A Chinese Company Just Bought One of America’s Best Racetracks

Back in May, we expressed concern that Miller Motorsports Park was seeing its last days.

Tooele County has made an agreement with Geely, China’s largest independent auto company.

There will be the initial $20 million spent for the actual purchase. One estimate suggests that the economic activity generated by Mitime’s proposal could generate one billion dollars for the region over the next 25 years.

Wilson has been working with Mitime to design and build five racetracks in China, and during conversations with Mitime mentioned that Miller Motorsports Park had gone up for sale. Now there are only six race tracks in the entire country of 1.6 billion, so the demand is there, but the knowledge of the business is not.

It seems that Mitime is very interested in turning this Tooele County racing facility into a must-visit destination for any motorsport fan. Additionally, a 3/8-mile oval track, rallycross course, and possibly a drag strip will be added within the facility during the next few years to increase the flexibility of Miller Motorsports Park.

Following the LHM Group of Companies’ decision in May to not renew their ground lease for Miller Motorsports Park at the end of the 2015 season, Tooele County commissioners sought new owners for the Utah racing and automotive testing facility, noting that the 511-acre campus was important to the community and provides good jobs. Many residents were excited about this new partnership, but others questioned the choice to sell to a Chinese company.

Geely came into the fold with an interesting twist, and largely thanks to Miller Motorsports Park’s original designer and general manager, Alan Wilson.

The company does not have racing experience, but they are hiring someone who does. That name should sound familiar.