Palmer Motorsports Park in central New England | Page 2 | FerrariChat

Palmer Motorsports Park in central New England

Discussion in 'New England' started by AVFPolo, Dec 17, 2007.

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  1. BigHead

    BigHead Formula Junior

    Oct 31, 2003
    995
    Outside of Boston
    Full Name:
    Dennis
    Keenly interested to see this happen -- Ed, keep us apprised! :)
     
  2. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
    7,348
    Weston, MA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    So Ed, what's happening? Enquiring minds want to know!
     
  3. AVFPolo

    AVFPolo Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2007
    453
    Full Name:
    Ed
    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 -
     
  4. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
    7,348
    Weston, MA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    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.
     
  5. AVFPolo

    AVFPolo Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2007
    453
    Full Name:
    Ed
    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 -
     
  6. KenGoldman

    KenGoldman Formula Junior
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 25, 2009
    588
    MASS., USA
    Full Name:
    Kenneth Goldman
    Really great news.

    Does anyone have any photos of what it looks like today??

    Ken Goldman
     
  7. Loan-A-Ranger

    Loan-A-Ranger Rookie

    Apr 8, 2014
    3
    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
     
  8. gurslo

    gurslo Formula 3

    Feb 25, 2008
    1,524
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    Peter
    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!!!!
     
  9. AVFPolo

    AVFPolo Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2007
    453
    Full Name:
    Ed
    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 -
     
  10. gurslo

    gurslo Formula 3

    Feb 25, 2008
    1,524
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    Peter
    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):)
     
  11. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
    7,348
    Weston, MA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    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.

    :D:D:D
     
  12. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
    7,348
    Weston, MA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    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?
     
  13. AVFPolo

    AVFPolo Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2007
    453
    Full Name:
    Ed
    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 -
     
  14. philvecc

    philvecc Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    751
    Longmeadow, MA
    Full Name:
    Philip Vecchiarelli
    Rumor has it that the paving will be complete very soon. Time for a research trip by our insider AVP......
     
  15. philvecc

    philvecc Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    751
    Longmeadow, MA
    Full Name:
    Philip Vecchiarelli
    Also heard from a good source that they are planning a Ferrari Day next year.
     
  16. AVFPolo

    AVFPolo Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2007
    453
    Full Name:
    Ed
  17. philvecc

    philvecc Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    751
    Longmeadow, MA
    Full Name:
    Philip Vecchiarelli
    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
     
  18. Jdriver

    Jdriver Formula Junior

    Oct 19, 2011
    375
    Massachusetts
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Has anyone heard what the cost to join would be?
     
  19. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
    7,348
    Weston, MA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    Wow, there's a lot of ledge just outside many of those corners.
     
  20. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
    31,629
    MA
    Full Name:
    John
    +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.
     
  21. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
    7,348
    Weston, MA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    Any updates from our man in Havana? :D
     
  22. philvecc

    philvecc Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    751
    Longmeadow, MA
    Full Name:
    Philip Vecchiarelli
    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
     
  23. FastLapp

    FastLapp F1 Rookie

    Mar 18, 2004
    2,962
    Rhode Island
    Full Name:
    James
  24. AVFPolo

    AVFPolo Formula Junior

    Aug 16, 2007
    453
    Full Name:
    Ed
    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 -
     
  25. BJK

    BJK F1 Rookie

    Jul 18, 2014
    4,781
    CT

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