Once again, Pacific Raceways is asking drag-racing fans to register their support for the facility with the King County Council before a Monday, Nov. 23 permit hearing in Seattle.
 
The multipurpose racetrack is scheduled to host the 29th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals Aug. 5-7, 2016. 
 
In an e-mail distribution, General Manager John Ramsey said, "Opponents have painted a very negative picture of Pacific Raceways and the people who use the facility and would like nothing less than the racetrack to disappear."
 
He urged citizens to write or e-mail members of the council who will determine at Monday's hearing whether Pacific Raceways will be allowed, in Ramsey's words, "to move forward with a sustainable improvement plan, which would allow it to continue as a regional motorsports facility."

On the table is a plan that would permit Pacific Raceways to excavate gravel from part of the property ("Lot C"). That, Ramsey said, would give the facility the financial ability to construct and lease garage space and other buildings.

"This would allow the facility to catch up with other motorsports venues around the country with improvements and modernization," he said. "In short, if we want to keep and improve Pacific Raceways, this is our avenue for success."

This pivotal meeting will start at 1:30 p.m. this Monday at the King County Council Chambers on the 10th floor of the King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle (98104).

"We have a great story to tell and you are our best voice to do that," Ramsey told supporters in the e-mail. "Each of you has a personal or professional story of your involvement with Pacific Raceways. This is your chance to be heard.

"Please jot a simple note asking the King County Council to support Pacific Raceways on November 23. You do not need to be harsh; rather the tone of your email should be positive and encouraging. County officials need to hear your side of the story," he said.

Said Ramsey, "The King County Council and opponents need to know… 
• Pacific Raceways has been part of our regional culture for over half a century and the fate of an industry and historic landmark is in the Council’s hands; 
• Pacific Raceways hosts over 300,000 people a year; 
• More than 100 local businesses survive in whole or in part because of the Raceway – this translates into hundreds, if not thousands of jobs; 
• Pacific Raceways is an economic engine that is responsible for $100 million in regional economic impact; 
• In addition to motorsports, the track is a regional training facility for law enforcement agencies; 
• Pacific Raceways is the catalyst for hundreds of thousands of dollars a year raised for the Children’s Hospital, with more than $30 million raised to date. 
• A community with a vibrant motorsports facility experiences less street racing accidents and deaths."

Ramsey shared the names and addresses of the King County Council members:

Pete.VonReichbauer@kingcounty.gov 
Rod.Dembowski@kingcounty.gov 
Larry.Phillips@kingcounty.gov 
Larry.Gossett@kingcounty.gov 
Kathy.Lambert@kingcounty.gov
Jane.Hague@kingcounty.gov
Joe.McDermott@kingcounty.gov
Reagan.Dunn@kingcounty.gov
Dave.Upthegrove@kingcounty.gov 
Dow.Constantine@kingcounty.gov
 
The meeting is open to the public.