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenny66 Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 That's a damn shame. Instead of providing a place for kids to race and make new friends and continue a parents involvement in their kids lives, the county wants to close the track. Sounds just like SAS back in 07, but the city gave no warning there. There should be some type of "historical exception", this place has been there forever. I hope to see a good turnout on Saturday Nov. 12. I'm in. Lenny66 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 Trey Ware sent me an e-mail last night stating he would look into it this morning. Im sure he will do his best. Thanks Trey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrungot Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 Has anyone called QMA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrungot Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 (edited) New Facebook page.... Like it and pass it on.. once it gets big enough i will add a shortcut to make it easier to find... https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Keep-...237247083001271 Edited November 7, 2011 by abrungot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh42 Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 Aaron from what I heard a few weeks ago I dont think it will matter if they contact QMA as I heard they dropped their QMA sanction to go USAC Sanctioned. Which leaves two tracks in Region 6 now Tulsa and Austin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesHigdon Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 The link to the Facebook page isn't working and I can't find it at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KISS_Racing Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 What about the family who originally donated the property to the track? Maybe if the city/county got a phone call from them showing their displeasure it might carry some wait? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrungot Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 FSAE.. i seems to click thru fine... PM me if you can't get it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 Link worked fine from my laptop. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted November 7, 2011 Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 (edited) I just got a call from Pct4 and they sent this to me. Listen to Treys show in the morning around 7ish to hear from the commissioner himself on this matter. Mr. Fischer, Thank you for taking my call. Here is the information Commissioner Adkisson received from Ms. Bueche, Bexar County Facility Director. I hope this helps to dispel some of the rumors that you and I discussed. As I said during the phone call we will keep you in the loop as to the date and time of the meeting the Commissioner and County staff will be having. When a date, time and location have been selected you are most welcome to attend if you like. Thank you again for allowing Commissioner Adkisson and his staff to look into this issue and hopefully work out a solution that works for everyone. Sincerely, Mario Llano Chief of Staff Commissioner Adkisson Pct.4 335-2614 It is true that the group has not provided insurance nor payment since the agreement was established in 1991, both of which are required. Both the DA and the Risk Manager believe that continuing the agreement is too great a risk for the County, even with insurance. Additionally, there are two other quarter midget groups who have complained that they want a chance to "bid" to use the track, and that the County has shown favoritism by allowing only the Lone Star Quarter Midget group to use the track exclusively for decades without opening it to competition. The track was apparently built by A.J. Ploch and the group used it unofficially for a couple of decades until Bob Lee decided an official agreement was needed. The assistant DA at that time was Kelsey who believed then as she does now that the lease was done outside what would have been fair competition, and also that the risk to the County was too great. Consequently, the annual fee and insurance became requirements. The group has never complied. The immediate past -president was not cooperative in resolving the issues and the group also had internal problems with her. They have taken control away from her and elected a new President. Kelsey and I met with the new President yesterday after consulting with the County Risk Manager. It seems that nationwide Counties are ending agreements with Quarter Midget racing groups because of the liability problems. Therefore, we suggested that Kelsey might work with Joe Newton to potentially find a piece of property that has been acquired due to non-payment of property taxes and assist the Lone Star group with their going through the process of acquiring land that they would own themselves. Kelsey said she would know something for them by early next week. Additionally, their track is currently in disrepair. They want to continue using it as-is, but we are concerned that children traveling at least 40 mph on a poor quality track sounds like an accident waiting to happen. The new President is the one who said that the track needs to be totally roved, and re-built, not us. He has solicited in-kind donations that he says would have a value of approximately $45,000. Our recommendation is that they take advantage of those donations to construct a new track on property that they own. This would remove the County from the risk it now has. Jerry Smith and I made an effort to change the situation about 1-1/2 years ago with their immediate past-President, but she failed to comply with any of the things she agreed to do and which are required in the agreement. The next step was that we would go to Commissioners Court seeking authority to work through an orderly transition and ultimately termination of the agreement. Linda Billa Burke also phones me a couple of days ago to defend the group. After she heard the situation she understood and actually agreed that the liability issue for the County was too great. One of her employees is part of the Quarter Midget group and asked that she intervene on their behalf. We have submitted and Agenda Coordination Form for the November 15 Court requesting authority from Commissioners Court to proceed with the transition and termination. The President and his Son both indicated that they believe am orderly transition could be possible within a few months to a year. We told them we would be happy to work with them to make sure it would be done in a way that is coordinated and does not put them in a big bind. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thank you Betty Bueche Edited November 7, 2011 by PAPA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electric1 Posted November 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2011 I received that very same letter @ 9pm last night from Mr Adkisson. That is the letter that Betty Bueche sent him informing him of the situation after we met Thursday at her office. Mrs. Bueche's letter is factually incorrect and misleading and therefore the commisioners chief of staff now has his information incorrect!!! Here is my letter of rebutal I sent to Mr. adkisson this morning. Thank you for your time. I contacted Monica Martinez this morning and she is going to get back with me regarding setting up an appointment with you hopefully at the quarter midget track as soon as possible. In regards to Ms. Bueche's letter informing you of what was going on with the track I have some very serious concerns with some of her statements not being factual and are misleading. She stated that we have never provided payment or proof of insurance since the lease agreement was established in 1991, this is not true. I know for a fact it was done from 1991-2001 as I was a member and president for many of those years. Also, our club recently provided a back payment that would bring us current. In reference to two other quarter-midget clubs in San Antonio requesting use of the facilities.... There are only two quarter midget clubs in Texas, the Lone Star Quarter Midget Assoc. here in San Antonio and the River City Quarter Midget Assoc. in Austin which has their own facility. I am not sure who she is referencing to as the other two quarter midget clubs in San Antonio. That track was built and donated by Mr. AJ Ploch for quarter midgets in San Antonio. It is quarter midget families that have fund raised, maintained, and dedicated endless hours of time to keep this facility up without asking for any county resources. She also referenced that counties are ending lease agreements with quarter midget clubs nationwide due to liability issues. Being a member of a national organization and being informed on the location and existence of each club in the nation I know this statement is not factual. Quarter midgets has safety record that baseball, basketball, and football would envy. There has never been a serious injury of any kind, at any track, anywhere in the country. This is a fact that can be proven, not an assumption. We have contacted our insurance provider for over the last twenty years, and we can go back and provide proof of insurance for the entire length of the lease agreement. They have also stated that they are familiar with our situation as most tracks throughout the country sit on county property and can easily name Bexar County as an also insured and have it on your desk by the end of the day. In reference to the track being in disrepair, that is absolutely not the case. The track has an asphalt surface that is in excess of 20 years old. Yes, there are cracks, but we have raced on this for many years in it's current condition and there is absolutely not a safety issue. We, the LSQMA, were only approaching the county to make improvements that were generously donated by companies in the area to improve our facility so that we could become one of the premiere racing facilities in the country with the hopes of drawing large, revenue generating, races to San Antonio. As to Ms. Bueche's recommendation of using our donations and building a new facility, unfortunately these donations only cover the expenses of resurfacing the track. To have to go out and purchase land, install infrastructures such as drainage, electrical, parking, building of fences, and even the expense of having to relocate our scoring tower, concession stands, and other structures would be insurmountable and financially unobtainable. In closing, Mr. Adkisson, I ask you to keep AJ Ploch's intentions in mind, which were to provide a place for kids whose interests are in motor sports. Not every kid has a passion for baseball, basketball, football, etc. With all of the county built and maintained softball, soccer fields, etc. surely this one acre at Comanche park can remain dedicated to the kids of quarter midgets. Sincerely, Shawn Ross 210-789-0182 If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime!!!! I would be happy to give you the whole story, not a one sided agenda driven story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.