Speedworld, CFRC Developments Creating Uncertainty In Orlando Area

Things aren’t going go swell in Florida. No, we’re not talking about the cleanup from Tropical Storm Debby or the George Zimmerman case here.

In one of the biggest news stories to hit the drag racing community this week, the persistent and annual rumors of Orlando Speedworld Dragway’s demise gained a little traction when longtime track promoter and the mastermind behind the now-legendary World Street Nationals, Carl Weisinger, revealed his intention to retire from his post at the conclusion of the 2012 racing season, effectively leaving the future of the iconic facility in a state of limbo.

Weisinger, who last year cancelled the once-fledgling Street Nationals that served as an annual pilgrimage for fans the world over and let on to his desire to step down in the near future, told SHRA Radio of his intent on-air this week. Although rumors, such as the obligatory Wal-Mart buyout, have already begun circulating, Weisinger’s official word was that he will continue to operate the facility for the rest of the season, while fielding offers to either take over the lease or potentially purchase the land. He did reveal that several phone calls have been taken in regards to the track and the land, but no deals are currently in place. For the thousands of racers and fans that called Speedworld home or set up camp in Orlando for a week each fall for the infamous World Street Nationals, the dragstrip holds a special place, and that passion might just be what keeps the facility operating well into the future.

Elsewhere in the Orlando area, the Central Florida Racing Complex, which features IHRA Summit Super Series and Import racing events on a monthly basis, was forced to cease all drag racing operations at the complex on Wednesday under direction of the Board of County Commissioners. Below is the notice posted on the CFRC website regarding the situation:

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Commissioner Thompson held a community meeting at the Taft Community Center to address issues and concerns surrounding the Application for Special Exception to the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Board of County Commissioners by the Central Florida Road Course (CFRC). Representatives from CFRC, residents of South Chase, Environment Protection Department and Code Enforcement were present to address issues relating to the devastating effects of illegal street racing and the noise as it pertains to CFRC and the role it plays in taking racers off the streets of Orange County. In a concerted effort to work collaboratively with the County and residents of South Chase, the Central Florida Road Course has effectively ceased all drag racing at the complex until final determination of the Board of County Commissioners.

It all adds up to some warranted concern for area racers, and a street racing problem in the making if one or both tracks were to cease racing operations indefinitely. For the sake of our Florida racing brothers, let’s just hope this is only a small bump in the road for both facilities.