The ADRL hasn’t made a formal announcement, but Heartland Park Topeka Chairman Steve Johnson, confirmed in an interview with CompetitionPlus.com that a deal has been reached in principle for the multi-purpose facility to host the Independence Drag, July 4 – 5, 2009.

“In fact, the executives of the ADRL are supposed to be here this weekend,” Johnson said. “We are planning, as are they, to be running a great event here on July 4th.”

The formal announcement of relocating the event is expected to come in the next week and is expected to create a firestorm of litigation from the displaced host of the event, Motor Mile Dragway in Radford, Va., who contends the ADRL is contractually bound to host their event. Track owner David Hagan has stated publicly that if the race goes through that he plans to sue the ADRL, its president Kenny Nowling and possibly Heartland Park Topeka.

Hagan told CompetitionPlus.com that he had contacted HPT to inform them if they went forward with an event that they could become involved in the litigation.

The Independence Drags, Heart Park Topeka Chairman Says, Will Be at his Track …

The ADRL hasn’t made a formal announcement, but Heartland Park Topeka Chairman Steve Johnson, confirmed in an interview with CompetitionPlus.com that a deal has been reached in principle for the multi-purpose facility to host the Independence Drag, July 4 – 5, 2009.

“In fact, the executives of the ADRL are supposed to be here this weekend,” Johnson said. “We are planning, as are they, to be running a great event here on July 4th.”

The formal announcement of relocating the event is expected to come in the next week and is expected to create a firestorm of litigation from the displaced host of the event, Motor Mile Dragway in Radford, Va., who contends the ADRL is contractually bound to host their event. Track owner David Hagan has stated publicly that if the race goes through that he plans to sue the ADRL, its president Kenny Nowling and possibly Heartland Park Topeka.

Hagan told CompetitionPlus.com that he had contacted HPT to inform them if they went forward with an event that they could become involved in the litigation.

Johnson confirmed that he had been contacted by Hagan.

“I’m not going to get into those things because that is between David and the ADRL,” Johnson said. “All I know is that the ADRL came to us and said they would love to race in Topeka. We told them that we would love to have them.”

The July 4th date works well for HPT as the only event scheduled at the multi-purpose facility was a July 3rd demolition derby.

“To be honest, I had planned to give our folks a break,” Johnson admitted. “We’re excited to have both the demolition derby and the ADRL.”

Another reason the ADRL works for HPT is that the business model creates a low risk level for the track.

“There’s no risk in the business model for me so I am willing to give it a try,” Johnson said. “They do more than just give away tickets, they come in and market and activate sponsorships. They charge $10 for parking and the entertainment value far exceeds that.”

So how does HPT stand to benefit?

“Concessions,” Johnson responded. “We also get some souvenirs. If 40,000 spectators show up, the average person is going to spend $10. That’s $400,000 … where I come from, that’s a lot of money.”

Track length and the absence of quality pit parking space are the two major factors the ADRL has cited in their reasoning for relocating the event.

According to Johnson, there are 750 acres, most of which is paved.

“This is a world class racing facility,” Johnson added. “We are not just a race track … we are an entertainment facility.  I’m sure there will be a fireworks display. I want to throw a party and have a race break out.”
 

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