Uncertainty abounds, but Utah Motorsports Campus opens as scheduled

It was a winter of uncertainty for the racers who call the Utah Motorsports Campus home — and that’s what made Friday morning feel so good.

“I thought it would never happen,” said Mike Kresser, a racer from South Jordan. “When I heard the first car on the track this morning, I thought I peed my pants. I was ecstatic.”

The pending sale of the Tooele track, formerly known as Miller Motorsports Park, is widely seen as necessary to ensure the facilities’ long-term viability. But a deal to transfer ownership was put on hold in December until an agreement could be made between the county and all of the parties involved. In the interim, some racers weren’t sure the track would open.

So as Kresser and others gathered for the official start of the 2016 race season, there was no shortage of joy — and relief.

“This was a huge step forward,” said Dave Kizerian, a director of the Utah region of The National Auto Sport Association. “Being able to get all of our entrants out here is a huge step. At times during the winter it seemed insurmountable.”

The campus has an impact on racers and spectators alike.

“It brings diversity to Utah,” said Betty Kresser, a spectator at this weekend’s event. “It opens up the spectrum and I think it’s great. It would be awful to see it change.”

Business owner Derek Wolthoff, a financial supporter of the track, was also on the campus this weekend with his own cars to show his support for the track.

“To be out on track again — and why we love this place — all came to fruition today,” Wolthoff said. “This really is one of the greatest tracks on Earth.”

He hopes people will support the track even if they don’t race.

The season-opening event ended Sunday evening. Further races have been scheduled almost every weekend through October.