INDUSTRY: Miller Motorsports Park to close

Larry Miller’s motor racing oasis on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Utah, is scheduled to close on October 31 when the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies’ lease expires with Tooele County.

“The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies has elected not to renew its lease with Tooele County and will cease operation of Miller Motorsports Park at the end of the racing season on October 31, 2015,” the company confirmed on its website. “A full schedule of racing events, driving schools, public karting and group activities will be held this summer as planned.”

Opened in 2006 in the relatively remote town of Tooele, Miller’s expansive road course became an instant hit for drivers and attracted a number of popular racing series.

The American Le Mans Series, Grand-Am, NASCAR regional series, AMA and FIM motorcycles, SCCA World Challenge, and other organizations held events at the multi-purpose facility penned by Alan Wilson, but with its lack of a built-in fan base, attendance figures were small to start and continued to decline.

Built at an expense of $100 million, the 511-acre compound lost most of its major events after the 2010 season, and with Larry Miller’s death in 2009, the financial viability of his passion project was hard to justify.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all of those who have supported the track over the years, both locally and worldwide, for their enthusiasm and use of the facility," said Miller Group owner Gail Miller.