Tulare’s proposed Motorsports Complex might yet become the huge economic benefit city of Tulare officials hope for.
Whether that happens will not be known for many years. But when looking back on the progress of developing the proposed stock car race track complex, there will be no shortage of casualties. Trust and credibility will be among them.
Tulare city officials are firm in their support for the motorsports complex. At least some of them are. Yet Mayor Craig Vejvoda, one of its strongest supporters, concedes that the project’s developer “outmaneuvered” the city in gaining control of $1 million that was supposed to be held in trust to cover the city’s cost for preparing an environmental impact report.
It’s too early to say whether the city should continue to pursue the motorsports complex, but the record so far isn’t good. The plan is for a $400 million NASCAR stock car and drag racing complex employing thousands of people and drawing visitors from throughout the world.
It would be the largest development in Tulare County history. Yet the city admits that its chief partner in this enterprise, developer Bud Long, deceived the city in retaining control of the $1 million collateral.
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