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TOOELE - County Commissioners were met with thunderous applause in response to their intentions to sell Miller Motorsports Park and its surrounding land to a Chinese company. Current employees at the park, racers, and racing supporters voiced their support, MiTime racing has a vested interest in both the sport and the future of the park.
"It's going to help our red line, move up to the black line," one man said during a public comment period, referring to county tax revenues.
Alan Wilson, a track designer who ran the sports park for three years made a presentation on MiTime's behalf. The presentation promised more jobs, a car manufacturing plant, more tracks, and an immediate 6- to 8- million-dollar upgrade to the facilities.
Not everyone in the packed room was pleased, however. Developer Andrew Cartwright, who says he bid ten million dollars more on the property worries the company could be making empty promises, aimed at supporting their own growth back in China.
"We would have paid more money, provided four times the amount of jobs," Cartwright said. "And we're local. We wouldn't be bringing interns from China to take half the jobs that are over there to save money."
An attorney voiced concerns to the commission over selling government-managed land to a foreign entity. Several citizens also shared their disappointment with the intended sale.
"Personally, it's disgusting to me that you're selling out," Denise Graham said. "Not only to a foreign country, but to a communist country."
