Yes folks, that's right the highly successful Motorsports Ranch - DFW ( http://www.motorsportranch.com/ ) facility based out of Cresson, TX (near Fort Worth) is expanding its operations to the Houston area.

Visit the Motorsports Ranch - HOUSTON website at ( http://www.msrhouston.com ) and be sure to visit the Contact Us page to sign up and share your thoughts and comments!

While primarily designed as a exclusive country club for sportscar enthusiasts, there will be feature events held at the facilities for car clubs and special interest groups. I spoke to one of the organizers about this and when details are avalible they will be posted on the website about group meetings and other club driving events. (club organizers or presidents feel free to email me for more info)

Quick Info:
Where: 45 Mins WEST of 610 Loop
When: Target Date: Fall 2004
Why: Because people love sportscars!

 

Doesn't the word ranch conjure up the image of a truck?

 

The original MSR in Cresson is a great track. I imagine a location outside of Houston would do great as well; steal some thunder from TWS.

Lat I heard Jack planned to build a second track at the Cresson location. I wonder if going to Houston as well changes those plans?

 

well technically Jack isn't building this track. Essentially it is a franchise type of setup. There are also plans (rumor) to franchise another one in Atlanta.

 

I'd like to see some preliminary track layouts, and I would hope they incorporate some elevation into it - but that can get expensive very quickly. Any word on the length?

If I was building a track, I would probably go out to the Austin/San Antonio area - the geography would provide for a more exciting and unique layout.

 

per the website there will be 2 seperate 1 mile courses that can be joined to make a full 2 mile track..

 

That should be good for yall Houston guys. I know the set up in Cresson is pretty cool.

 

check out the updated website and sign the guestbook...

http://www.msrhouston.com/

 

Signed

 

signed

 

Especially considering those involved with this track, I'll believe it when I take the green flag for the first session....

Food for thought: how many tracks have been "in the works" for Texas? How many of them have been built? Granted, the MSR vision is proven, but what are the chances that two of these can survive in a relatively small market? I know there are a lot of people in Texas, but if autocross and racing is any indication, there aren't many fans of either here.

Sometimes you have to be a little cynical...

 

note: In houston you can autocross 2-3 weekends a month and nearly all of those events sell out.

 

Not to mention, whenever i'm down in houston. Everywhere i turn there are several highend sportscars cruising about. (Given it's a sunny day and the roads aren't underwater)

 

lol.. are you making fun of our waterways.. i mean roadways.. yeah.. I think Housotn offers a interesting sportscar dynamic..

you guys have hundreds if not a thousand miles of great roads to drive up there in Austin.. down here.. we are stuck with the smiles induced by the local onramps or hiways cloverleafs and of course the occasional break in traffic.

 

How long will it take the SCCA to poo-poo the idea of racing there, should a pool be started?
With all of the junk that has gone on up here with a great place to race so its only a matter of time.

 

Ahh, gotta love Austin! ******' hippies.
And what the **** is this? Are you English or retarded? Do you even have a clue what goes on with anything other than your large intestine activity since it seems your head is up your ***? SCCA can't race at MSR. Have you ever been there? There are opposing straights with no barrier in between them.

If you had a clue, you'd know the SCCA wants to race at MSR so we have more than two tracks to race on, but MSR doesn't give a **** about SCCA (rightfully so, who wants another pain in their *** when they fill their schedule as it is?). We're readily looking forward to any, and I mean any track in Texas we can race on. Unfortunately, nobody really needs us since, as MSR has proved, a track doesn't need SCCA to survive, and will have one less headache without us.

 

Signed

 

The 2nd track at MSR-Cresson has already been started. Last year, progress could be seen, and the general layout of the track was done. Then things stopped... The rough dirt track is still there, but no concrete has been poured.
Maybe they'll make it into a rally course.

I understand why SCCA won't race at MSR, but I've never seen a car even go halfway across the 'median' between the two straights, much less all the way...
Like you said though, MSR doesn't need SCCA to stay afloat.

 

AS someone who has worked at MSR-Cresson for the last 4 years, i know for a fact that Jack Farr has enough on his plate. i kinda like his attitude concerning the SCCA- he'd rather cater to the guys who really want to enjoy the cars they have, and not have to fit into any certain class that the scca wants to try to inflict on you.

between the 2 straights is a nice litte berm that tried to flip your car if you start to cross (seen one of our Formula Atlantic car catch about 3 feet of air going backwards across it). my philosophy is don't try to cross them and you'll be OK

the other track out there was put on hold because there was more people needing garage space than another track. it takes a few monthes for the type of asphault he uses to cure, and no time at all is needed for someone to move into a garage. so instant income for the investment won out over the new track.

 

I recieved this email today from MSR Houston, sounds like it is going to happen.

April 21, 2005,

It is a done deal. We have finally closed on the land that will be the long awaited MotorSport Ranch, for the Houston and the South Texas Region. The property is 381 acres located on County Road 48, just east of Hwy 288, 35 miles south of downtown Houston.

Our current track design features over two and quarter miles of track. It is easily divided into a short and long track . Two pit road areas and the ability to run the tracks in both directions makes for a very versatile environment in which to have fun. We have a rendering on the website (www.msrhouston.com).

We will start moving dirt within days and if everything goes well, members will be on a road-course in early fall.

As we have always said, we will put down track and storage for our members and grow from there. We are in the process of finalizing a clubhouse design and we will keep you in the loop and be anxious to hear your comments.

We are updating our entire website to reflect the fact that we are no longer merely a great idea but now, truly, THE REAL DEAL!!! To that end we want all the people who have followed our struggles to get behind us and help make this a success. If you want to belong to the coolest motor sport happening to ever hit South Texas now is the time to join. We are now taking membership applications.

We have spoken with many people who have expressed an interest in relocated or opening a new business at the Ranch. Now is the time to contact us and get in on the planning stages.

Thanks for the continued support,

The Staff and Owners of the Motorsport Ranch of Houston, Texas

 

The Real Deal because they bought land? Haha. Gunterring must be the real deal, then. As well as 4 tracks around Austin.

I hope they prove me wrong, though. Given who was/is on their list as head-honchos I'm not too hopeful.

 

Wouldn't 35 miles south of downtown be in the Gulf?

 

No. Not hardly.

 

it will be located down 288, SW of Houston.

 

UPDATE:

Reports are that the track should be finished next month