Full Throttle

U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman in Covington, Kentucky heard arguments today whether to transfer Kentucky Speedway’s $400 million antitrust case against NASCAR to a Florida federal court. ( a case I’ve covered extensively here and here)

Bertelsman heard arguments from both sides today on NASCAR’s motion to transfer the case. NASCAR contends the track agreed as part of its contract with NASCAR to litigate all disputes in Florida courts.

The Kentucky Speedway, however, argues that the consequences of NASCAR’s alleged antitrust activity directly affect the Kentucky Speedway and the commonwealth of Kentucky. The case should remain in the Eastern District of Kentucky.

I would suspect buried in all the contract legalese ISC and NASCAR can point to that agreement and this case will have a change in venue. Gee, I wonder why ISC wants the case in it’s home State? It also amazes me - if it’s true there was a prior agreement - just how stupid speedway officials are. Do they not know they live in the most litigious society in the world? Obviously this is just a preliminary sparring session and it may be months before the actual meat of this case is heard.

The second track tale of the day comes via the Seattle Times. ISC unveiled the financing proposal for the track it desires in Bremerton Washington. Bottom line is Washington state taxpayers will foot 52% of the estimated $345 million cost for the 1.2-mile-mile, 80,000-seat speedway. It should be noted the taxpayers will own the facility and lease it to ISC and NASCAR for a minimum three events each year.

One can argue from here to infinity and beyond the cost versus benefits of taxpayer supported sports venues. That battle has been waged in nearly every major city in the U.S. I won’t waste my time here debating that issue, but this search, shows how contentious the issue is with valid arguments on both sides.

One thing I have noted personally, I spent a year in Bremerton sheparding a U.S. Navy destroyer through the shipyards. Since my time there the Navy has cut back on much of the work done in the city. The area wasn’t exactly a beehive of economic activity during my time and it’s at the same level, or less now. Area officials would do well to follow the plan laid out by those in Kansas. 20 year bonds were issued to finance Kansas Speedway. It is now estimated they will be paid off in 11 to 15 years due to increased taxs pouring into State coffers.

NASCAR, Auto Racing, Sports