Senior medical issues cause operator to pull back from leasing venue
CARIBOU, Maine — In an unfortunate turn of events, Chuck Hall, the man who was ready to lease Spud Speedway for the 2016 race season, ended up being rushed to Augusta for emergency surgery.
Spud Speedway Public Relations Director Donald Rideout recently made an online statement regarding Hall’s unexpected illness.
“Mr. Hall would like everyone to know that he is sorry for any inconvenience,” wrote Rideout. “He would like to thank everyone for their help and wishes Spud Speedway the best of luck in finding someone else to run the track for the upcoming race season. I would personally like to thank Mr. Hall for his effort and I hope that he gets well soon. I hope that this news doesn’t deter anyone from their hopes of racing in 2016. Understandably, this is not the news that any of us had hoped to hear but that’s just the way it is.”
Troy Haney, owner of the racetrack, is still searching for someone to lease Spud Speedway for 2016 season, and feels that this is a good time for someone to make that decision.
“Like any other form of entertainment, this is based on disposable income,” said Haney. “At this point I think it’s better off than it has been in the past because the local economy is getting stronger so we’ll see what happens in the future. We’re also trying to pursue other interests like bike races, snow sled races, entertainment shows, and concerts. There are only six facilities like this in Maine, so it’s an asset to the community to figure out how to use it properly. We’re trying to put it out there at a low cost so people can be successful.”
Haney says that, at the bare minimum, Spud Speedway will still offer kart racing for kids.
“Kart racing is a very low-cost and fun way to get into racing and it will help us build future drivers for the stock car races,” said Haney.
Rideout also expressed hope for the race track’s future.
“If you have a new car that you planned to build, keep it,” wrote Rideout. “Strip it out, clean it up, tune it up if needed. These things don’t cost a great deal of money and then it will be ready for the rest of the build if someone else leases the track. You will be one step ahead of the game. If someone sees that there are cars and drivers out there just waiting for the track to open, it may sway their decision to at least lease the track and give it a try. Let’s not give up,” he said.
Those interested in leasing the track can contact Haney at 227-0897 or thaney@maine.rr.com.
