8/31/2015
Thunderbird Raceway
Thunderbird Raceway in Dalton Township reopening in May 2016
DALTON TOWNSHIP, MI -- The shuttered Thunderbird Raceway is slated to reopen under new management in May 2016.
Dalton Township's planning commission gave preliminary approval for a special racing use permit to new owner Tom Sprague at its regular meeting Tuesday. Sprague is the current owner and operator of Winston Speedway in Rothbury.
Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of reopening the track, and they are expected to give their final stamp of approval once the raceway is back up to code.
Sprague said it was an important moment for local racing fans after the 50-year-old track was closed three years ago.
"There's definitely a large group of fans that want the raceway open," he said.
Renovation work on Thunderbird Raceway will begin in the coming weeks. Sprague hopes to get as much work done before snowfall. Work will resume in the spring ahead of the mid-May opening.
The surface of the track is in relatively good condition, despite its age, Sprague said. A majority of the updates are focused on building repairs and electrical work.
Sprague is working with Dalton Township Zoning Administrator Tina Cunningham to pinpoint other upgrades. Cunningham said these areas could include storm water runoff and parking.
A number of other code requirements, such as curfew and noise rules, will need to be clarified, as well.
Submitted By: Anthony Boyd