The motor sports section here in indy is getting killed.
Simpson Industries (Impact) purchase 50 acres 2 years back and planned to build their manufacturing and testing facility here. They were also going to build some buildings to lease to others on that property. They cleared the land - and then stopped the expansion plans last spring/summer. The property is up for sale - and they moved across the street to a bigger building and placed the entire deal on hold.
Vance and Hines race shop and manufacturing is also here. Same deal only worse. 3 years back they purchased the property next door and build a huge manufacturing facility there to bring in-house all their street bike manufacturing to one place (some is contracted out too). 2 years back they finished the building shell - and never moved in. It's empty to this day - except for storage.
Almost every motorsports and support shops here have down-sized and reduced employees. Many of the buildings are now vacant. 2010 sponsors are down or non-commited right now. It's another industry relying on discretionary spending and will be one that recovers last.
If it wasn't for Lucas Oil teams, sponsorship and series support - it would be really ugly...
And on the bright side - Force Racing is doing well and expanding here in Indy with a huge manufacturing capability and moving their other operations here. Love those guys (and gals) !
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