Sunshine Speedway - Circle Track - Could be making a COMEBACK!!!

**DRMORTY** · 12-09-2011 09:09 AM

Sen. Latvala working to put Sunshine Speedway property back to work | Saint Petersblog

At the suggestion of Senator Jack Latvala, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun the process of determining if an underutilized state asset can be put back to work to help create jobs and new economic activity in central Pinellas County. The old Sunshine Speedway not only generated family-oriented entertainment, but also fostered a number of small auto repair businesses in the corridor between Ulmerton Road and 118th Avenue North. This property was purchased by the state for the Roosevelt Boulevard connector which has been postponed. Constituents of the Senator have suggested re-opening the Speedway in the interim which he then discussed with FDOT. They have now agreed to advertise for bids on leasing the property. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 11:00 AM on December 8th at the site which is located at 4550 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater.
“This is a win-win situation for the state, which will receive rent until it is used for road construction, and for the community, which will benefit from jobs at the facility and in the collateral auto repair businesses related to the track,” Senator Latvala stated.

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This would be Friggin AWESOME!!!!

I guess I can only hope...

**DRMORTY** · 12-09-2011 09:14 AM

It gets better!!! on DEC. 19 bidding for the track begins.. this is for the CIRCLE TRACK!!!!

Bidding war begins for Sunshine Speedway property

The Sunshine Speedway will get a new lease on life.

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Florida Department of Transportation opened bidding to lease and operate the racetrack for at least the next five years.
The track has been closed since the state bought the land in 2004 to make way for a connector from Interstate 275 to Roosevelt Boulevard. Dragstrip races have continue at the facility.
Two dozen interested bidders were at the track Thursday for a pre-bid meeting.
Jimmy Cope, a former racer, is one of the parties interested in reopening the track to racing.
"I want to run it," Cope said. "I want to promote it. It’s a lifelong dream."
Todd Dickenson already leases out the neighboring drag strip.
He plans to put in his own bid for the property, or at least sublease from the winning bidder to continue operating drag races.
"I’m interested in staying at the drag strip," Dickenson said. "That’s kind of a family deal to me and I’d like to keep it going."
State Senator Jack Latvala the plan is a win-win situation for the state.
"[The state] will receive rent until it is used for road construction, and for the community, which will benefit from jobs at the facility and in the collateral auto repair business related to the track," Latvala said.
The racetrack will be leased "as is." That means investment in infrastructure, like lights, grandstands, concessions and a PA system, is necessary.
"It’s a big investment, but worth it," Cope said. "It’s got a big, big county to draw people from. Location, location, location. It’s right here."
For the last few years, the Florida Turnpike Authority has used the racetrack as a toll research and test facility.
That equipment will be moved.
Bidding for the property ends Dec. 19. The track could open for racing as soon as next spring.

**DRMORTY** · 12-09-2011 09:24 AM

If it re-opens...

I'll be there...

In a race-car!!!

**DRMORTY** · 12-09-2011 10:00 AM

HERE'S THE DAY IT ENDED

The last mile

Sunshine Speedway gives drivers and fans a final chance to say goodbye tonight before it closes forever.
Published November 20, 2004

LINK:
Sports: The last mile

**nismobartimac51** · 12-11-2011 06:57 PM

About dam time, I'm tired of running desoto with the bull s**t "RULES". THEY HAVE NONE! lol ill be there with my cars and will be applying for tech man when they finalize the winning bid.

**nismobartimac51** · 12-11-2011 07:03 PM

About dam time, I'm tired of running desoto with the bull s**t "RULES". THEY HAVE NONE! lol ill be there with my cars and will be applying for tech man when they finalize the winning bid.

**steveokinevo** · 01-14-2012 11:17 AM

its been bought! track shall reopen soon!

**DRMORTY** · 01-14-2012 12:32 PM

Who won the contract?

**92z71** · 01-20-2012 04:42 PM

yes its deff re-opening.. just got the word from local track owner at eastbay, saying they might loose some of there racers, leaving the dirt to race at sunshine that is reopening, it wasnt bought but leased, hope to go there and watch some good reacing...