Now, I didn't say that there was no point in looking at a map. Just that there's a lot more legwork involved.

Satellite view only shows you a site that is potentially large enough to use. You have to verify that the pavement IS actually usable. I've seen sites get nixed for curbing, rough pavement, holes, trees, poles or stubs from cut-off poles... lots of things that you can't see without physically visiting the site and taking a close look.

Then, if the site really is viable... you have to find out who owns it, contact them, convince them that what we do somehow makes the world a better place and/or sufficiently feeds their pocket, and get permission to run there.

I didn't say it wasn't worth doing, just that it's not easy. The only time it's "sort of" easy is when you have contacts. Like the owner or manager of the site is an active member of the Porsche club, or the corporation that owns the site has an active motorsports club that can help organize events under their banner. A lot of times, without that "inside support", it's difficult.

Places that are NOT completely shut down (and therefore probably not owned by some real estate holding company who's only interest is to SELL it) may actually be easier. Contacts are easier to find and you can simply call them and ask "would you be open to allowing a weekend motorsports event on your back parking lot?" A lot of places with big parking lots have been approached before.

Last time I called Tampa Bay Downs (several years ago), the lady I spoke with had a number ready for me when I called. $1200, was the number, and they required more event insurance than we normally carry. ($2M, I think) The cost was too much for us to break even for our typical autocross and she wouldn't budge on it.

You can also rent the Tropicana Field parking lot easily enough, and it has been done... but they had to do it with entry fees that were on the "track event" level. (like $120+)

We've rented Merchant stadium parking lot in Lakeland in the past. Got a great deal on that one because we had a connection.

Tampa Fairgrounds have been used, an overflow lot at St. Pete Airport, overflow lots at various theme parks... there are lots and lots of possibilities... but it takes legwork.