CASCAR part of launch of Niagara Falls Int'l Speedway
16 June 2000
NIAGARA FALLS, ON - A powerful group of Canadian business and political leaders gathered in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Thursday morning to announce the planned development of a major motorsports and entertainment complex on the edge of the world-famous Canadian border town. Niagara Falls International Speedway (NFIS) will be a $120 million, 60,000 seat (expandable to 150,000) facility, which will eventually house a 1.5-mile superspeedway, in addition to as many as three other ovals. Canada's biggest, permanent oval track will be constructed upon completion of a quarter-mile drag strip on the 470 acre site. IHRA President Bill Bader was at the press conference and confirmed his long-term support of the facility by announcing the track's inclusion on his 2001 IHRA National event schedule. Also on hand for the major announcement was CASCAR President Bill Darmon, who has been quietly involved in planning discussions regarding the project for several months. Wielding a shovel with a checkered flag painted on its head, Darmon represented CASCAR at the ceremonial 'ground breaking' for what will undoubtedly become the jewel of Canadian motorsports. Held under a tent on the sprawling site adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), just three kilometers from the Canada/US border, Darmon stood alongside the many assembled dignitaries who collectively painted an impressive picture of what will rise on the site in the upcoming months. Senator Trevor Eyton - the Chairman of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the Director of Toronto's 2008 Olympic bid - is the Chairman and CEO of NFIS Inc. and leads the consortium of private investors who will fund the development. The complex will be built on land owned by Niagara Falls businessman, and NFIS President, Joseph Zawadski. They were joined in making the announcement by Ontario's Tourism Minister Cam Jackson, who said the project will be a boon to the local community and will create many jobs and generate significant tourism revenues. Niagara Falls Mayor Wayne Thomson confirmed the support of the local politicians and the region's business community. For his part, Bill Darmon said he was honoured to be part of the ceremony announcing the new maga-project. "CASCAR has done so many things to raise its profile in recent months that we really need to have showcase facilities, like this one will be, to continue to grow. This fits in with the aggressive expansion program we've undertaken. Canadian motorsports needs a major league racing facility on this scale. We're 100% supportive of the efforts being undertaken to make this project become a reality. This is an unbelievably exciting venture and we're very happy to be part of it." Also involved in the project is Canadian Phil Denyes, who spearheaded the creation of NASCAR's Daytona USA exhibit in Daytona Beach, FL as well at Toronto's new Hockey Hall of Fame. In addition to the drag strip and several ovals to be built, the site will also include a conference centre, a midway, hotels, theme restaurants and concert facilities. by Inside Track Communications.