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We recently ran across chatter in some gearhead groups about Grattan Raceway, a track in Michigan that’s up for sale. With all the lamenting about publicly accessible tracks either turning into private clubs or closing down and getting turned into luxury condos, we figured some rich enthusiast might want to buy and save this one.
Classic Recreations has filed for bankruptcy.
Located 25 miles northeast of Grand Rapids, the track comes with a two-mile paved road course with ten turns and a 3,200-foot straightaway. There’s plenty of variety in the track, including hairpin, hidden apex, descending/ascending radius, Monza bowl, downhill reverse camber, and ess turns.
It sure sounds like an interesting course, just the biggest problem is it’s out in the boonies. But that’s also probably why it hasn’t been bulldozed and luxury condos have been built on the land.
The track still includes a wide variety of racers, with everything from Motorcycles to go-karts and Tran AM racers using the facilities. There is a paved paddock, garages, grand stand, bathrooms, and everything else essential to run a motorsports complex.
Also included in the deal is a 1.25-mile Motocross course, so that’s an extra attraction.
The biggest snag is the cost. According to LoopNet, the asking price is $15,000,000. Yes, that’s six zeroes, so we’re talking millions. Obviously, that will disqualify most people, even if you and your friends go in on the investment.
Plus, you have to take into account operational expenses. Tracks aren’t exactly cheap to operate, and that’s a sad truth about why so many are folding these days. We’d love to see someone come in and save Grattan Raceway, as would a lot of other enthusiasts.
Currently, the property is listed as “Under Contract.” Let’s hope it’s not for a development of luxury condos, because that would be a shame.
Images via Grattan Raceway
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