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ERIC'S LETTER TO THE NEWSPAPER
This is the original letter sent in before the editor chopped it. In response to Mr Whitcroft's letter "We need an outlet for that hi-powered testosterone" I couldn't agree more.We opened a speed shop, Harpers Performance Tuning; 3 years ago in Campbellton oriented towards performance tuning. To accomplish this we use a state of the art chassis dyno that reads all aspects of a vehicles performance allowing use to tune for maximum power and fuel economy. We have been overwhelmed with customers of all ages and backgrounds from as far away as Vancouver.What we hear day in and day out from our customers is that they all wish there was some place to try all this new found performance out without the consequences that the police seemingly think will solve the issue. Mr Whitcroft has stated that Vancouver Island is the largest populated area not served by a 1/4 mile drag strip. The obvious Financial success that Port Alberni is reaping in once a year clearly shows that the need exists. We have a lot of younger customers with imports and domestics which shows this this phenomenon is not a passing fad reserved for the middle aged or the rich. This is rather a primitive need to compete that is not going away anytime soon. So we've decided to take a step towards helping shape Campbell River's future, We are talking about a multi motorsport complex; for example 1/4 mile drag racing, possible oval track ,motorcycle racing, and if my information is correct the C.R. Moto Cross Association is restricted by their present location to local events when they could attract national moto cross events.The possibilities are endless as to the types of events possible at such a motorsport park. We realize this is a big order for Campbell River let alone any other community. We want Campbell River to be the first resource based community on Vancouver Island to step outside of the box and seize an obvious opportunity based on consumer need and we believe this can be done without raising local taxes, but rather it will be built by means of a consortium of interested investors,some provincial business grants, and donations from local businesses and fund raising by our newly formed committee, the "Campbell River Drag Racing Association Group"."C.R. D.R.A.G." I believe that I.C.B.C. and the R.C.M.P ,as well as all other police departments will endorse this venture, and maybe even build a car !! The first order of business is to secure land for this project.
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As Mr. Whitcroft stated, the land at the airport would be perfect. With the recent 180 acre land swap, at the airport, with Timber West that the City has just completed for the purpose of commercial type ventures, it would seem that this is a perfect opportunity for the city to collect ongoing revenues in taxation but could also be a partner in the venture. We already have secured commitments for the necessary equipment required to build this track at no cost! Not only would the city of C.R. be helping save lives on the roads all over the Island, but would be showing leadership in a time of economic future uncertainty. Up to but not necessarily, 60 acres of the new land acquired from Timber West will be required for this Motorsport Park, where noise will not be a issue in future as our community grows. And being by an airport would be a huge asset for events to get people to and from the multiplex. Roads and all other infrastructure are already in place . At a time when jobs in our forest industry are in a downward spiral, the pulp mill is on the verge of disappearing and a new dock that cruise ships passengers don't want to stop at are not providing any new sources of revenue. We have to look at the biggest industries in the world, oil and entertainment.If we really want this community to be a leader in the future we need to start now. I am calling on the Mayor and all the aldermen/woman to work with us and help make this happen. I believe that C.R. is ready for leadership and this a perfect opportunity to show visionary leadership with the approaching civic elections. I also would like to invite any and all businesses with the drive to see our future thriving for years to come , to step up and help out with any resources you have to show support for this track. With enough events planned every year, the cruise ships would have another good reason to stop here! So much good can come from this including getting the street racers off the street,and onto a real drag strip such as we want to build, and as Mr Whitcroft had stressed in his letter. I would hope that the Mayor and the powers that be will come forth with their comments and endorsements of this hugh undertaking by local citizens trying to better our community and provide greater safety on our roads! Eric Harper C.R.D.R.A.G.S |