Local Politics
Redding delays decision on Motorsports Park lease until November 17th
Redding is expected to revisit the Motorsports Park lease on November 17th as dragstrip and road course operators disagree over how the park should be leased.
The Redding City Council put off a decision on the future of the Redding Motorsports Park lease at its November 3rd meeting. The issue is expected to return November 17th, with the city weighing whether the dragstrip and road course should operate under separate leases.
The park sits on roughly 151 acres of Redding Regional Airport property off Old Oregon Trail. The city sought proposals this summer to develop, operate and maintain the site, which accommodates drag racing, drifting, motocross and other motorsports. The original request outlined a lease of about 10 years with an option for five more. City staff recommended negotiating separate leases for the dragstrip and road course operators. The November 3rd agenda asked the council to give staff direction on the proposal process.
The lease dispute also prompted dragstrip operators to ask Councilmember Tenessa Audette to step aside from the decision. They cited a reported $1,500 contribution to her reelection campaign tied to the Shasta Supermoto Club. Audette said California’s Levine Act may not apply to the lease. Whether she participates in the decision is a separate question from how the city chooses to lease the park.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17th, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 777 Cypress Avenue. City of Redding meeting calendar and recordings.