East Bay Raceway Park to be sold in 2024

The famed East Bay Raceway Park enters purchase agreement with Mosaic Co

East Bay Raceway Park first opened in 1977. It started as a 1/4-mile, was transformed to a 1/2-mile and now sits as a 1/3-mile dirt oval.

The Tampa, Florida race track is led by Al Varnadore. He’s owned the track for the past 17 years.

Every year, racing fans from from across the country sit in their homes with racing fever for the duration of the winter. Come January-February, the season begins and Florida welcomes a migration of dirt racing fans.

In the end of January, EBRP hosts a week long UMP show. That’s followed by a week of crate late model racing. But, they aren’t done, in the first week of February, the track welcomes the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for 6 straight nights of racing. The following week, 360 sprint cars enter the complex for another full week of racing to conclude the Winternationals.

In the background of the race track, you’ll see a large hill. Over that hill, sits the refuse for one of the largest mining companies in the world.

Solid and liquid refuse sits over the hill on the east and west ends of the track. The plant itself sits on the south end of the race track.

Mosaic Co is a fortune 500 company based in the United States. In 2018, they moved their headquarters from Minnesota to Florida.

The company is a leading crop nutrition companies with a focus on potash and phosphate. They have offices and mineral plants all over the world. A large portion are based in Florida and Brazil.

In 2018 alone, the company generated 9.58 billion in revenue.

East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa Florida
East Bay Raceway Park – Tampa Florida

Mosaic Co signs agreement to purchase East Bay Raceway Park

The Tampa, Florida dirt track rests alongside a large Mosaic plant.

The Riverview, Florida plant bumps against the coastline in the Tampa Bay area. The plant produces fertilizer, sulfuric acid, electrical power, phosphoric acid and fluoridation ingredients. Finished products included: Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), MicroEssentials, Fluorosilicic Acid (FSA), feed ingredients (AFI–Monocal) and electrical power.

The bullring dirt track is essentially in the way. Now, the company has presented an offer to buy out the speedway when they need it. The track has agreed to the potential sale.

The dirt track has not been sold, yet. However, in 5 years, Mosaic will have the option to purchase the track. The grounds would likely be used to expand capabilities at the plant.

Mosaic is a mining company, there’s no reason to assume they’d suddenly transfer into the race track operations business. Thus, the track will likely be torn down.

Tanner English at East Bay Raceway Park 8966
Tanner English at East Bay Raceway Park 8966

EBRP addresses future sale

“This letter is being written to address all of the rumors, accusations and speculations that have been launched over social media in the past few months,” a statement from East Bay Raceway Park read.

“2VHL promotions, Inc./dba East Bay Raceway Park has signed an “Intent to Purchase Agreement” with Mosaic. This agreement means that Mosaic has the right to purchase our property outright in 5 years.”

“We still own East Bay Raceway Park and will continue to operate and race just as we have for the last 17 years until that date arrives in 5 years. Mosaic will not change or have anything to do with East Bay Raceway Park’s operations until this 5 year agreement has been exercised.”

“We will continue to do our best to give racers and fans a great venue to enjoy racing. Our 44th WinterNationals Schedule will be posted next week and we will continue with regular season schedules.”

“We want to thank each and every one that has come through the gates as a spectator, crew member or racer over the last 17 years. AS always, we will strive to produce quality racing entertainment for everyone over the next 5 years.”

“We will not address any of this on social media of any kind. We look forward to seeing you at the races!!!,” the track statement concluded.

More

Al Varnadore talks track prep at East Bay Raceway Park

Links

East Bay Raceway Park | Mosaic CoLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

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