Submitted by Fox First at Ten on August 27th
UPDATE: Craig Smith, the Manager and Operator of Spokane Raceway Park, notified the Tarr Family that they were delinquent on their rent. They owed approximately $13,000. They were given until Aug 27th (today) to pay the back rent. They failed to do so and were notified that their lease was terminated.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OPERATORS OF THE OVAL TRACK: It is with great sadness that I inform you the remainder of the 2012 racing season at Spokane County Raceway Super Oval has been canceled.As many of you know, this has been an extremely challenging season at our oval track. We have put every ounce of time and money we have into making our track a place that is enjoyable for both the fans and drivers. Unfortunately, no matter how much hard work you put in, sometimes circumstances make it impossible to succeed.
Our relationship with the dragstrip started out rocky and has continued to deteriorate as the season has progressed. Craig Smith, the general manager of the dragstrip sent us a letter from his attorney demanding that all rent be paid in full no later than tomorrow August 26th, or our lease for the oval track would be terminated. Even though we had a very successful Spokane 200, our first obligation is to pay our drivers and employees.
After all expenses for the 200 have been subtracted, we simply do not have enough cover rent. We have tried to negotiate a discounted rent with Craig, and allow him to sell beer at our oval track, but he has been uncooperative. Without the revenue from beer sales, we cannot afford to pay the rent that Craig is forcing us to pay.
This rent was agreed upon when we believed we would be able to sale beer like we did last season. The loss of beer combined with the dragstrip canceling all of their Friday night races (That were suppose to be double headers) have made it impossible for us to make it.
We are out of money, out of options, and out of energy. Thank you for all of your support the last two seasons.
