| “We are very pleased with the recently released results of the Kitsap County NASCAR Survey. Despite some inaccurate characterizations of our financing proposal, county residents demonstrated a strong level of support for the development of a motorsports and multi-use recreational facility south of the Bremerton Airport. In fact, 46 percent of respondents stated they were in favor of the project.” That statement was made by Grant Lynch, president of Great Western Sports (GWS), a subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISC). ISC has proposed building a NASCAR style raceway on 950 acres just south of Bremerton National Airport, right near the Kitsap-Mason County line.
“However, we were disappointed that the survey included questions that inaccurately characterized our financing proposal,” he added. “Our plan was positioned as being ‘similar to the way that other facilities in the state have been financed’ when in fact; our financing proposal is unlike any other public/private partnership presented to the state. First, the survey failed to mention GWS’ $166 million investment — the single largest private investment for a sports facility in the state’s history. Second, our financing proposal will not create new taxes, nor will it raise current taxes. Finally, and the most significant difference, out-of-state tourists and visitors to the facility during race events will generate the necessary revenue to help finance the part of the construction not being paid for by GWS. Also, revenue generated by the spending of out-of-state race fans will be captured across Washington State, not just in Kitsap County, and will be applied to construction.”
Lynch went on to say, “Despite the inaccuracies, the results of the survey demonstrate that residents recognize and value the significant potential economic benefit of our project. In addition, results from Kitsap County’s Citizen’s Satisfaction Survey showed that 64 percent of residents believed the revenue from a motorsports and multi-use recreational facility would be a major benefit to the county. In fact, the facility could generate over $4 billion in economic benefit to Washington, including $1.1 billion to Kitsap County and thousands of jobs. Moreover, tourists will attend races, spend money locally and stay to visit attractions throughout the region.”
Noting the optimistic recognition the company has received, Lynch stated, “We are very encouraged by the survey results as well as by the very positive feedback we have received at the numerous community events which we have attended in recent weeks. In fact, we have collected over 17,500 petitions in support of our project to date. We are thankful to the local communities for allowing us to take part in their events. As always, we are available to answer your questions and welcome your input.”. |
