One of America’s finest race-track facilities, Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park, will take its final checkered flag in October.
Track officials announced Friday that the 511-acre facility located in Tooele will cease operations in October. The circuit – owned by Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and designed by Alan Wilson- will fulfill its entire schedule of summer and fall racing events, which includes Go Kart, WERA and America’s newest road-racing series, MotoAmerica (June 26-28).
Due to unknown reasons, the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies will not renew its lease with Tooele County, and operations will cease Oct. 31, 2015.
“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all of those who have supported the track over the years, both locally and worldwide, for their enthusiasm and use of the facility,” Owner of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies Gail Miller said on the the MMP website.
In the shadow of the Oquirrh Mountains, Miller Motorsports Park opened in 2006. Operations immediately caused financial difficulties for the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. The track has hosted NASCAR and the American Le Mans Series, but also many motorcycle racing championships, including World Superbike, AMA SuperBike and WERA.
MMP hosted World SBK from 2008-2012, but due to financial issues, Miller didn’t renew its contract for 2013; the US round of World SBK then moved to Laguna Seca. The AMA SuperBike Championship was also hosted at Miller from 2006-2008, and 2011-2013.
Miller Motorsports Park consists of four courses: the huge 4.48-mile full course, the 3.048 Outer Course, and the East and West courses, each 2.2 miles in length. World Superbike competed on the Outer Course, and AMA SuperBike the full course.
The facility was also once home to Yamaha Champions Racing School, which is now based in New Jersey Motorsports Park.
As for the future of the facility, Tooele County Commissioners told the Desert News they hope to attract another entity to take over circuit operations.
Lke EVERY thing else in America, it’s all about money. This has become a soulless place. I;m glad I’m old.
agreed…and it’s not just about ENOUGH money, it’s about moremoremoremoremore ever MORE money. soulless indeed!
Damn. I wish I could disagree.