KCIR under new ownership
Kansas City, MO - March 19, 2008
By: Jabez Territories PR
The future of area drag racing is shifting into a higher gear as new track owners take the wheel. Jabez Territories, LLC, has purchased Kansas City International Raceway (KCIR) in an effort to improve the venue’s appeal to the community. The offerings of the track will be expanded beyond its current focus as a racing venue to include such activities as car gatherings and other events where auto enthusiasts can display their cars and admire the competition. In addition, the firm has hired KCIR veteran Todd Bridges to assume the role of General Manager of the track.
Bridges has held a variety of positions in the racing world, most recently serving as VP & General Manager of Memphis Motor Sports Park. John Uhlmann, chairman of Jabez Territories and developer of Hillside Redevelopment Corporation’s nearby mixed-use development, said “We are excited about the future of KCIR with Todd at the helm. He is a strong manager and will serve as a great representative to our clients, business partners and neighbors.”
Uhlmann decided to purchase the track upon listening to the concerns of the Little Blue Valley Neighborhood Association. “We believe the raceway holds promise as a community resource and we are enthusiastic about its future as a partner for families in the Valley and throughout the region,” said Uhlmann.
Uhlmann added that in a move toward diversifying the offerings of the track, a playground and picnic area will be installed no later than the 2009 racing season and will be available for fans, neighbors and the public even when there is no scheduled event at the track. “It is our intention to do as much as possible, as soon as possible at KCIR,” said Uhlmann. “We’re proud to have a vested interest in this community and to be able to help make it a better place for our neighbors.”
Acknowledging the heightened sound level that exciting sporting events bring to the neighborhood, Jabez has ultimate plans to relocate the track. “We recognize that this area is being developed in such a way that is not compatible with the long-term viability of a dragstrip, so it is our plan to move it within five years and turn the land into a recreational facility,” said Uhlmann. Until the track moves, neighbors can enjoy upgrades that will transform KCIR into a place where families can gather and enjoy the facility.
For more information about Kansas City International Raceway, please visit www.kcir.net.
About Jabez Territories, LLC
Jabez Territories, LLC, is a consortium of companies located in Kansas City that provides construction and development related services to the benefit of its clients. Established in 2003, Jabez leverages its various capabilities in excavating and utilities, general contracting, trucking and rock aggregate manufacturing to add value to all client projects, from planning through final completion.
