Not happy with PCMS treatment

I helped bring the Phillips County Motorsports to Malta starting in 2002 and remained actively involved with the organization until 2017. During those 15 years, some of my positions included Director and President until my departure.

I am writing this letter today to let the people of Phillips County know that I am no longer a member of PCMS nor do I sit on any boards. I write this letter to let you know that if things do not change with how PhillCo Economic Growth Council and the City of Malta deal with the Phillips County Motorsports, Inc., we will lose the racetrack here in our town.

I am only speaking as a former member of PCMS, so this is only my opinion, but if the organization is not able to purchase the land at the Old Airport where the races take place, there is a strong possibility that the racetrack will close before the end of their lease in 2024 and likely move to another location.

Since last season, the racetrack has been damaged on several occasions. First, someone drove a large truck down the shutdown lane at the track which ultimately caused damage to the asphalt which will cost roughly $8,000 to repair. This is just one occurrence of people driving their vehicles on the track when the race season is not in session. Because PCMS does not own the property, they are not able to put a security fence around the track. During the snowy season, vehicles were driven through the pits at the track, causing damage to that area as well. A security fence would have prevented this damage as well.

In 2016, the City of Malta made an offer to PCMS to purchase the land at the Old Airport where the races are held. It was a reasonable, and fair offer and would have ensured the organization’s permanent placement in Phillips County. However, PhillCo refused to allow the City of Malta to sell the land to PCMS and countered with a higher offer to sell, more restrictions, and fewer buildings. Though the land is owned by the City of Malta, PhillCo currently holds a 99-year lease on the land and are required to make economic improvements to the land, and if not, the contract is supposed to be voided. It is my opinion that PhillCo has not made the necessary improvements to the Old Airport required in the lease with the City of Malta and the lease should be terminated.

Should Phillips County lose the PCMS Hi-Line Dragstrip, it would hurt the local economy during those five race weekends each year. On a given race weekend, there are anywhere between 80-and-130 racers, their families, and pit crews. These race enthusiasts come to Phillips County and stay in our motels, eat in our restaurants, spend money at our retail locations and gas up at our local stations. To lose PCMS because of egos and money would be a disservice to the local business owners and ultimately all the people of Phillips County. It seems strange to me that an organization which is supposed to focus on economic growth could likely push a non-profit out of Phillips County and hurt local business. And don’t just take my word for it. Go ask local business owners how important these races are to their business.

I would like to see more people get involved with the dragstrip, not only in its operation but to help maintain and keep it in Phillips County. I encourage people to let PhillCo and the City of Malta know that we need to keep the dragstrip in its home.

Greg Kirkwood

Malta