[Steve Barcak]

Racers and fans- regardless of where you live, Speedworld Dragstrip in the Phoenix area needs your help. Lots of political issues here and is getting overwhelming.
Whether you live in Arizona or any other state or even any other country- you can make a difference.
Whatever differences we may have, we can all agree we need more drag strips, not less. We need to support every one that is out there. How can you help- far or close?
Make a phone call or 2 or more. Tell these people your concerns with another strip closing.
It effects the ecomony, the racers, the businesses and more. Less tax revenue for them. If they hear calls from people away that may or have spent money in this area, they will listen.
I'll be posting the issues but, these are some of the numbers that you can help to make a difference and to help keep a drag strip OPEN.
thank you for your consideration on this important matter-

Board of supervisors dist 4 Max Wilson 602) 506-7642

Land Commissioner- Vanessa Hickman (602) 542-4621

Az state Senator Judy Burges 602-926-5681

Az state rep David Livingston 602-926-4178

Az state rep Phil Lovas 602-926-3297


Please copy and paste this message to any site that may help save this 51 year old Dragstrip!
thanks

[Steve Barcak]

Here's a recent assessment of the docs provided, by an individual that does NOT work for Speedworld and has no financial or political interest in Speedworld.

January 31, 2013

This is an evaluation of the handling and treatment of Speed World based on hundreds of pages of documents provided by Dan Mathews on January 29th. I spend 6 hours today to review them and document my opinion for you to consider.

In evaluating what has happened, I believe that Maricopa County Planning & Zoning Department, has failed to exercise their responsibility and duties by not visiting the property once until after they filed something with the commissioner to hear the alleged violation. How can they determine what is, or is not permitted by satellite photos that require a magnifying glass to see structures? How can they instruct someone to “remove all structures not permitted” when they themselves don’t know what is permitted because they last the documents and admitted they have no records of previous buildings or structures from previous owners? Does this mean they never permitted anything at the location in 51 years? Would this not demonstrate administrative negligence on the county’s part?

Additionally not once did they provide a written notice of a violation to Speed World outlining what code sections he has violated, highlighting the specifics of this code section he has violated and instructing specifically what he needs to do to fix it. How can anyone hear a violation without a statement of facts to outline the violations and no supporting report to show efforts an organization took to get the business in compliance or argue the fact that the business knew exactly what was in violation? Remember, this property is over 300 acres and has several tracks and spectator areas.

The County was dishonest in their dealings with Dan Mathews in the very beginning. With their original instructions (see exhibit C) they were requesting their 12-point correction plan at his expense. They stated: “The original SUP appears to be smaller than what is currently utilized.” They contradicted themselves when Dan obtained an attorney (exhibit H) and he asked the very same questions that anyone else would ask. That being how can they determine stated information from a document that they admit to have lost? Their explanation was that they “have their zoning maps and P&Z minutes.” These haven’t been produced to substantiate their claim. It appears they didn’t like Speed World getting an attorney so they increase their efforts.

They file a Compliance Agreement alleging drainage issues being out of compliance and order a “Ceased and Desist” on all operations. (Exhibit J) Then after that fact they get clarification that Speed World is “outside the depicted Urbanized area and is not subject to storm water regulations covering construction or post construction”. (Exhibit L)
(This maybe this is why there is no further action evidenced on this with more paper work.)
The county also filed another set of Compliance agreements on March 15, 2012. They gave Dan Mathews until May to pay his fine and submit plans for an SUP. Then on May 4th, they file an emended one, after he pays his fine of $1000, ordering him to “cease and desist”. This is 11 days prior to the given deadline and appears to show arbitrary and capricious enforcement practices.

As far as the documentation shows me, it is my opinion that Dan has made every attempt and communicated as much as possible to satisfy what the county asked for. Sure he may have had some time issues, but there needs to be some consideration given to the fact that it is not his land. He has to get approval for some things from the state prior to changes being made. This takes time and I can’t say the county allotted for this. You’ll see his attempts in various exhibits. Yes he is out of compliance with some things and admits this. He hasn’t tried to deny anything, just ask for specifics as to what they want him to do. He submitted for SUP’s, submitted plans, emailed requests for assistance and got an attorney. Who wouldn’t?

The only time Darren Garrard placed foot on the property was to collect evidence of violations after he filed action against Speed World. This didn’t occur until mid 2012. This too is irregular. In my 20 years of court experience, working as a gang officer with GST and effecting at least a 1000 arrest and writing arrest/violation reports, this action would have costs me my job, and possible landed me in civil maybe criminal trouble. It is called due process of law. This is civil citation that can escalate to criminal matters against Dan Mathews and it appears that it was not handled with the care and consideration it deserved or that Dan deserved.

For the state issue, the state of Arizona Land Department filed an “Order of Lease Cancellation for Default” on December 27, 2012. It was not for failure to pay his rent as Supervisor Max Wilson misrepresented to Representative Rick Grey when he called and inquired. It was for not providing insurance satisfactory to the State Land Department’s new Risk Management Officer. Reportedly, this is the same insurance provided to the state since Dan Mathews has been in business on the property. Additionally, Dan’s insurance has been sufficient to cover any law suites that may arise. He has reportedly only had one incident that he has had to pay and it was for an individual, a minor not following appropriate safety rules and got injured. He sued and Speed World settled with a small amount to get it over with. His insurance covered it and neither the state nor the county was on the line for any damages. Not bad for 15 years or business in the racing industry.

It has been made perfectly clear to Dan and his attorney that the state “wants to get out of the racing business”. Well they aren’t nor have they been in the racing business. Speed World is in the racing business and Speed World is the operator of that business and is insured for that business. The state only leases that land to them and has been since 1961. It hasn’t been a problem for 51 years so why is it now.

[Steve Barcak]

But WAIT! There's MORE!

Issues with Speed World

(Exhibit A)
Letter dated 9-20-04 from Maricopa County:
On September 2004, Dan requested a liquor license and special use permit for an event. Given a verbal okay and told to submit a “letter of Intent” acknowledging an intent to update the Special Permit for Zoning Case Z-217; a Special Permit for Race Track and associated Uses in a Rural District. (no indication from records provided if this was accomplished and no records indicating it wasn’t from Maricopa County.) No mention of needing to provide site plans for Zoning of entire property.

(Exhibit B)
On 4-26-05, Dan went to Maricopa County with Pre-Plan Meeting paperwork to get permit to have APS run power to the facility and discontinue use of an 800-amp diesel generator.

(Exhibit C)
On May 8th 2005, Letter from Maricopa County citing case number Z200617 contending “According to the site plan, the boundary of the original SUP is not shown, this must be added to the site plan. (This is interesting because there is no mention that the county lost the original site plan and yet they are referencing it in this statement. This is disingenuous at minimum. See exhibit G)
Further, they list 12 things they want him to do all of which appear to provide a document that brings them up to date on what his boundaries are and what is on the site, much of which would be available to them had they not lost the original SUP. Additionally, they assigned a new case number to fit this request? (All at a cost to Dan)

(Exhibit D)
Letter from Dan Mathews on August 30, 2006 to Mr Fullerton Plan Examiner stating he has updated all paperwork and received next items to be done. Dan faxed memorandum to him and is asking for assistance via phone call as to what is required for his next project.

(Exhibit E)
Letter dated September 19, 2006 from Maricopa County to Dan requesting a letter of intent to continue with one of three bullet items due to inactivity. (Different Planner-an assistant)

(Exhibit F)
Letter dated October 4, 2006 from Dan Mathews stating they have applied for permit for power expansion and stated they have hired an engineering firm for the work.
He asked for keeping case open with this letter of intent.

(Exhibit G)
Memorandum dated May 16, 2007, addressed to Terri Hogan, Principal Planner with Maricopa County P&Z. The background stated that an original approval was given to Case Z217 for AZ Raceway in 1961 with “No Stipulations”.

Discussion section: Speed World is requesting minor changes for electrical that involves approximately 346.5 acres.

“The original SUP for this site was approved in 1961 under case Z217. Since that time, the file has been lost and there is no current site plan on record. Due to changes in ownership over the course of this project, there is also no history of what was originally approved and what currently exists on the site. This case, Z2000617, will constitute the site plan of record for the site. “
It states that the original SUP area of Z217 appears to be smaller then the current site being used by Speed World. They were requesting (remember this is an internal memorandum) a “major amendment within 120 days in order to increase the SUP area to include all existing facilities outside the current SUP. (Question, how do they know what the boundaries are without the original SUP since it is lost?)

Recommendations:
Approval of Z2006017 for following reasons:
• The proposal will have minimal impact to surrounding properties.
• The proposal does not result in a change of land use.
• Reviewing county agencies have no objections.

Stipulation is:

a. Development of the site shall be in general conformance with the site plan entitled “Speedworld” consisting of one full size sheet revised November 22, 2006 and stamped received December 13, 2006.
b. Development of the site shall be in general conformance with the provisions in the narrative report entitled “Speedworld Raceway Park” consisting of four pages, dated December 8, 2006, and stamped received December 13, 2006
c. The applicant shall submit an application for a Major Amendment within 120 days after the date of approval.

Darren Gerrard and Terri Hogan signed the recommendations.

(Exhibit H)

Email records originating from a Mr. Stephen W. Anderson dated August 25, 2007. He stated he has been asked to represent Dan Mathews and speed world. He requested more specific documentation that explains the county’s assumption that Speed World has expanded beyond original boundaries since they admit the original SUP and maps were lost.

August 29th, Terri Hogan stating they have their Zoning Map and P&Z minutes. (They have no date for these documents so are they from 1961? Or from a more recent time? Are they really in existence? I didn’t see them in the box)

She then states that aerial photos from 1999 to 2007 show “significant changes to the site”. [This is in contradiction to the May 16, 2007 memorandum, exhibit G where they state, “The facility as an entity remains largely unchanged with the exception of the minor proposed changes. (That being the electrical extension)] Their contention remains the property has expanded beyond the original SUP. They only stated P&Z minutes and zoning maps. I didn’t see any follow up on getting them. Status unknown but assumption is they didn’t get them.

(Exhibit M)
Speed World citizen participation plan - Dated October 2009. This indicates a requirement that Dan contact neighbors and inform them of his SUP request and the business type he has. Does it interfere or bother his neighbors? The track has been there since 1961 and in 2009 they (the county) are interested if neighbors are bothered by the track being there?

(Exhibit I)
Dated 2-3-1010, on line permit for electrical improvement applied for in 2006.

(Exhibit J)
August 3, 2010 – Plan of compliance and settlement agreement: Cease and desist operations, remove all equipment by October 31, 2010.
One of the requirements was to get a special use permit (which he appeared to be working on) and completion of grading and drainage related improvements to bring the site into compliance with county drainage regulations; or 2) by removing unpermitted construction from the property…..(which is it? Improve drainage and complete grading or just remove unpermitted buildings? Additionally, which buildings are unpermitted? They never set foot on the property so how do they know which ones they want him to remove? How does he know? Doesn’t make any sense.) Also, see exhibit L regarding drainage requirements for his land.

(Exhibit K)

SUP application to fulfill major amendment requirements dated April 19, 2009.

(Exhibit L)
July 21, 2009. Email from Stan Snitzer of Maricopa County Storm Water Quality Program. Speed World is outside the “depicted Urbanized area” and is not subject to storm water regulations covering construction and post construction. (I am not knowledgeable on these matters but read it to say his grading is not an issue with the county?)

Records regarding the county begin to ease during the alter part of 2010 to 2012

(Exhibit M)

March 15, 2012 - Compliance Agreement from Maricopa County.

Listed 4 critical deadlines.
1. Pay $1000 fine by May 15, 2012. Paid by Dan.
2. On or before May 15, 2012, submit plans for SUP
3. On or before September 30, 2012, have an approved SUP that reflects development of the speed way.
4. On or before January 30, 2013 have the property in compliance with completed construction permits for all construction that has occurred.

(Exhibit N)
May 4, 2012 - Revised Compliance Agreement
Everything is the same except for Number 2 above has been modified to add “Respondent shall immediately cease and desist occupancy and use of all facilities except for the drag strip and the adjacent parking area – unless and until such other facilities have benefit of a completed construction permit consistent with approved Special Use Permit.
(Speed World had been working on this March 15 2012 requirements and given a deadline of May 15th. 11 days prior to the deadline, they add this and tell him to cease and desist when he hasn’t been given the benefit of the deadline previously imposed.)

(Exhibit O)

June 5, 2012. Second Revised Compliance Agreement

Order to stop all business operations.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Get Jen Brewer involved?

[Bruce Meyer]

Jan Brewer is a senile dried up slug that doesnt know up from down.

[Tim Corcoran]

She doesn't give a **** about the people just another career politician that only cares about her self. I wrote her a letter on this issue and she never even bothered to answer.

[Nsgrn]

Bottom line, In one sentence, why do they want to close it?

I use to race there 1987-88, when it was Jomax Raceway. Back then it felt like you were driving halfway to Vegas to go race..

[BVR421]

Follow the money (not always possible). I think it sounds like some big money wants to buy the land or take it over for some reason. Anytime these kind of dirty games happen there is big money behind it somewhere.

This is crap. With Firebird closing and if Speedworld shuts down Tucson will be the only track unless the big road race circuit over in Willcox decides to build a strip on their property. That wouldnt make sense so close to the Tucson track. Not that many people down here unlike Phoenix that can easily support two drag strips.
Central and north Arizona will be screwed for a strip.

If for no other reason than public safety, legal organized race venues are necessary for the common good.
When I was a kid we couldnt get our hotrods to outrun a mule. Now kids walk into a dealership and come out with cars and bikes that are faster than the fastest dragsters of 50 years ago. A kid with a min wage job can finace a used 10 sec bike or turbo Subaru and is damn sure going to test its speed somewhere.

[taff2]

Same **** happens over here, our local track(there's only three in the whole country) has constantly fought to keep the track open. Over the years the local council has made them build a £50,000 road into the facility,erect £30,000 30ft high sound barriers around the strip, insist on 10 days between each event, a track curfew of 6pm(which killed off the summer night racing) etc etc. And that's without the effect the poor economy has on the track,last year was really tight for money.

[Engine-Ear]

We deserve who we elect and therefore what we tolerate.

I will be on the phone on Monday.

Thanks for details, Steve.

[S/st 54]

Steve you can bet I'll be on the phone Monday or Tuesday.All I can say it it doesn't look good.I saw the writing on the wall last year.It sounded a lot like what we went through here in KC. I'll do what I can for ya.


Here's a funny one though.The city "forced" the owners of KCIR to sell there property.Which was 93 acres,and they were going to turn it into a park for Eastern Jackson county MO.BUT after all the buildings were torn down and all assets were sold.ONLY THEN THE E.P.A CAME IN & CALLED THAT PROPERTY TO CONTAMINATED TO BE A PARK!
Now the old track is just sitting.And our wonderful city is doing nothing with it.

[lfdsteve]

I don't even have to read the volumes of mumbo jumbo you posted to know you have already lost. Satalight this, failure to visit that. Bottom line for some reason a criminal(politician) wants it gone and it's.gone. condos, noise, industrial......money. sorry dude but it's gone and nothing but another criminal(politician) can change it and will only get involved if they can make more money.

Steve

[sehorn]

Steve,

I have frequented the Pontiac Heaven event the past two years and loved it. That being said I am very concerned about this track being close. I personally work for a planning/zoning department within California and am very familiar with the the tactics used for enforcement and permitting. If you need any help let me know. Typically, property owners higher people that don't know what they are doing to handle these issues and often times these issues can be resolved.

Have the Assessor's records ever been requested? Just one thing to think about. Also, even if there are violations there is usually a process to allow operations to continue as long as the violations are in the process of bring corrected ( we call it a "clean hands waiver"). I am more than happy to donate my time.

Jarod Nygren, MPPA

[BVR421]

Originally Posted by BVR421

Follow the money (not always possible). I think it sounds like some big money wants to buy the land or take it over for some reason. Anytime these kind of dirty games happen there is big money behind it somewhere.

This is crap. With Firebird closing and if Speedworld shuts down Tucson will be the only track unless the big road race circuit over in Willcox decides to build a strip on their property. That wouldnt make sense so close to the Tucson track. Not that many people down here unlike Phoenix that can easily support two drag strips.
Central and north Arizona will be screwed for a strip.

If for no other reason than public safety, legal organized race venues are necessary for the common good.
When I was a kid we couldnt get our hotrods to outrun a mule. Now kids walk into a dealership and come out with cars and bikes that are faster than the fastest dragsters of 50 years ago. A kid with a min wage job can finace a used 10 sec bike or turbo Subaru and is damn sure going to test its speed somewhere.

__________________________________________________ _______
Im sure there is no relation and no government offical's bro-in-law is in the real estate business,but this news item just popped up today on the local news.
_++_______________________________________________ ________
Builders in Phoenix buy property for subdivisions

Posted: Feb 10, 2013 1:12 PM by Associated Press


PHOENIX - Developers and homebuilders in metropolitan Phoenix are scrambling to buy property for dozens of new subdivisions.
The Arizona Republic reports that new home building rose 71 percent in 2012 over 2011 and that the number of available lots is dwindling.
The land rush is further evidence that metro Phoenix's homebuilding industry is recovering from its devastating six-year slump.
Homebuilders sealed nearly 100 land deals in December alone that will create thousands of sites for homes and are now buying more land in more moderately priced areas in the northwest and southwest parts of metro Phoenix as prices continue to rise in the metro area's southeastern portion.

The number of empty lots ready for construction has shrunk to its lowest level in more than a decade.

[BruceWilkie]

Originally Posted by BVR421

__________________________________________________ _______
Im sure there is no relation and no government offical's bro-in-law is in the real estate business,but this news item just popped up today on the local news.
_++_______________________________________________ ________
Builders in Phoenix buy property for subdivisions

Posted: Feb 10, 2013 1:12 PM by Associated Press


PHOENIX - Developers and homebuilders in metropolitan Phoenix are scrambling to buy property for dozens of new subdivisions.
The Arizona Republic reports that new home building rose 71 percent in 2012 over 2011 and that the number of available lots is dwindling.
The land rush is further evidence that metro Phoenix's homebuilding industry is recovering from its devastating six-year slump.
Homebuilders sealed nearly 100 land deals in December alone that will create thousands of sites for homes and are now buying more land in more moderately priced areas in the northwest and southwest parts of metro Phoenix as prices continue to rise in the metro area's southeastern portion.

The number of empty lots ready for construction has shrunk to its lowest level in more than a decade.

There ya go... sure looks like the money and power factors are in full play...

It will take quite a battle to keep this track... hope they can get enough support from the racers their families and their friends far and wide... The track needs to show its economic AND political impact too.

[Steve Barcak]

Originally Posted by sehorn

Steve,

I have frequented the Pontiac Heaven event the past two years and loved it. That being said I am very concerned about this track being close. I personally work for a planning/zoning department within California and am very familiar with the the tactics used for enforcement and permitting. If you need any help let me know. Typically, property owners higher people that don't know what they are doing to handle these issues and often times these issues can be resolved.

Have the Assessor's records ever been requested? Just one thing to think about. Also, even if there are violations there is usually a process to allow operations to continue as long as the violations are in the process of bring corrected ( we call it a "clean hands waiver"). I am more than happy to donate my time.

Jarod Nygren, MPPA

Jarod, Matt and others-
Thank you for the nice words and offer. I also have experience with zoning issues as have had of my properties rezoned, permitts, etc. Am familiar with process and, like you said, if there are violations, there is normally time for resolvement.

This historic drag strip is 52 years old and I wish to see it outlive me, not get bulldozed into nothingness.

Here is some news coverage of the rally on Saturday that we attended-

http://www.kpho.com/story/21092869/o...ts-park-closed

http://www.arizonaautoscene.com/archives/14682

It is my intention to continue with Pontiac Heaven events regardless.

[60man]

At the end of ESPN's coverage on the NHRA Nats tonight it was said the General Manager was stepping down & the NHRA race would be held at Firebird next year ??!!! The track would remain in business...
Any truth to this ??

[mechanickeith]

Troy,,Yes,, Firebird is staying open. The Indian tribe has aquired new management for the track & looks like its here to stay for a while. BUT,,,Speedworld Raceway is now closed. The longest running track in the state is no longer in business. I first went there in 1968/69 when it was still called Mel Larsons Phoenix Raceway. Back then they ran 2 programs. Drags on Saturday & road race on Sunday. I had a pretty hot VW bug back then & would run both races on the weekends. Used to go out there & watch the jet cars practice. Jet cars loved that track. Very long shut down area. If you miss the first turn off,,,you had to get back in the throttle to get to the end turnoff! I sure hope there is some way iSpeedworld can be brought back to life!!!

[R 70 Judge]

Originally Posted by mechanickeith

Troy,,Yes,, Firebird is staying open. The Indian tribe has aquired new management for the track & looks like its here to stay for a while. BUT,,,Speedworld Raceway is now closed. The longest running track in the state is no longer in business. I first went there in 1968/69 when it was still called Mel Larsons Phoenix Raceway. Back then they ran 2 programs. Drags on Saturday & road race on Sunday. I had a pretty hot VW bug back then & would run both races on the weekends. Used to go out there & watch the jet cars practice. Jet cars loved that track. Very long shut down area. If you miss the first turn off,,,you had to get back in the throttle to get to the end turnoff! I sure hope there is some way iSpeedworld can be brought back to life!!!

What does this mean for Pontiac Heaven? Is it cancelled or being moved to Firebird? I was planning on going this year (without my car... Again )

[mechanickeith]

James,, I belive Steve is going to make an announcement on Tuesday of this week. He is working to make sure the Pontiac heaven events are still held.