Keenly interested to see this happen -- Ed, keep us apprised! :-)
Drilling and blasting of ledge is ongoing. The stone that is blasted out is being processed on site into various sizes and is then being used as a base material for roadways, etc. Local reports still indicate that a "soft" opening is planned for the park this fall. The elevation change on this course is very impressive! Some local opposition to the track has begun as word of the motorsports park has been filtering out to the general public. Opponents cite all of the frequently cited issues - noise from the track, increased traffic, decreased property values and degradation of quality of life. So Not In My Back Yard. My understanding is that the track has permits in hand for construction and to commence operation with the stipulation that should the sound levels exceed an agreed upon level then various sound abatement techniques would be employed to bring the level into compliance. - Ed -
Ah, thanks. I was somewhat hoping it would be a little sooner than that. Isn't it funny that this track will be opening the same year that a revitalized Thompson Motor Speedway also debuts.
I guess that I'm in the sweet spot with respect to tracks for sporty type cars. Lime Rock Park just under two hour drive. Thompson Motor Speedway is a 45 minute drive. Palmer Motorsports Park is less than a 15 minute drive. Now I need to get a track car and find a way to get out of the office! - Ed -
saw this notice come across my email regarding some financing put in place with Hampden Bank - from an SBA 504 loan provider in Mass - they apparently have worked with Hampden and have closed on financing for this raceway in Palmer. New Construction Motor Raceway Palmer Hampden Bank
We are thrilled to have the Palmer Motorsports Park interested in advertising in this years Ferrari and Friends Concorso program. I hope a large portion of the exotics 'family' views this and finds their way to the Park. A bit premature, but WOW would it make a spectacular event if we were able to coordinate a 'track day' into the Ferrari and Friends schedule!!!!
Peter, I've already found my way to the Park. I'm waiting just outside the gate until they get that asphalt laid down. - Ed -
Hahaha, you definitely have the home town advantage Ed. Lol, I picture you looking like the diehard Christmas shoppers hunkered down in their lawn chairs, all bundled up, with a warm and dry vehicle 20' away. The anticipation must be driving you up a wall as the asphalt layers prepare for their initial lap. Of course followed by the infamous #0001 sweeper for final prep.(Oh no, did I just say that out loud)
Sung to Charlie on the MTA - Ed's wife goes down To the Palmer Motorsports Park Every day at quarter past two And through the open window She hands Ed a sandwich As the asphalt truck comes rumblin' through.
But did Ed ever return? No he never returned And his fate is still unlearned He may wait forever At the Palmer Park gate Ed's the man who never returned ....... Ed, any update for us?
The project is still moving along at a steady pace. Most of the stone base for the track has been moved into place. The tunnel to access the infield is under construction and it appears that the only section of the track left to get the base layer is at the tunnel. Bridges over water crossings have been installed on the access road and the bridge which is part of the track proper is done. I understand that over 2,000 specially designed concrete "Jersey" barriers are being poured. Vertical face on the side that's exposed to the track and angled on the backside of the barrier. Gonna need them as the top of the uphill climb is incredible. And not that drivers will care but the view from the top of the hill is amazing! I believe that paving will begin this fall. This whole project has me thinking about selling the business, retiring early and becoming a true track rat. If I drive the Maranello from my house to the track then the fluids will be just getting warm when I arrive. Gotta have a dream !!! - Ed -
Rumor has it that the paving will be complete very soon. Time for a research trip by our insider AVP......
Hi Phil, Here is your long awaited insider tip. If a picture is worth one thousand words then how many words is a video worth? https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL950E73AD56132E91&v=8Fu-hM8FNUI#t=80 Hoping to get up there in the very near future. - Ed -
Thanks Ed. Looks like they are close to putting the finishing touches on the track and the surroundings. If I hear any more on a pre-opening event I'll let you know. Phil
+1, rocks and trees too! Scenic track but don't make any mistakes where the runoff areas are limited or you will pay the price.
Ed, Time for a scouting trip. And an update. What have you been up to? Any closer to retirement? If you'd like to take a trip over to the track some day I'm game. Phil
Hooked on Driving Event here on Friday, May 15th. They have been a good group to run with in my experience. High Performance Driving Events, HPDE, Hooked On Driving - Event Listing
Hi Phil, I have been up to work and more work. Our business is still booming and I'm having a tough time getting time out of the office so no playing polo or driving fancy cars. It could be worse business could be slow. I'm still planning to get the business sold this year and achieve my goal of retiring from the world of work at 55 years of age. I would like to take a trip over to the track with you. I've sent a PM to you. - Ed -
According to their facebook page: "The Grand Opening is Tomorrow!!! We are very excited to have this finally happen! Come by and check out the Grand Opening Tomorrow!" https://www.facebook.com/Palmermotorsportspark?fref=nf Palmer Motorsports Park