Racing to return to Charlotte County after finalized speedway negotiations

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Negotiations over the once historic racecar track have ended, giving way to new ownership of the Three Palms Speedway.

Janet Gentry said back in July that restoring the speedway would take time, hard work and more than $200,000. But after ending talks with the Charlotte County Airport Authority, on Thursday, she got the green light.

“I know that there’s a lot of work involved but I know what the potential is and I know that back in the day it brought a lot of enjoyment for the drivers, for fans, for the community and that’s where we’re headed,” she said.

The racetrack is in bad shape: old flags are tattered, weeds have sprouted in cracks in the concrete, and the scoreboard has been abandoned since previous tenants were evicted back in September 2015.

Officials said then that the Three Palms Speedway had slipped through the hands of too many who had promised to revitalize the tracks. But on Thursday, racecar drivers joined volunteers enthusiastic about the speedway’s return to its glory days.

“It’s going to be a great place to race and I’m looking forward to it,” driver Jeffery Pacheo said.

Gentry is aiming to have an inaugural race in November and also hopes to attract concerts and other events to the venue.

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