I must admit that I am a race fan and have attended over 200 races at 15 different tracks. Over the eight years that we lived in Charlotte we have seen quite a change around the track and our home. Where there was once farmland, now there are hotels, fast food chains, family restaurants, car dealerships, industrial parks, warehouses, a convention center and an outlet mall. It is amazing to see all the new development that has happened over such a short time including new housing developments.

I believe much of the growth in Charlotte can partially be attributed to the interest and popularity of auto racing, the housing market and the positive economy. As each year goes by, there have been noticeable improvements in-near-and around the race track itself. We have seen first hand the effects of racing on a community and the benefits it can bring.

I am writing to let you know of my concerns for myself and my family. I find it very hard to understand the resistance for this potential MAJOR benefit to the community and the State of Washington. I feel that most people just don’t fully understand the impact that is virtually guaranteed if a track was to be built. The Daytona 500 was a sell out with over 185,000 in attendance and most people came from out of state.

One message I am gathering from all of this resistance is that Kitsap County does not want to promote new business to its community.

This is very concerning for me and my family especially since I am a business owner. At this point, I hope we haven’t made a mistake leaving a growing community and coming here. Please tell me I’m wrong. Actually, someone told me that the Kitsap Peninsula is on the edge of seeing economical hardship. I hope this is not true.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns.

John Hunter
Silverdale