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Fight to keep Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway open continues

Posted at 6:15 PM, Jun 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-21 00:11:17-04

A final decision on the future of the Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway could be made Tuesday.

The Winnebago County Board heard arguments for and against the racetrack at its meeting Tuesday after supporters gathered outside the county courthouse to protest its potential closing.

Their goal is to keep the Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway open for fans and drivers alike.

However, some County Board members argue the track is losing money. Some estimates say Winnebago County has lost out on nearly $2 million over the last 19 years because of shortcomings, according to certain board members.

The option on the table is for the county to make an agreement with Lifest, a Christian music festival, to build a permanent stage on the racetrack for the 90,000 people who attend the concert each year.

"Lifest runs an event here for four days and we don't have a problem with their event, but if they do what they say they're going to do and build a new stage and grandstand, the racetrack can't be there anymore," said Brian Hamill, attorney for the Oshkosh Speedzone. "So what's happening in Winnebago County is people could lose a unique piece of property that has 20 races a year."

A decision is expected Tuesday night.