In the late 1990s, worry about its race tracks led New England Region Sports Car Club of America to form NER Investments LLC to build a new track. In 2004, the Palmer Motorsports Park (PMP) saga commenced with a P&S for 500+ acres in Palmer.
With P&S in hand, NER drafted a site plan and in late 2007, after reviews and public hearings, the Palmer Planning Board issued NER a special-use permit. A pro racer/developer drafted a new plan (shown here), car suites, hotel, and a Barkow-Leibinger building (Image1, Image2, summary), which was approved in early 2009.
But the 2008 recession halted work and by 2011 the $5K monthly nut and $250K deficit led NER’s directors to lose hope. Then a useful idiot appeared and by 2013, with funds, land & chutzpah, site work commenced (Groundbreaking Memo). On May 8 2015, Whiskey Hill Raceway finally opened: a 2+ mile racing circuit with vistas into Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont. Road & Track magazine named PMP one of the top 10 race tracks to drive in North America.
Like all sagas, PMP has its heroes. First, NER's Dick Patullo, Rob Laverty & Bruce Allen, who: lead the project, plotted a flowing 2+ mile circuit, and Excel'd a rosy biz plan; SCCA and Palmer folks – Kathy Barnes, Bob Ring, Don Duffy; Tim Pappas for eco-centric plans; Glenn Conser & Bill Kephart for Rocky Mountain High Plains euphoria. Kudos to Hampden Bank's Don Anderson for loans; J. Read Corp's Greg Read & Dan Moeller for site work; NER's Kenny Payson, HMS’ Joe Marko & TMS’ Will Turner for $.02 advice; J. Fryer Esq for Uriah Heep advice; and lastly, Mr Magoo mensch & short-order cook "Fast Fred."
History continues to be made by: Christopher Tier, Al Sandy, JC, Kaleigh, Kevin, Matt, Mark, Nick, Jack, Marlene, Stan & staff who blow the marbles, wack the weeds, wave the flags, pump the gas, post pics, mop floors, guard the gates & keep the lights on; and by our driving instructors, sponsors, members & fans.