Ohio Motorsports Park announces groundbreaking next week for Lorain Ohio KartPlex

Ohio Motorsports Park Real Estate Holdings LLC announced groundbreaking for the Motorsports Entertainment Complex in Lorain, which is expected to take place the week of June 24.

The grand opening of the Lorain Ohio KartPlex, which is billed as a state-of-the-art motorsports entertainment complex, has been long anticipated as it was planned for last year, but there were issues that needed to be resolved with the contracts. agreements, city officials said.

“This development promises to be a major addition to the Lorain community and economy, creating a vibrant venue for local residents and visitors,” said Kris McCrone, president and owner of McCrone Motorsports. “It took some time to overcome some development challenges, but we are excited to green flag construction of this complex because we believe it can be a huge catalyst for the city of Lorain.”

Ohio Motorsports Park is still in the process of acquiring XELL Real Estate Holdings LLC and XELL LLC, according to a press release.

Motorsports park organizers have signed a site access agreement to begin construction on the project, which is expected to be built on 300 acres on the city’s east side near Cromwell Park.

Lorain City and Lorain County commissioners agreed to a grant in 2023 to give the company $4 million, splitting the cost in half for each entity, to help build the motorsports entertainment complex .

The initial cost of the first phase of the project was estimated at $9 million, officials said.

The project also received significant support from US Steel, the release said.

The Lorain Ohio KartPlex will ultimately include a 0.82 mile international competition track, a 0.43 mile track for rental racing karts, a 0.35 mile indoor kart track for electric racing karts, an eSports arena focused on motorsport simulators, a Cleveland Restaurant Group restaurant and brewery, a corporate training and events center, a radio-controlled track, on-site storage facilities, a retail store motor sports and a members’ lounge and fitness center, the release said.

“We are happy to see this project come to fruition,” said Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley. “It will be an exciting addition to tourism in our city and a destination for families and racing enthusiasts.”

“Thank you to everyone who made this project a reality for our community. »

City and county lawmakers expect the complex, once operational, to create an economic boost throughout the region.

“This project will create a year-round recreational facility that will generate revenue through taxes from currently unused property, providing employment opportunities and a unique experience for all Lorain County residents,” Jeffrey said Riddell, chairman of the Lorain County Commission.

Additionally, officials believe that once the complex is completed, it will help the area environmentally because a deep-rooted invasive tree species that has grown on the vacant lots contains sharp roots that could pierce the lid existing from a former landfill located under the property. .

Previously, the landfill was considered an industrial wasteland.

If the landfill cap is breached, it could lead to contamination of the nearby Black River, which flows into Lake Erie.

However, if it is covered by race track construction, there is less chance the cap will be breached, officials said.

For more information regarding the project, contact [email protected].