Future of Motoplex Speedway remains unknown

VERNON – A court ruling that saw a developer’s appeal for more damages rejected is good news for the Motoplex Speedway, but operators aren’t starting their engines just yet.

Yesterday, the B.C. Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from the development corporation behind Lawrence Heights, a seniors housing complex situated near the speedway. The developer argued noise from the track negatively affected the sale and development of its remaining lots, resulting in a significant financial loss.

Motoplex Speedway general manager Bob Newcombe says the decision was good news, but wouldn’t comment on when, or if, racing would return to the facility.

There hasn’t been an event held at the track since June 2015 and the website shows no upcoming events.

“We still have a little work to do,” Newcombe says. “I really can’t comment yet.”

He admits his phone has been ringing off the hook since the appeal decision came out.

A Facebook page called Save the Motoplex Speedway has more than 3,000 members.

An original injunction ordered by Supreme Court Justice Peter Rogers remains upheld, and means the track must limit noise levels to no more than 80 decibels over a five minute period.

Newcombe expects to have more information to release in the coming weeks.

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