As a lifelong resident of Western Washington, a NASCAR fan and an active member of Fans United for NASCAR, I would like to add my opinion on the racetrack issue.
I just spent a week in Miami for the season-ending race. I spent at least $1,500 on airfare, hotel, a rental car and restaurants. I talked to people from all over the country while I was there and also talked to locals. The out-of-town visitors each spent at least $1,000 on their trip. The locals were very happy to have us there and they love the track! There is a housing development right next to the track with more houses going in that are already sold. The Florida Highway Patrol had the roads in and out set up perfectly. All traffic was filtered onto the freeways straight out of the track, and the parking lots were empty within three hours of the end of the race.
The local businesses around the track were doing a ton of business. It was the best time I have ever had at a race. With all the out of town travelers spending freely, local businesses and residents welcoming us I can only assume that the economy there is great. The track is on the edge of the Everglades and was sold out weeks before I got my ticket. All that money was flowing into the local economy. They got my money and I will definitely be down there again.
I think the residents of Snohomish County are making a huge mistake by not building the track here. The track, the casino and the shopping in the area could have turned around the local economy. I am now looking into setting up my vacation for another trip to south Florida next year. So, instead of spending my money here, it will be spent in an area where they know what it means to have a track.
Patty Fisher
Mukilteo
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