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E-mail StoryNew racetrack likely will not open until June
| Tuesday, Jan 15 2008 11:30 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Jan 15 2008 11:34 PM
There will be racing at a new track west of Bakersfield this year, but just when remains a mystery.
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"I'm looking for clarity (as to when construction will be completed) and I'm not getting it," said Larry Collins, president of Kern County NASCAR, which is building the new paved half-mile oval near Interstate 5 and Enos Lane.
Collins had hoped the facility would be ready for racing by mid-April but it now appears racing will be delayed until sometime in June. However, Collins is unwilling to announce a firm opening date until he can be assured construction will be completed by that date.
"June is fine, we'll just race more often and race into November," Collins said. "But I need a good solid handle on when we can have that first race."
Delays in permitting and paving have slowed progress at the facility. The infield and track are covered in pavement, but the racing surface needs two more lifts (layers) of pavement and the infield one more. That job has been put on hold for a few weeks until the weather warms and should take less than three weeks to complete once work begins again.
But the biggest delay has been in securing all of the permits needed to begin construction of the four-story structure that will house concessions, restrooms, suites and offices.
A water permit has just been secured and Collins said he hopes that clears the way to start construction on the building. The rough plumbing and framing for the foundation have been in place for several weeks.
The delays continued on Tuesday as a planned event at the Motor City Auto Center were postponed due to dense fog. Twenty General Motors vehicles were planned to be awarded to the 20 area high schools that plan to compete in the upcoming high school racing competition at the new track. The event will be rescheduled.