A new track is in the works.

[Kane]

I learned about this track about two months ago and from what I read in the news, it is a go for 2010. Tony lives right down the road from there so this could be huge news for us. Imagine a track that is ten minutes over the CT boarder.

This track is going to be built JUST for people to use with clubs and hobbiest. They are not going to have large seating areas or professional races there. They are setting it up for people like us and to be affordable. This could work out for Tony and for us if he could get the hook up. I would be willing to bet weekends will be easy to get also.




Info from a site.

Palmer Motorsports Park

Palmer Motorsports Park is a proposed 2.14 mile paved road course to be located near Palmer, Massachusetts. The track would be focused on club events, and would be owned and operated by a subsidiary of the New England Region of the SCCA.

The track is currently progressing through the local permitting process.

http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/MA/images/palmer/Palmer003crop.jpg

[dartanion]

I'll believe it when the start dropping asphalt.

[s a x m a n]

and when they stop mentioning cars only

[usmcsolito]

Well if it does become available would be very nice since its only 20 mins from me :D

[Bulldogr6]

I'd never be at work.

[The Outlaw]

Any one else start looking at what the line through the course would be. :)

Jamie brings up a good point. I looked up the web site and although they don's say they won't allow motorcycles they make no mention of motorcycles. Tony do you have any info on this track yet?

[450SMRider]

that would be sweet if and when it ever happens

[Kane]

On the news article I read the owner is going to make this open to other organizations. He runs a business after all and if Tony or LAPs will pay the rent then you know it will happen.

[Mr. Kurtz]

I hate to be "that guy," but...


Q: What would go on at the proposed motorsports facility?

A: It would be rented to businesses and clubs for driver education, motor vehicle testing and demonstration, and competition. Only automobiles and go-carts would run here; the facility would not be used for oval-track stock car racing, drag racing, or motorcycles.
[/b]

http://www.palmermotorsportspark.com/

[Kane]

OH well. I bet it would change once it gets closer and money is involved. That proposal and answer could be just sugar and spice to keep everything nice for the township.

[Slutty Dave]

Yea, the cars only deal sucks - hopefully the all mighty $$ will help us out ;)

[Mr. Kurtz]

Problem is, if the course is being designed with the intent to only accomodate cars, will it be built appropriate safety standards for motorcycles?

[s a x m a n]

Problem is, if the course is being designed with the intent to only accomodate cars, will it be built appropriate safety standards for motorcycles?
[/b]

exactly


armco lined track ... ala limerock

[Traize]

It says they are owned by SCCA. I would highly doubt they'll put any thought into motorcycle run offs. This track will probably look a lot like Limerock with the barriers and trees lining the whole thing.

Too bad we couldn't get a true race track closer to us that allows damn near everything on it. Like that one that was proposed in Bridgeport and got shot down.

[35racer]

I contacted them years ago, when I first got wind of this.

As mentioned, they were not concerned with running motorcycles. I offered up my services since they are right down the road from me... actually in the same town as my rental property.

Anyway, nothing I've been told would even remotely hint that we'll be allowed/able to run on the track.

:(

[Matty]

they dont need much run off there.....there is pleanty of water :twofinger:

[185champ]

i know i guy on the palmer board. it is a go, but there not even considering public use

[yev]

Damnn.. sucks about the no m/c :(

[usmcsolito]

Well if i ever win enough money on the lottery you better bet your ass i will find a property and build a track around here :D

[s a x m a n]

looking at the layout .. the track looks like it as potential for sure though .. nice and flowing

[Mercurial]

we should start a petition type thing......

[Jenni]

ugh! CARS ARE BORING!

[CatahoulaBuldog]

we should start a petition type thing......
[/b]

Private Property.

[Mustang]

Private Property.
[/b]
You could still petition them theoretically. I highly doubt it would make any difference unless you got a couple thousand signers, but you could still petition.

[The Outlaw]

It would at least show them that there in interest in motorcycle clubs renting the track. Or maybe we could get a reason why they don't want bikes.

[Mr. Kurtz]

It would at least show them that there in interest in motorcycle clubs renting the track. Or maybe we could get a reason why they don't want bikes.
[/b]
Since it's being built by a private car racing association, they probably don't know or care what it would take to make a track safe for motorcycles. I doubt a petition would be very effective in lobbying them to change the design of the track.

[s a x m a n]

the only thing that would make them willing to make it motorcycle friendly is a big fat check in order to cover those costs

[Mercurial]

the only thing that would make them willing to make it motorcycle friendly is a big fat check in order to cover those costs
[/b]

less walls more dirt....

[The Outlaw]

I emailed them asking why no motorcycles. Just cause I'm curious and well REALLY board at work

[Mr. Kurtz]

less walls more dirt....
[/b]
Same amount of walls, set further back, with more run off built in between the track and those walls.

[GixerJockey]

I emailed them asking why no motorcycles. Just cause I'm curious and well REALLY board at work
[/b]

Be sure to let us know what the answer is. Maybe they just didn't see the oportunity and hadn't considered it. (fingers crossed)

[The Outlaw]

Be sure to let us know what the answer is. Maybe they just didn't see the oportunity and hadn't considered it. (fingers crossed)
[/b]


I was wondering that myself. My other thoughts are they think that only racers would be using the track and that they are not aware that track day organizers like Tony do not allow racers. And it is possible that they also look at all bikers as the hooligans they see on the street and that's not the type of environment they want at there track. But I would have to assume that as buisness men they have put some thought and research into this and possibly for insurance reasons they will not allow motorcycles. But if I hear anything back I will post up.

[GixerJockey]

I was wondering that myself. My other thoughts are they think that only racers would be using the track and that they are not aware that track day organizers like Tony do not allow racers. And it is possible that they also look at all bikers as the hooligans they see on the street and that's not the type of environment they want at there track. But I would have to assume that as buisness men they have put some thought and research into this and possibly for insurance reasons they will not allow motorcycles. But if I hear anything back I will post up.
[/b]

While you are already in e-mail contact... plead our case...

[Mr. Kurtz]

I was wondering that myself. My other thoughts are they think that only racers would be using the track and that they are not aware that track day organizers like Tony do not allow racers. And it is possible that they also look at all bikers as the hooligans they see on the street and that's not the type of environment they want at there track. But I would have to assume that as buisness men they have put some thought and research into this and possibly for insurance reasons they will not allow motorcycles. But if I hear anything back I will post up.
[/b]
I hate to be "that guy" again, but...


I contacted them years ago, when I first got wind of this.

As mentioned, they were not concerned with running motorcycles. I offered up my services since they are right down the road from me... actually in the same town as my rental property.

Anyway, nothing I've been told would even remotely hint that we'll be allowed/able to run on the track.

:(
[/b]

...probably means they know all about trackdays, responible riders, etc.

Doesn't cost anything to email them and ask though, I guess.

[The Outlaw]

I hate to be "that guy" again, but...
...probably means they know all about trackdays, responible riders, etc.

Doesn't cost anything to email them and ask though, I guess.
[/b]

Killjoy!

[Mr. Kurtz]

Killjoy!
[/b]
:hide: :lol:

[The Outlaw]

Well I got a reply and and all of our points were hit in his reply.

"Kevin,

Thank you for your note. I certainly understand your frustration in PMP not including motorcycles in our permitting. We have accomplished something that has not been done in New England since the early 1960’s, that is permitting a new road course.

When we first approached the Town of Palmer Planning Board they had just defeated a motocross proposal and were a little gun shy. We made a political decision to not ask for motorcycles. I am not sure we would have gotten approval had we included them. This was a tough decision as bike club rentals can be a significant addition to the profitability of the track.

We fully intend to keep bikes in mind from a safety perspective as we build the track and I am hopeful that after it is up and running we can ask the town to add some motorcycle events. I would probably start with a couple of track day events to show that adding bikes is not a threat.

I also understand that bike enthusiasts are not likely to want to be investors with no guarantees that we will get this future permission, but hopefully it will all work out in the end.

Dick Patullo"

Nice to hear that they will be keeping bikes in mind when condsidering safety.

[35racer]

Sounds about the same ...

It always amazes me that people can't stay focused on the issue... in this case, noise.

Here's another reason to keep the stock exhaust on your bike... or at least a quiet replacement. My guess is that if we are ever allowed to ride there, it will be QUIET bikes only.

[Kane]

Sounds about the same ...

It always amazes me that people can't stay focused on the issue... in this case, noise.

Here's another reason to keep the stock exhaust on your bike... or at least a quiet replacement. My guess is that if we are ever allowed to ride there, it will be QUIET bikes only.
[/b]


I always keep my stock exhausts in my basement for every bike I own. They may come in handy.

[TegRacer324]

So I don't understand how the motocross track would associate to motorcycles? Are bikes generally that much louder than cars? Usual when people tow their track cars to the track they don't have stock exhausts on them. I really don't see them being any quieter than bikes at the track. MX I guess I can see as the 2 stroke noise is high pitched and whiney, but I don't think it's a lot louder than a full sized road course is gonna be with track cars on it.

[35racer]

So I don't understand how the motocross track would associate to motorcycles? Are bikes generally that much louder than cars? Usual when people tow their track cars to the track they don't have stock exhausts on them. I really don't see them being any quieter than bikes at the track. MX I guess I can see as the 2 stroke noise is high pitched and whiney, but I don't think it's a lot louder than a full sized road course is gonna be with track cars on it.
[/b]

To the average person... a motorcycle is a motorcycle... and they are noisy.

In reality, a stock exhaust on a bike and a car will emit about the same noise level on a track.

Likewise, if they both have aftermarket exhausts, they'll both be around the same ... if anything, the car might be louder.

Unfortunately, perception is reality in this case. :crybaby:

[hammadown]

So I don't understand how the motocross track would associate to motorcycles? Are bikes generally that much louder than cars? Usual when people tow their track cars to the track they don't have stock exhausts on them. I really don't see them being any quieter than bikes at the track. MX I guess I can see as the 2 stroke noise is high pitched and whiney, but I don't think it's a lot louder than a full sized road course is gonna be with track cars on it.
[/b]


The problem is people's perception. Most people do not know the difference between a mx bike and a sport type motorcycle, or even a cruiser. When you say "motorcycle" to an average citizen that knows nothing about them, they immediately think of noise/ a bunch of hooligans (at least generally speaking). Just like Im sure Im not the only person who gets that "you must be insane" look from average people when I say I ride on the track. I've tried a hundred times to explain its safety benefits, etc, but it usually falls on deaf ears. You can't fix ignorance in people who choose not to understand. :thumbdown:


Edit: And after submitting I see tony said the same thing as me....lol

[TegRacer324]

Yeah I dunno the general masses are usually idiots when it comes to a lot of things. There's also a lot of assholes in cars out there, but no one seems to acknowledge that. I enjoy bike and car racing, but it's kinda stupid when they say you can have one and not the other when in reality nothing is going to change really between running the two. Plus I don't have a track car lol.

[Z1 Nut]

im sure that if a petition were started, every single homeowner or resident, PD, and business along twisty roads within 50 miles would sign it. they'd much rather we were on the track instead of their front yard and no matter what it's one or the other.

[green hornet]

The problem is people's perception. Most people do not know the difference between a mx bike and a sport type motorcycle, or even a cruiser. When you say "motorcycle" to an average citizen that knows nothing about them, they immediately think of noise/ a bunch of hooligans (at least generally speaking). Just like Im sure Im not the only person who gets that "you must be insane" look from average people when I say I ride on the track. I've tried a hundred times to explain its safety benefits, etc, but it usually falls on deaf ears. You can't fix ignorance in people who choose not to understand. :thumbdown:
Edit: And after submitting I see tony said the same thing as me....lol
[/b]


you're right, but people just don't care to know, and nothing you do will change that...

thats why i say F em!

trying to find a middle ground with people that hate you is a waste of time IMO

[ZOG]

http://www.palmermotorsportspark.com/


Any one know if this is still alive?

[xbootlickx]

It would be nice (fingers crossed)

[richw]

When it goes bankrupt the second owner will allow motorcycles

or that is a fine road for a nice field of condos for chinese immigrants working at the new casino

[makct04]

Is this place even open yet?

[FasYankee]

Dick Patullo, Project Director

NER Investments LLC
PO Box 238
Hampden MA, 01036

Email: pmpinfo@verizon.net (pmpinfo@verizon.net)

:twofinger:

[Kane]

Is this place even open yet?


It hasnt even broke ground yet.

[makct04]

Ha! Then this is a waste of time. I will believe it when I see it, which I doubt will be anytime soon. :rolleyes:

[Tigger]

I hope it gets off the ground.

[csmutty]

I hope it gets off the ground.
A levitating track would be sickkk. Would suck to fall though.:twofinger:

[Z1 Nut]

just need to get enough of us to rip through the area like asshats on the bikes and then it will be easy to convince people to just let bikes on the track to keep us off the road hahaha