Race-track owners one step closer to opening

Backers of a race-track plan adjacent to Highway 130 say they are one step closer to achieving their goal.

Owner Richard Schutte, who last fall bought 100 per cent of the company shares, says he’ll be actively seeking investors to make the track a reality.

Schutte, who purchased the 32-acre site in 2011, said it’s been slow going to date, as he’s only been able to secure half the fill needed to create the track.

He admitted in a release issued on Tuesday it was a bigger project than he first envisioned, but is hoping after progressed slowed last year the development pace will pick up in 2015.

“Fans and race car drivers and crews have expressed some frustration due to a lack of action in 2014 on this project. However after nearly three-and-a-half years and a substantial investment, the magnitude of this project is well understood and I am steadfast in seeing it through to completion,” Schutte said.

“Whether this site will host current or next generation racers will depend on the involvement of the race community, but we will be racing on this site in the future.”

Fans flocked to a one-time event last summer at Mosquito Speedway, which gave him further cause for enthusiasm about the track he’s planning to build.

Investors are more than welcome to help make it happen, he said.

Thunder Valley Developments have set up a website, complete with an interactive forum, at www.letsracethunderbay.com where car owners, drivers and fans can interact.