Image: ADRL.us

Since Dover Motorsports announced the closure of Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tennessee on October 30, following the NMCA World Finals, rumors of all forms have been circulating as to the future or lack thereof of racing at the facility. These have ranged from potential buyers on the cusp of purchasing the facility, to the completely unfounded story that the track had already been leveled. At this point, we know that none of these are true, as the national event quality facility still sits dormant.

A recent article in The Commercial Appeal, a Memphis daily newspaper, reported that a very serious, unnamed buyer who owns other racetracks was in talks to purchase the facility and return it to it’s former glory. This buyer was confident that support for racing in the Memphis-area market was strong before the economy took a sharp turn and believed that support would return upon the reopening the track.

It would seem, however, that talks with the potential buyer have not moved forward, as the entire 342-acre facility is now slated for auction by the Morris Auction Group on December 14. The track will sold in two separate sections (the circle track and the dragstrip), or the entire property. Along with the facility itself, all equipment, tools, offices, furniture, and other items will go across the block.

It’s presumed that this auction could seal the fate of the track that opened in 1987 and hosted major racing events throughout it’s tenure. Given the tracks relative remoteness of location, it’s unlikely that it would be torn down to make way for another unnecessary Wal-Mart Super Center, but drag racing fans everywhere will have their attention fixated on the outcome of this auction to see just who buys it and what their intentions are.