[HSVTiger]

this is a big deal

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1158052505321640.xml&coll=3


part of the article
By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor
It was fitting that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the man of the hour at a gathering of Alabama Motorsports Park investors -- most wealthy and celebrities in their own right -- on Monday night at Ruth's Chris Steak House in midtown Mobile. Lending his high-profile name to the planned race track project can only boost the attraction's credibility in the racing world, and in south Alabama.

Details of the multimillion-dollar motorsports park will be announced today at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, according to Tonia Jackson of PSE-3, Partners In Sports and Entertainment, a marketing firm based in Raleigh, N.C.

Earnhardt Jr., son of the late NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., will field questions from the media, along with his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, and his brother, Kerry Earnhardt. Earnhardt Jr. is the driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet Monte Carlo in NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup. Kerry competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Earnhardt Jr. flew to Mobile in his private jet and arrived at the dinner party about 30 minutes after the guests arrived. Low-key, in a striped dress shirt and slacks, he stayed on the edge of the dining room, talking quietly to friends and posing for a few photos with newly met fans.

The media interviews with Earnhardt will be held today, according to Bill Futterer, owner of PSE-3, a motorsports marketing firm representing the Alabama Motorsports Park. His firm also works as a consultant for Earnhardt and his company, Junior Motorsports.

Investors in Gulf Coast Entertainment plan to build a race park that will include an oval speedway, a road course, a dirt track and a drag strip, along with an RV park, restaurants and other entertainment venues, according to Jackson.

The investors have three possible sites for the race park in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and expect to narrow that down in the next couple of months, according to former Mayor Mike Dow and some of the investors. Dow is helping launch and promote the motorsports park.

[Mike06]

The three sites being discussed are in Mobile and Baldwin County. Just reported on the news that a site near the Foley Beach Express is one, a site in central Baldwin County, and land by the University of Mobile in Saraland. They also reported it should be finished by 2009.

[DruidCity]

One of the quotes later in the article :

"I think this has a great likelihood of coming together and being the country's largest racing and entertainment complex. This is big."

[BamaGrad04]

What about 'Dega? If plans are to eventually attract a Nextel Cup race, I can see some serious conflict with Talladega. Maybe Cup is not even in the plans for this complex. It still seems like an awesome project.

http://alabamamotorsportspark.com

Good looking site plans for 2 possible sites.

Some highlights:

7/10 mile D-shaped oval track w/ progressive banking; 75,000 permanent seats; expandable to 125,000

3/8 mile dirt sprint track

3.5 mile road course

1/4 mile dragway

[nick1982]

I'm really hoping that Prichard becomes the selected site, because the city could really use the financial shot in the arm! The economic impact this project would have on Prichard and more over, north Mobile County is simply unfathomable. This project would be the catalyst for redevelopment in Downtown Prichard.

[austin356]

I wish the best for Prichard, but I think the Baldwin site will win if land prices are not too big of a factor. The facility has perpetual potential in between Mobile, Pensacola, and GS/OB. The millions that visit south baldwin each year will surely influence Jr.'s decision. I also think, from a design standpoint, that the baldwin plan is a better designed plan. But please dont get me wrong, if I could choose who I rather have recieve this economic impact, I would choose Pricard; One of Americas poorest cities, one that soo badly needs something like this.


Prichard Site Plan:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Prichard.jpg




Baldwin Site Plan (right at the big turn in the Foley Beach Express, north of Foley)
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Baldwin.jpg

[BamaGrad04]

I see the Baldwin site plan has an amusement park, but the Pritchard plan doesn't. What is taking the place of the amusement park in Pritchard?

[nick1982]

I wish the best for Prichard, but I think the Baldwin site will win if land prices are not too big of a factor. The facility has perpetual potential in between Mobile, Pensacola, and GS/OB. The millions that visit south baldwin each year will surely influence Jr.'s decision. I also think, from a design standpoint, that the baldwin plan is a better designed plan. But please dont get me wrong, if I could choose who I rather have recieve this economic impact, I would choose Pricard; One of Americas poorest cities, one that soo badly needs something like this.


Prichard Site Plan:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Prichard.jpg





Baldwin Site Plan (right at the big turn in the Foley Beach Express, north of Foley)
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Baldwin.jpg

If Prichard doesn't land this development, then the site should be pitched for heavy industrial usage. That Industrial Parkway site would be prime for the purported steel mill.

[nick1982]

I see the Baldwin site plan has an amusement park, but the Pritchard plan doesn't. What is taking the place of the amusement park in Pritchard?

I'm guessing the enhanced Chickasabouge Creek will serve as a recreational component in the Prichard site. It would be marvelous if the Prichard site was linked to Chickasawbouge Park, the University of Mobile campus and other outdoor venues via a sweeping trail network.

[elb401]

I think it should go near the university of Mobile. I have a feeling its going to go to the foley beach express way area.

[Scottybo]

Wow, biggest news in our area since EADS and the RSA Tower.

The smaller race tracks here (including Mobile International Speedway and SunnySouth Raceway) highly approve of this and say they will add as much support as they can.

This may be the pushover we've been waiting for in Mobile. The boom is coming!

[Brown Duckz]

Mobile is fastly becoming the next big water city! :tup:

[DruidCity]

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1158139523163870.xml&coll=3&thispage=2

Preliminary numbers derived by Semoon Chang, an economist at the University of South Alabama, included an estimated 4,800 permanent jobs associated with the ($624-million) complex and $458 million a year from visitor spending.

[Scottybo]

Hearing a lot from Mr. Chang lately.

[pkp]

I've been hearing rumors about this for a while, but what I was hearing incorrectly put the site in South Mobile County. I have mixed feelings on this development. If it ends up in South Baldwin County, I'm not sure how much spill over the rest of the metro is really going to see (kind of like the Wharf project in Orange Beach). And the jobs supported by this development will primarily be low paying retail jobs, I would imagine. If this were simply a Nascar track, like Taledega, I would probably like it a bit more. But, if it is a full fledged entertainment venue as it appears to be, I think this will likely pull potential attractions out of the central city. The only saving grace is that Dow is involved and loves downtown, so I'm hoping he can make something happen that will turn this into a positive for the entire area. I guess only time will tell.

[Muskavon]

...that's quite a development. As a Pensacolian, obviously I'd hope it'd be most advantageous to the investors to go with the Baldwin County site. I understand the sprawl thing. But it's inevitably growing together anyway. Might as well put something like that between the two of us to feed off both populations. I'd certainly check out various events there (understanding full well Cup is already over filled with dates and expansion plans elsewhere). I guess in 10 years when the Saints threaten to move again....maybe setting them down between the two MSAs would actually seem like a reasonable option. Ok, ok...maybe that's too far fetched. Well, maybe not. Ok, then an international airport somewhere in there too. :)

[pkp]

...that's quite a development. As a Pensacolian, obviously I'd hope it'd be most advantageous to the investors to go with the Baldwin County site. I understand the sprawl thing. But it's inevitably growing together anyway. Might as well put something like that between the two of us to feed off both populations. I'd certainly check out various events there (understanding full well Cup is already over filled with dates and expansion plans elsewhere). I guess in 10 years when the Saints threaten to move again....maybe setting them down between the two MSAs would actually seem like a reasonable option. Ok, ok...maybe that's too far fetched. Well, maybe not. Ok, then an international airport somewhere in there too. :)

I think the smart thing is to see the infill between Mobile and Pensacola handled "smartly". I don't see any intentions now of addressing the transportation nightmare on the horizon except for adding more, wider roads. It is ambitious, but I do not think high speed rail between Mobile and Pensacola is unreasonable seeing the growth in the general area, and an I-10 parallel route would be perfect. Good infastructure along the route would be nice, but if nothing else, park and rides near interstate exits would be effective. I've said it before - the money proposed on the building a new I-to bridge over the Mobile River (looks like upwards of a $1billion) would go along way to adding mass transit option in the Mobile Bay area and between Mobile and Pensacola. Although Mobile and Biloxi are actually filled in more densely now than Mobile and P'cola, I don't think we will see much growth between the Alabama State line and Biloxi in the near future (Jackson County is fairly stagnant). At the rate Baldwin is growing, along with Pensacola's steady growth and some actual recent growth in Mobile proper, I think I-10 will be totally built up between Mobile and Pensacola by 2010, i.e. I think we will at least see subdivisions along every existing exit on I-10 (with the addition of a couple of new exits) between Daphne and the Florida state line. There are already large developments popping up in Loxley (17 miles from dowtown Mobile and 22 miles from the Florida state line). I loathe this type of growth but if it exists, it needs to be controlled with good transportation. It is slightly less than 60 miles from dowtown Mobile to dowtown Pensacola:

http://map.web.mapquest.com/?e=9&GetMapDataDirect=Gme5diw%2cb%3a9u12%3b%40%24xu%2d8s0r72%26%3dya%21yag567%3ah%2dbg5ryg%26z%40nd0ta0%40b5gyza%26u2gu%2ca%3a9672%3b%40b200%24%3a%26%40%24xu%2dzwq072%26%3dyg%216rxu67%3a%26%4022u6%2a%3al6tx%26%40%24%3a%26a7%26q02nu6%24%2e5z%40l9y12u%40%24%3a94tw%3bu%24ndz7%261%2cbs5r%24%3a%26uz2%26uz20r8xq%40200%40%24ndw7%261%2c221%40r%3al6zwq0%24%2e5r751r%24%2ed%40b5%26%3dbn%26w%24%2e9z%245%26%3d20%26%3db%3a%29u7%3a%29ur%3a1%40%5fw%26u7%3a%29w%24g%26z%24g%2607%3a16%24aq%40y%3alr%24%2el%40a0%26%3dr2%26ur2%26%3dbl%26u2x%26%3dan%264r%3a%29w2%3agz%24%2egz%24wd%40%5fs9%4022q%40%5fl5%40y2%26%3dax%26fa%3a%29wt%3a9fb%3a%29u8%3a5w%24l%26rb%3a90%24w1%402s%26ual%26u1%3a9a1%3a1a%24n0y%24w%26u20%26%3dz%3a0u%24%2elu%24n0u%24%2eg0%24x1a%24%2e9a%24gd%40%5fn%26uta%266%24a0%40%5fn%26ua5%266%24n9a%24%2el%40rs%26%3d1%3aqr%24%2el4%24n9w%24%2e9y%24a9%40%5flu%402lu%40%5fnd%40r0%26%3drs%26fz%3a%29f%24a1%40%5fn9%402sl%40%5fll%4020q%40%5fnh%401n%26%3d2g%26u7w%26%3d1%3a9ur%3a%29r%24xd%40%5fl9%40z5%26%3drn%26rt%3a%290r%3adz%24%2elz%24n9u%24%2e9z%24xh%40%5fxd%408n%26%3d22u%402x5%40%5f0h%4010%26%3d8a%26r2%3a%2907%3ad6%24%2el0%24wq%40%5fl9%40yn%260%24wl%40r%3a9ab%3a%294%24sl%40%5flg%402lq%40%5fa%26r8%3a96%24l1y%24%2e5%402n5%40%5fw%26r2%3a%29uy%3aga%24%2e9r%24sd%40%5fnur%24xq4%24%2e0f%24n10%24%2e9rb%3a1z7%3a%29u7w%26uzn%26%3dbg%26z7%3a%29y8%3a90r%3a%29f1%3a9f8%3a%29r%24gq%40%5fnu%40r5%26%3dt%3a1u%24x%2608%3a9u%24xd%402%3agu%24%2e1%4020d%40%5fs%26ya%3a%29ua%3a9a%24%2ehu%24l%26%3d1w%26%3da%3a%29wa%3al%40%5fn9z%24x9%40%5fn10%24xd%40%5f59%40aw%26%3d82%26a7%3a%29fb%3a16%24%2ed6%24%2eq%40%5flh%40b%3a%29aa%3ag%40%5fxd%408%3a%29w%24%2e10%24nd47%7cu%4025u6%40l%3b%40zaua%24%3a&rnd=5992

Now is the time to plan good transporation along this route - before it costs the government much more to acquire land that will currently be fairly cheap.

Of course, I am still for the propsed ferry service feeding into dowtown Mobile from the Eastern Shore and South Baldwin in addition to rail transit options.

[pboo74]

I have a feeling that this project will end up in baldwin county,instead of mobile?as much as i want it in mobile,because of all of the developers from the gulfshores,orangebeach area.

[elb401]

yeah, thats what I was thinking too. oh well, its not like I'm going to go to it anyways.

[Scottybo]

I have a feeling that this project will end up in baldwin county,instead of mobile?as much as i want it in mobile,because of all of the developers from the gulfshores,orangebeach area.
I think it should. If they get a Busch/Craftsman race it should be ok. If Nextel comes, then there's plenty of room for people to stay in Baldwin whether it's Spring or Summer. All the beach houses and condos there add extra.

[mtm]

Although Mobile County needs it more, I would be shocked if this ends up there. About 80% chance it ends up near the Foley Beach Express (which is almost twice as close to Pensacola as it is to Mobile) IMO. And I think the Mobile County site is more of the Eight Mile area. Prichard proper is far from the racing demographic, by the way.

[Scottybo]

Although Mobile County needs it more, I would be shocked if this ends up there. About 80% chance it ends up near the Foley Beach Express (which is almost twice as close to Pensacola as it is to Mobile) IMO. And I think the Mobile County site is more of the Eight Mile area. Prichard proper is far from the racing demographic, by the way.
It's actually right at Kushla. Eight Mile is a little to the South of the proposed site.

Kushla to the West, Eight Mile to the South, Saraland to the East and North.

[elb401]

ha saraland and kushla are the right demographics....no offense to anybody.

[MonNyChi]

talk of bringing open wheel racing on the road circuit section ... IRL and F1

[pkp]

talk of bringing open wheel racing on the road circuit section ... IRL and F1

That I would actually go see...

[SouthSky]

Although Mobile County needs it more, I would be shocked if this ends up there. About 80% chance it ends up near the Foley Beach Express (which is almost twice as close to Pensacola as it is to Mobile) IMO. And I think the Mobile County site is more of the Eight Mile area. Prichard proper is far from the racing demographic, by the way.

I really hope Dow knows the power he holds in this process. He could direct this project to Mobile proper and really add significant infusions of cash to a downtrodden area. I know in the end he is looking out for the business, but I hope he really thinks twice before taking that investment money to Baldwin County. Don't get me wrong, both areas deserve it per se, but I think Mobile has done more for Baldwin County than people realize and this continues the process of stretching Mobile thin.

[Beffrey2]

Good for Mobile....

but why not NC?

They have already taken away all our race tracks. So they should give us one back....in Raleigh though!

Thanks Little E for nothing....you sell out!

[Scoots71]

talk of bringing open wheel racing on the road circuit section ... IRL and F1

IRL, maybe. F1... probably not. F1 costs more than $20 million to get them to come. They already are barely keeping their race in Indianapolis.

[Musicisright]

Part of an article from the most recent issue of Lagniappe (http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/496):

"The real estate and business buzz on the Bay over the last several weeks has been all about NASCAR. Zoom, zoom.

I set out to write this column about new residents moving into town. First, I called the sales manager of a large real estate brokerage firm and started asking questions.

"We’re really excited about the racetrack," he replied. (Did I say anything about a racetrack???).

Going with the flow I said, "That’s a great deal for the area. Where do you think it will end up – Saraland or the Foley Beach Express location?"

"I’m betting on Grand Bay."

"Grand Bay?" I asked, trying not to sound like I was out of the loop. "I didn’t know that was one of the sites."

"I know but that’s the site I’m betting on," he said mysteriously.

Hmmm. I never could get him (or anyone else) to comment further. I found rumors floating around in cyberspace, but no one official seems to know anything about a racetrack in Grand Bay. Or, if they do, they’re not talking.

A reliable source told me the other day that former Mayor Mike Dow helicoptered over the true site near Foley last week. This source says that’s the spot, even though there are options on three different spots in the area. Supposedly the racetrack group will locate their operation near Foley and will run a six-lane road from the Styx River exit on I-10 south to the Foley Beach Express. This will also allegedly help hurricane evacuation. It all sounds pretty plausible."

[pkp]

Part of an article from the most recent issue of Lagniappe (http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/496):

"The real estate and business buzz on the Bay over the last several weeks has been all about NASCAR. Zoom, zoom.

I set out to write this column about new residents moving into town. First, I called the sales manager of a large real estate brokerage firm and started asking questions.

"We’re really excited about the racetrack," he replied. (Did I say anything about a racetrack???).

Going with the flow I said, "That’s a great deal for the area. Where do you think it will end up – Saraland or the Foley Beach Express location?"

"I’m betting on Grand Bay."

"Grand Bay?" I asked, trying not to sound like I was out of the loop. "I didn’t know that was one of the sites."

"I know but that’s the site I’m betting on," he said mysteriously.

Hmmm. I never could get him (or anyone else) to comment further. I found rumors floating around in cyberspace, but no one official seems to know anything about a racetrack in Grand Bay. Or, if they do, they’re not talking.

A reliable source told me the other day that former Mayor Mike Dow helicoptered over the true site near Foley last week. This source says that’s the spot, even though there are options on three different spots in the area. Supposedly the racetrack group will locate their operation near Foley and will run a six-lane road from the Styx River exit on I-10 south to the Foley Beach Express. This will also allegedly help hurricane evacuation. It all sounds pretty plausible."

I have heard Grand Bay for a year now.

[elb401]

Well, so we are all shocked that they just threw out the Foley Beach express way site. The two left are the Sarahland site and the earlier quoted "unfavorable" sit in central Baldwin County. If they pick the site in Mobile County it will give it Interstate access to I-65, and I-10 via I-65. It is also in a central location between New Orleans and Panama city and between the Mississippi Gulf Coast metros and Pensacola Metro. Not to mention is would be very close to the heart of the Mobile Metro. What did they say....5 million people live in that area.

[BamaGrad04]

Racetrack sites narrowed
Investment group now considering one site each in Mobile and Baldwin counties
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Staff Report
The investment group planning to build a multimillion-dollar motorsports complex on the Alabama Gulf Coast has narrowed its search to one site each in Mobile and Baldwin counties, eliminating a potential site along the Foley Beach Express.

"We'll select either the Prichard-Saraland area of Mobile County or a Baldwin County site near I-10" for Alabama Motorsports Park, a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway, said Bill Futterer of PSE-3, a Raleigh, N.C.-based marketing firm that is advising the project's investors.

The most famous of the group is Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of a racing legend and a top driver in NASCAR's elite Nextel Cup series. The group also includes his brother, Kerry Earnhardt, and sister Kelley Earnhardt Ellege, former U.S. Rep. Sonny Callahan, real estate developers, Hall of Fame sports stars and race team owners.

Whispered about for more than a year, the motorsports complex took shape in September when Earnhardt Jr. and his siblings gathered in Mobile to announce the group's plans.

"Once we had made the announcement, we had several landowners come out of the woodwork with potential sites," Futterer said Monday. "The Baldwin County site we're looking at, the general area, is close to I-10.

"I can't give you any more detail," he said.

The group had said earlier that its preferred Baldwin site was on 2,300 acres east of the Foley Beach Express.

Futterer said Monday that he would not characterize the Baldwin site now under consideration as a backup. Both of the sites under consideration "provide excellent access, appropriate acreage, and appear to meet all environmental criteria," he said.

Futterer said the investment group -- Gulf Coast Entertainment LLC -- would announce its site choice by Nov. 2. It has said construction would begin in September 2007, with racing by 2010.

The group has an option on 2,500 acres off Alabama 158 just north of Saraland in Mobile County. A recent Press-Register/University of South Alabama poll suggested that a majority of people in Mobile County think that area is the correct place for the park. The same poll suggests, however, that more than half of the people in either Mobile County or Baldwin County would object to public incentives to lure the facility.

The complex would include four tracks -- a seven-tenth-mile, lighted oval track, a three-eighth-mile dirt track, a 3.5-mile road course and a quarter-mile drag strip -- plus an RV park, entertainment venues and retail outlets.

"The response to the announcement has been great," Kerry Earnhardt, eldest of the Earnhardt siblings, said in a written release Monday. "I've been asked a lot of questions, which excites me. Drivers from many series have expressed interest in the project, asking about our family's involvement as investors and the variety of racing we expect to host."

Though the most marketable name in stock racing is associated with the project, the track does not have a formal affiliation with NASCAR, nor does it have guaranteed race dates from NASCAR or any sanctioning body.

"We just want it to be a success," Kerry Earnhardt's statement continued. "It's really exciting to be involved with this type of development from the ground up."

Since this seemed to be the most ilkely spot until now, does this mean a better chance for the Mobile site?? I'm thinking it does.

[DruidCity]

The interesting part to me is that so many "mega-sites" are available.
Good luck to whichever site lands the race track, but I hope that public and private leaders are also seriously looking for the best alternatives for the sites that aren't chosen.

[elb401]

^^^The interesting part to me is that so many "mega-sites" are available.

Yeah, I was thinking that too..... but there is a lot of land in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

[Bama_75]

I wonder if the Mobile site is part of the plans for the new bypass they are talking about building around west Mobile.

[nick1982]

^I think the Bypass route intersects Highway 45 just north of the site. The under-construction Schillinger Loop intersects Highway 45 right at the site's southwestern corner.

[elb401]

That would be another great access site.

[Scottybo]

Just looking at their site since I'm bored, I noticed they've updated it. Especially on "The Project" page. These are new:

"Investigating potential of creating significant evacuation center using concrete flooring and seating."

Arena
Reserving property for 7,000 seat multi-use arena.
Arena would be located with easy access from speedway hospitality areas to service overflow hospitality and related hospitality/racing activities.

General Entertainment and Retail Areas
Five music halls ranging in seating from 500 to 3,000 persons are planned for an area reserved for general entertainment and retail.
This area is also designed to accommodate miscellaneous themed restaurants, hotels and lodging, and boutique shops.
Specific areas have been reserved to accommodate a shopping center, big-box retail, office space/commercial and light industrial uses.
A specific area has been reserved for a potential waterpark/theme park.

[BamaGrad04]

Just a reminder; tomorrow's the day that they are scheduled to announce the location. Has anyone heard of a press conference to announce?


EDIT: No update tomorrow. They just had a breaking news announcement that there are 2 new sites under consideration in Baldwin Co. It will probably be another few weeks.

[Scottybo]

Not too sure what it means, but Mobile County site is the only one under Site Plans now...http://alabamamotorsports.com/project/siteplans.html . When they updated the site with the new article, the Baldwin site was still there.

[elb401]

well that might have something to do with Foley telling them not to consider them. so the group dropped them. the other two sites haven't been around long enough to have the site plans drawn up, yet. One of the B-county sites is too far away from I-10. seems like the Mobile county site has more access than the B-county ones.

[Scottybo]

well that might have something to do with Foley telling them not to consider them. so the group dropped them. the other two sites haven't been around long enough to have the site plans drawn up, yet. One of the B-county sites is too far away from I-10. seems like the Mobile county site has more access than the B-county ones.
More access and more hotel options.

[Bama_75]

I've been hearing a long while now, Dale Jr bought the Lee Roy Hill house. Has anyone else heard this?

[Scottybo]

I've been hearing a long while now, Dale Jr bought the Lee Roy Hill house. Has anyone else heard this?
I heard that as well.

[BamaGrad04]

Where is Hill's house?

[Scottybo]

Where is Hill's house?
Not for sure, but I know it's on a back road on the way to Mississippi from Mobile.

[Mike06]

The Hill house (ranch or mansion) is in Grand Bay two to three miles north of I-10 on Grand Bay-Wilmer Rd. It has man made ponds that are over a mile long in the front. The house sits about a half mile from the road. I don't know the measurements, but it is huge.

I heard that Mr. Hill was not interested in selling to Dale Jr (on the Uncle Henry show). I believe that is where all the Grand Bay rumors (about the race track coming to Grand Bay) came from.

If you are heading to the boats or just making your way through I-10, you should check it out. Take the Grand Bay exit on I-10 and head North. It will take you 5-10 minutes to be back on the Interstate.

[Scottybo]

Looks like there will be an announcement made on Friday in the form of a press release. Could very well include where the site will be.

NBC 15 is already reporting that it will be Mobile County, the Prichard Site: Video (http://www.nbc15online.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=230162@video.wpmi.com&navCatId=5)

[Scottybo]

Mobile County Confirmed (http://alabamamotorsports.com/media/releases/release_122106.html)

[nick1982]

Perhaps this will be the catalyst for a Prichard economic revival. I might drive up there and take photos of the site and vicinity.

[nick1982]

I wonder how big the retail component of this project will be? Entertainment and shopping destinations other than Wal-Mart are greatly desired in North Mobile County.

[SouthSky]

Man, this is great news! I mean, how could this go wrong with the Earnhardt, Jr. name on it? Especially in the south...

[Musicisright]

Mike Dow is the man.

[bystander1]

Hey guys, how about a map showing the location of the racing park. Thanks. :tup:

[Scottybo]

Hey guys, how about a map showing the location of the racing park. Thanks. :tup:

Mapquest (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&addtohistory=&cat=&address=hwy+45+at+hwy+158&city=mobile&state=al&zipcode=)

Site will be North of HWY 158, East of HWY 45 and West of I-65.

Zoom out a few times.

It's almost like the widening of 158 was planned for this exact reason.

[nick1982]

Site Location in Mobile County

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r295/NitekKetin/prichardsitelocation.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r295/NitekKetin/prichardsitelocation2.jpg

AL-158 is being substantially widened from I-65 to US 45. It will be extended from US 45 west to US 98.

[elb401]

are they still going to build the indoor waterpark in it?

[nick1982]

^on the site, it just says that a specific area has been reserved for a waterpark/theme park.

[Scottybo]

I'm thinking the Mobile site is too small to fit everything in that they originally wanted. The Baldwin site plans were larger. Looking at the Site Plans link it doesn't include an area on it for the water/amusement park.

[pkp]

I hate to gripe.

As much as I like the idea of additional tax revenue for the county, and especially Prichard - I wonder if this will have an "Olrando-esque" effect on dowtown. Will this new development be the preferred entertainment venue of the area? Will there be a bunch of hotels popping up around this area while downtown becomes stagnant? I hope note. Maybe it will just add to the area's growth??? Maybe it will be attracting a different type of visitor than downtown.

[Musicisright]

^Thanks a lot, now you've got me worried...

[elb401]

I thought the two sites in Baldwin county were 2,000 acres. The one in Mobile is 3000.

[Scottybo]

I thought the two sites in Baldwin county were 2,000 acres. The one in Mobile is 3000.
Not sure. Guess we'll know specifics next year.

[Scottybo]

I hate to gripe.

As much as I like the idea of additional tax revenue for the county, and especially Prichard - I wonder if this will have an "Olrando-esque" effect on dowtown. Will this new development be the preferred entertainment venue of the area? Will there be a bunch of hotels popping up around this area while downtown becomes stagnant? I hope note. Maybe it will just add to the area's growth??? Maybe it will be attracting a different type of visitor than downtown.
Yeah, I was talking to my future father-in-law the other day about the hotel possibilities there and how much land value will sky-rocket around 158 and 45.

[nimsjus]

Site plan calls for 6 tracks to anchor Prichard motorpark
Sunday, May 13, 2007By KATHY JUMPERReal Estate Editor
Six racetracks will anchor the $624 million motorsports and entertainment park on Alabama 158 off Interstate 65 in Prichard, according to the site plan investors recently submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Construction could start in early 2008 on Alabama Motorsports Park, A Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway, if the permits are approved, said Bill Futterer of PSE-3, a Raleigh, N.C., marketing firm working on the project.

"The permitting process from the corps could take a year, but we hope less than that," he said.

The tracks should be operating by the first quarter of 2010, he said.

NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is helping design the oval course at the motorsports park, and his stepbrother, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Kerry Earnhardt, is helping on the design of the complex as well, particularly the fishing venues on the 30 acres of lakes.

The corps will study how the motorsports park will impact the 3,000-acre site, which includes some wetlands, according to park investors.

"Every road that we build through Mobile County faces the same process, and so does every major development," said former Mobile Mayor Mike Dow, president of the investor group, Gulf Coast Entertainment LLC.

Two race venues have been added to the original plans for the park: go-cart and motocross tracks.

"They are relatively inexpensive to produce, and we think the response from families will be very strong," Futterer said.

The other tracks include a 7/10-mile, lighted oval track; a -mile dirt track; a 3.5-mile road course; and a quarter-mile drag strip.

"Our plan is to have events 190 days a year, and we're the only park with six tracks," Dow said.

The complex will also feature entertainment venues such as music halls similar to those in Branson, Mo.; a 7,000-seat indoor arena; a water or theme park; an industrial park; up to 5,000 spaces for recreational vehicles; and numerous retail stores, restaurants and hotels.

"We have a Disney-esque type of vision for this," Futterer said. "The look will be controlled so that it fits with the project and to keep the aesthetics as pleasing as they should be."

The race track design is also similar to the Disney theory of making the park walkable, according to Rick Skelton, an Atlanta-based investor in the park and himself a driver and car owner in the Grand American Road Racing Association.

"You can park your car and walk to all the events" at the motorsports park, he said.

Race City will be located near the tracks, except for the dirt track, and will feature race-themed stores and restaurants, and possibly a race museum, he said.

Skelton worked on the race track sites with HOK Sport of Kansas City, Kan., a national designer of sports facilities; Thompson Engineering in Mobile; and park investor John McInnis III of the McInnis Corp. in Montgomery.

The hardest thing about the track design was working around the wetlands and making sure everything fit, Skelton said.

"For example, you can't face a drag strip east-west, because you're looking into the sun," he said. "It needs to go north-south. Some things barely fit. But we couldn't eliminate tracks. That's our niche, and that's what makes this unique, having courses for arrive-and-drive and testing."

Skelton said the 3.5-mile road course was designed by Clive Bowen of APEX Cicruit Design Ltd., based in the U.K. "You can run three separate events at the same time on the road course," he said. Other APEX projects include the Formula 1 track in Dubai, the Iceland MotoPark and Hampton Downs Circuit in New Zealand.

The investors now plan to focus on the architectural and construction documents, plus permanent financing, Dow said. The investors are talking with several major hotel and shopping center developers about buying or leasing land to build in the commercial areas.

Gulf Coast Entertainment had planned to vie for Bass Masters fishing tournaments, but about 7,000 acres of lakes is needed for that, according to Futterer.

Instead, the group contracted a year ago with TWI-Sports, an independent producer and distributor of sports programming, which is working on made-for-TV events for the motorsports park. One example might be celebrity pro-am fishing tournaments on the lakes, according to Futterer.

TWI is a subsidiary of IMG, a worldwide sports, entertainment and media company.

Earnhardt Jr.'s schedule has been filled with Nextel Cup Series demands, but Kerry Earnhardt has made numerous trips to Alabama for the motorsports park, Futterer said.

"Kerry will be more and more visible with a lot of public activities over the next six to nine months," he said.

[nimsjus]

Anyone think this could lead to Mobile looking to annex Prichard in the long run. As it is now you would pick up alot of headaches(Crime, poverty, etc). I was just thinking how nice it would be if Mobile had this project along with nearby University of Mobile in the actual city. I know the city busses are also having trouble justifying multiple routes in Prichard(some of there more popular lines due to the poverty there), which is not technically a part of Mobile. Annexation is one of those things I feel like you have to do it before the citizens realize they have a good enough thing to want to keep it seperate(Ex. West Mobile). Should Mobile look at the long term possibility of annexing Prichard or parts there of?

[austin356]

Anyone think this could lead to Mobile looking to annex Prichard in the long run. As it is now you would pick up alot of headaches(Crime, poverty, etc). I was just thinking how nice it would be if Mobile had this project along with nearby University of Mobile in the actual city. I know the city busses are also having trouble justifying multiple routes in Prichard(some of there more popular lines due to the poverty there), which is not technically a part of Mobile. Annexation is one of those things I feel like you have to do it before the citizens realize they have a good enough thing to want to keep it seperate(Ex. West Mobile). Should Mobile look at the long term possibility of annexing Prichard or parts there of?




I think it may be (dont know for sure have not studied it deep enough) in Mobiles best interest now, let alone as an investment for the future.

As of now Prichard and Mobile (cities not gov) are very interrelated and subsequently if Prichard is not doing well then that is a huge drag on Midtown and Downtown redevelopment. The city of Prichard needs enhanced police, fire, and infrastructure but does not have the resources to invest. Mobile has the resources and it is in the current city's best interest to have as great of a positive impact to Prichard as possible, even if that means getting a little less services relative to taxes since Prichard would soke up resources.

At very least Prichard should divest itself of its police department and contract the city of Mobile to handle its policing operations, which will unify urban law enforcement.



Though the best option is for a unified city/county of which Prichard could and most likely would join. That would be a great boost to the area, at least until the county gets to large and bureaucratic to properly handle itself

[montysano]

I hate to gripe.

As much as I like the idea of additional tax revenue for the county, and especially Prichard - I wonder if this will have an "Olrando-esque" effect on dowtown. Will this new development be the preferred entertainment venue of the area? Will there be a bunch of hotels popping up around this area while downtown becomes stagnant? I hope note. Maybe it will just add to the area's growth??? Maybe it will be attracting a different type of visitor than downtown.

As I noted on the "RSA.....my, hasn't it grown" thread, I've just gotten to know Mobile through my involvement with the Tower. I don't think you need to worry too much: downtown Mobile is about as un-"Orlando" as it gets (which is fine by me). Quite a bit of development could happen without damaging the character of the city, which is quite lovely.

[bayourat 15]

4,800 new jobs? doing what? This must be a big project.

[BlessedMobile]

I am hoping someone has an update on the track development. I have not heard of who, if anyone, has committed to build hotels, restaurants, etc near the property. What has anyone heard?

[nimsjus]

PR had a long article today on some enviromental issues that might slow the development. The developer seems to be trying to push this through quickly with some questionable enviromental studies.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1184318264284420.xml&coll=3

[BlessedMobile]

Leave it up to the PR to stir up an issue where none really exist. Show me anywhere in South Alabama where you have several thousand contiguous acres and you can bet you will find a swamp and some turtles somewhere on the land. Bill Finch was sent out there to find something and report whatever he wished. The professional who surveyed the land found holes where some of these turtles might live...so what. Buy them each an acre of land in Atmore and build them a nice wet hole to live in. Judging from the "never mind" editorial in the Saturday PR I would say they got an ear full of "what the hell are you doing" comments. My biggest surprise is the one day turnaround from a frontpage crisis to a pro track editorial. The developers knew there were swamps and turtles so there was never a way to avoid having to accomodate both in the plans. The Corp of Engineers watches all of that too closely. Gentlemen.....start your engines!

[nimsjus]

Leave it up to the PR to stir up an issue where none really exist. Show me anywhere in South Alabama where you have several thousand contiguous acres and you can bet you will find a swamp and some turtles somewhere on the land. Bill Finch was sent out there to find something and report whatever he wished. The professional who surveyed the land found holes where some of these turtles might live...so what. Buy them each an acre of land in Atmore and build them a nice wet hole to live in. Judging from the "never mind" editorial in the Saturday PR I would say they got an ear full of "what the hell are you doing" comments. My biggest surprise is the one day turnaround from a frontpage crisis to a pro track editorial. The developers knew there were swamps and turtles so there was never a way to avoid having to accomodate both in the plans. The Corp of Engineers watches all of that too closely. Gentlemen.....start your engines!

I totally agree about finding alot of land for a project without it containing a stream or two. I like preserving our natural beauty/resources as much as the next eviromentally concerned person, but that area could use this development and people do not flock to that area to take in the natural beauty. It's not like they are building a bayfront race track, putting it in the salt marshes down in Bayou La Batre, or building right in the middle of the Tensaw Delta. Let the project go through an lets hope that it can be a catalyst to push Prichard's existing redevelopment movement to another level.

[bayourat 15]

:previous: :previous: :cheers: :cheers:

[BlessedMobile]

Amen Nimsjus. I thought Mike Dow's letter in the PR today, Sunday, should be read as a comfort to those who would be most concerned for the safety of those tortoises and the swamps. There is a lot of beautiful land in that parcel that finally be visible for all to see and enjoy. I think Mobile will embrace racing in a big way when everything is built and running.

[bayourat 15]

What is the chance of being built 70% ?

[CottonCity251]

What is the chance of being built 70% ?

I would say more like 90%.

[BlessedMobile]

The national chains of hotels and eateries will have to see and believe that the place will be built and managed properly before they would dare spend millions to locate on Hwy 158. Developers won't make their money off tickets but off the leasing of land and shops to vendors. Think of it as a Disney type resort...their goal is to keep you and your dollars on the property. These hotels and restaurants will have to have race themes to attract fans to stay there rather than come to Mobile for food and lodging. I believe that there is a 70% chance it will be built.

[SouthSky]

This is a long-time thread bump, but the Lagniappe just posted this story on the track... including a story about an apparent funding bill that failed to get through the state house.

Link Here (http://www.lagniappemobile.com/articles/2479-earnhardts-name-dropped-from-alabama-motorsports-track)

[Scottybo]

Doesn't seem to negatively impact the track's probability too much. If anything, like Dow commented, it opens up the possibility of more investors and sponsors, since Jr. was investing already, anyways.

[Alabadrock]

Junior pulled out...

[BlessedMobile]

This is a long-time thread bump, but the Lagniappe just posted this story on the track... including a story about an apparent funding bill that failed to get through the state house.

Link Here (http://www.lagniappemobile.com/articles/2479-earnhardts-name-dropped-from-alabama-motorsports-track)

This group of private investors actually wanted to have the public fund their project. If it is going to make money then money investors will come forth.
Why don't some of us get together and ask the public to fund OUR aquarium with their money; if it works, we get the profits...if it fails, the public picks up the tab. You know...kinda' like a General Motors. I still think they don't have enough money to even buy the land. Ask them if they OWN the land? I'm for the project but it is on shaky ground right now.

[WEMO]

Wow, maybe this will be built by the time I am 90! On a more real note, I am sure that it will take time, the economy is what helped to halt this project.

[Dyingyak]

From the Montgomery Advertiser:


Planned motorsports park won't bear Earnhardt name
Associated Press • August 12, 2009

PRICHARD - Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s name will not be on the $640 million motorsports park planned off Interstate 65.


Bill Futterer of PSE-3 and Futterer Partners says the company is not extending personal services agreements for Earnhardt, his sister Kelly Earnhardt Elledge or his race-driver brother, Kerry Earnhardt.


Gulf Coast Entertainment, the group of 30 investors in the project, want a name reflecting a total intertainment complex instead of just a race venue.


The project includes three tracks and an RV park on the 2,400-acre site and could also draw hotels, entertainment and retail venues to the area. Developers estimate the project could create 4,800 jobs.


Officials are hoping for a 2011 opening, but are scrambling to get financing to meet that schedule.

[pboo74]

This is so frustrating you announce a project and then this happens.I see it so many times in mobile.Maybe some kinda way this will come to fruitation,I would love to see a disney world feel to it or as dow put it Alabama World ???

[Bogue]

Yeah, I think there are too many big names signed on for it to completely derail. The economy in the area's already starting to show signs of coming back to form (and did a lot better than most of the country) so I think it's just a matter of waiting. Sucks, but it's a huge project that wasn't going to happen overnight anyway.

[BlessedMobile]

I remember that originally there were 8-10 investors but now there are 30. That tells me that they needed money to keep the project alive. I hope it happens as it would be a big boast to the local economy but I have my doubts. It should be obvious that none of these 30 will or can put up enough money to attract big investors. They must have an equity partner come in who brings the bucks. Just remember that this big 640 million is mostly private money from developers who build restaurants, hotels, shopping areas and even the entertainment; the locals need about 100 million to do the tracks and infrastructure. Maybe their is some oil sheik or Big Bank who would like to put have their name on our track complex. I'm lowering my forecast of success from 70% to 60%. Oh yea, as for Junior leaving, I can't imagine him NOT having the time to be more uninvoled than now...besides, he needs start winning races!