Porsche announces intent to build a racetrack in Los Angeles

[KeithV]

At 12:20pm today at the Los Angeles Auto Show Press day, Porsche announced their intent to build a racetrack in Los Angeles.

Informationn provided by Jimmy McStig (the renowned Scottish racing driver)

More details to follow.

[auxxcay]

Cool. Hope they build it soon!

[mrondeau]

Porsche Performance Center Los Angeles Joins Silverstone, Leipzig, Beijing and Atlanta

The new West Coast location will be situated near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic arteries, the 405 and 110 Freeways, is just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and is basically in the heart of Southern California, Porsche's largest market in the United States. Groundbreaking is anticipated for summer 2012.

"Helping enthusiasts feel and connect with their vehicle's full potential through intelligent engineering has always been a part of the Porsche philosophy," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "Now, we are excited to turn dreams into reality for all driving enthusiasts by creating a safe, exhilarating environment for experiencing the pleasure of being in the driver's seat."

The centerpiece of the complex will be a world-class test track and handling course, including areas where special surfaces replicate rain, ice, and snow conditions. These training sections include the Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a low-friction surface will challenge even the most experienced drivers and help them improve their real-world skills. A special off-road area will combine 45-degree declines and ascents – ideal terrain for unleashing a Porsche Cayenne.

The Porsche Driving Experience isn't just for adults – special programs for kids will ensure that even young enthusiasts get an early start in the art of automobile appreciation. Facilities, including track access, dining and conference spaces, will also be open to car clubs, corporate clients, and other special groups.

In addition to vehicle-based activities, the Porsche Experience Center will also offer programs focused on maximizing personal fitness, wellness, and athletic performance through its Porsche Human Performance Center. This unique facility will feature a leading sports science laboratory and training programs, incorporating the latest techniques used in preparing Porsche race car drivers.

The Porsche Experience Center will not just be for those who drive the track. The facility is designed for the whole family, offering a Porsche Cafe and gift shop along with plenty of trackside viewing areas. Additional fine dining facilities will be available for business meetings and events.

[ZombiePorsche44]

here's a link to an artist rendering of the facility at the 405 & 110 freeways

http://gas2.org/2011/11/16/la-auto-show ... and-power/

looks fun

[Jad]

that just sounds too good to be true

[rshon]

Say "good-bye" to the Dominguez Hills Golf Course; no more night golfing and two-story driving range...

[pecivil]

unbelievable

how could they get away with building it there, when it took soooo long to get chuckwalla permitted way out in no man's land?
My family goes to alot of LA Galaxy games and that is very close to Home Depot Center where they play.
There are lots of residential areas pretty close, I cant imagine allowing the noise so close to houses. Perhaps the fwy kinda blocks it?

It would be awesome.

[Greg Phillips]

unbelievable

how could they get away with building it there, when it took soooo long to get chuckwalla permitted way out in no man's land?
My family goes to alot of LA Galaxy games and that is very close to Home Depot Center where they play.
There are lots of residential areas pretty close, I cant imagine allowing the noise so close to houses. Perhaps the fwy kinda blocks it?

It would be awesome.

I think the difference is that if you are a private guy building a RACE track for open exhaust race cars you will be treated differently than PORSCHE building a TEST track for street cars. The street cars should be no noisier than the freeways.

I don't expect we will be able to run any DE or TT events there soon

Greg

[martinreinhardt]

I don't expect we will be able to run any DE or TT events there soon

This is great news. But I think it will be reserved for Porsche Testing and their Porsche Experience Performance Driving program. I'd be surprised if they let other clubs use their test facility, at least at the beginning.

[pecivil]

They don't have any approvals yet. They still have to go thru 2 different review processes. They just bought the land. But the Mayor of Carson is pretty hot on the idea as you could imagine. Supposed to break ground in summer 2012 if no hold ups happen during planning and permitting. It will be very interesting to see how the planning commission looks at it. Plus since part of the property is old landfill, the EPA and State of Cali. also have a regulatory "look see" and approvals to give.

It has to pass thru the Carson planning commission, then the city council vote. So local malcontents can gum it up via attacking the environmental review in the planning process, or go directly to city council members to get no votes. Petitions could be raised to require a local approval vote.

This is a classic jobs vs quality of life planning question.I can see conditional approval limiting hours of "test track" operation, sound restrictions, etc. It will be so interesting to watch and see what happens. Man I hope it goes through.