Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams The US Air Motorsports Raceway, built 10 years ago in the town of Wescott, is scheduled to go on the auction block next week.
Contributed Photo This aerial image shows the twisting turns that allow racers to test their skills on more than a mile of asphalt track.
A motorsports complex that has made Shawano County a national attraction for go-kart races and similar events could soon be under new ownership.
The US Air Motorsports Raceway, built 10 years ago in the town of Wescott, is scheduled to go on the auction block next week.
The complex sold for $2 million in 2012 after a foreclosure.
Scott King, executive vice president of J.P. King Auction Co., said the owners have been trying to sell the 40-acre complex and decided to offer it to the highest bidder at an auction scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday.
The Alabama-based auction firm specializes in marketing sports entertainment properties.
King said he expects the racetrack to end up in the hands of another motorsports operator or enthusiast who will continue the go-kart races and other events held there.
“It’s a recognized track — a premier track, actually,” he said. “It’s going to be folks within that industry.”
The auction does not involve Shawano Speedway, a stock car racetrack located about 3 miles away.
US Air Motorsports Raceway, which features a 32-foot-wide asphalt track covering more than a mile of twists and turns, has become a favorite spot for competitive spectator events involving go-karts, motorcycles and other racing vehicles. Two weeks ago, a go-kart event drew more than 300 competitors from as far away as California and Florida.
Patti Peterson, tourism manager for the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, said the racetrack draws large crowds and generates business for hotels, restaurants and other merchants.
“It’s certainly an important attraction,” she said. “People do come from all over.”
The complex at W5901 County Road BE includes several buildings, concession stands, a miniature golf course, a picnic area and more.
Tom Hille, president of the Fox Valley Sports Car Club, said his Appleton-based group has been holding events there ever since the facility opened in 2004. Describing the track as well designed and maintained, Hille voiced confidence that the new owners would preserve it.
“We’re lucky we have that here,” he added.
The racetrack was built by the Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology Inc. That group later struggled financially and lost the property in foreclosure in 2012.
Shawano County land records identify the current owners as Green Mountain Finance Fund LLC, based in Norwalk, Connecticut.
King said the owners have not had any problems associated with the property, but they decided to sell it a few months ago. Some prospective bidders already have shown interest, he said, noting that the owners have waived any right to refuse the highest bid next week.
“I don’t know what it’s going to bring,” he said.
He added, “The high bidder will own it that day.”