Tooele County announces sale of Miller Motorsports Park

Tooele County officials have announced their agreement to sell Miller Motorsports Park to Mitime Investment & Development Group, which intends to upgrade the facility as part of a training program for its ambitious plans to build five racetracks in China over the course of the next decade.

Following the LHM Group of Companies' decision in May to not renew their ground lease for Miller Motorsports Park at the end of the 2015 season, Tooele County commissioners sought new owners for the Utah racing and automotive testing facility, noting that the 511-acre campus was important to the community and provides good jobs.

According to Commissioner Shawn Milne, who has led the County's efforts to find a new owner, "The Commission recognized early on that we cannot afford to have the facility close. There are over 90 workers employed by the motorsports park itself and hundreds of others that depend upon the regular operations throughout the year."

Milne also stated that commissioners believe that the best scenario is to sell the facility to owners that have an understanding of motorsports and how to manage such a valuable asset.

"From the beginning, we have viewed the possibility of a new owner with passion for racing and a long term vision of continued investment as the best possible outcome for the facility and our community. That has remained our driving force during consideration of all the proposals," Milne said.

After accepting proposals in July, commissioners quickly narrowed the top proposals to two primary choices. They then set about an extensive review and negotiation process that involved industry experts, as well as professional consultants. After weeks of negotiations, the commissioners accepted Mitime's proposal citing that it offered the greatest benefit and met or exceeded all of their stated goals.

Mitime initially expressed interest in purchasing Miller Motorsports Park as a training facility for the development of proposed raceways in China. The company has hired renowned track designer Alan Wilson to design and build five raceways in China, all scheduled to begin operations in the next decade.

Wilson was the designer of Miller Motorsports Park and the initial general manager of the facility during the first three years of operation. Learning of the possibility of returning to the helm of MMP, he said, "This opportunity couldn't come at a better time for the world of racing and the growth of motorsports in one the world's fastest growing economies. This is deal allows the facility to remain fully operational and to export the American racing model to China."

During negotiations with Tooele County Commissioners, Wilson and other Mitime representatives shared their vision for the campus and the future of motorsports. Their plans include greater capital investment to bring the facility up to FIA and FIM international racing standards; construction of a sanctioned 3/8th-mile oval track, drag strip, and a Rally-X course; the development of a comprehensive motorsports education and technology program; an emphasis on international tourism; and manufacturing of oval track racecars and hillclimb trucks for export.

In all, Mitime's proposal includes economic factors well in excess of the upfront $20,000,000 purchase price. Given the additional elements that have been noted, County Commissioners believe the company's proposal is a boon to the local economy and will be for years to come. One estimate suggests that the economic activity generated by Mitime's proposal could generate one billion dollars for the region over the next 25 years.

"Mitime's commitment to both this facility and the motorsports industry is unparalleled," Wilson declared. Our company's history of producing automobiles, recent industry-related acquisitions, and proven profitable business background make this opportunity a perfect fit. We are looking forward to many years of success at the facility and in Tooele County."