Race track draws council scrutiny

An oval race track in Optimist Park has stirred up controversy for residents and city leaders alike. Now citizens will have an opportunity to offer comment during the next city council meeting, May 9, beginning at 6 p.m.

The dirt track for 'hornet class' automobiles is just the latest to be developed for motorized sports. It joins the motorcross track and the mud bog area to bring yet another opportunity to racers.

The project was brought to the attention of the public after a letter to the editor was published in the Mountain Home News.

Bart Eben, who lives near Optimist Park, was upset to learn of the new track. Over the years, he has found the noise from the tracks to be extremely disturbing. He fears that adding yet another source will make it impossible for him to enjoy the long summer evenings.

After more than two years in the "talking" stage, construction of the track began about eight weeks ago, when operator Tagg Hawks found the opportunity to begin the development. He has assumed the costs of creating the racing complex on city property.

The area has a history of racing, said Parks and Recreation director Stan Franks. He pointed out there had been a race track there approximately 35 years ago and a motorcross track was there about 25 years ago.

But city council members are extremely concerned about the city's exposure to risk if something were to happen there. "We need to make sure the city is properly protected -- to see liability insurance is adequate and not put the city taxpayers in jeopardy," said city council president Tom Rist.

He explained events at the track can be potentially more hazardous than other spectator sports. The participants (the racers, etc.) can sign a 'hold harmless' agreement that will protect the track's operator. "But what happens if one of those cars leaves the track, injuring a spectator? Who do you think will foot the bill then? It won't be the driver or the business owner.

"Just to give you some idea of what this could cost last week for just four hours of practice, Tagg paid $12,000 for insurance. That was just for four hours practice."

Even though Hawks has increased insurance coverage from $1 million to $2 million, the city's attorney and insurance people feel that is not enough.

Prior to the May 9 public meeting, two council members hope to have an opportunity to sit down with the mayor, the city's insurance people, the city attorney, the Parks and Recreation director and Hawks to understand the risks and to try to mitigate those risks.

"We need information and a contract agreement. We need to do our part to protect the city taxpayers," said Rist, adding that the next council session will not be a public hearing, but the public will have opportunity to comment.