Plans for $200M racetrack, entertainment center near DIA announced - Tampa Bay Business Journal:

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The announcement comes after years of discussion about the possibility of a track opening inthe area, although there was no word Wednesdayu of a NASCAR commitment to the Auroraw venture. . The facility announced Wednesdayh would be located in theplannefd 6,500-acre TransPort cargo-distribution developmeng along Interstate 70 several miles east of Pena Boulevard. Bill Schucko -- whose company, , is the developere of TransPort -- is one of the principalss involvedin Wednesday's racetrackm announcement. Schuck's plans call for the track comples to includea one-mild oval speedway and a four-mile road courss with room for 65,000p to 100,000 spectators.
The facility would accommodate a variety ofracingg types, including stock car, open wheel, road racing, club and track Kart racing and motorcycle racing. Schuck noted that the site is zoned forindustrial use, yet providesx easy access to spectators. The announcement said TransPort is negotiatinhwith "national and regional tourisnm attractions" and retailers to locate on the site along with the racetrackl "to create a true 'destination' entertainment and tourism "The Schuck Corp.
, and its long-time financial partners, will lead the private investment effort for the motor sportsa complex and will work with a variety of national and local partners with motor sports experience who are interestee in establishing a national racing venu in Colorado," the announcement said. "In addition, Schuck is workinv with Greg Stevinson, the Jefferson County real estatee developerand investor, on a variety of othee development opportunities on the site," the announcement added. Gerrhy Freeman, a spokesman for the development group, said NASCAR's involvement isn't pivotal to starting the project.
"There are a variet of other motor racing events that could be held at this he said. Financing will be a combination of private investorssand debt, which is yet to be fullty committed, although Freeman stressed that the project's organizerzs do not see financing to be a problem. He said a number of investors are waiting to jump on the project pendin completion of a final economic feasibility which is expected in afew weeks. Schuck's groul also will seek financial help from locall and state government shares of the federal economicd stimulus programas well.
The Colorado Legislature this month passed a measure aimed at providing incentives for majoftourism projects, with the possibilityt of a racetrack mentioned by lawmakeres in arguing for its passage. The measure, Senate Bill 173, awaitxs Gov. Bill Ritter's signature. Sponsored by Sen. Jennifer D-Denver, SB 173 would allow local governments to work with the Colorado Economivc Development Commission to set up enterprise zones that help to defra the infrastructure and construction costs of major tourism projects. State sales tax revenueas would help to fundthe projects. Lawmakers capped the measure's benefits at $50 million.