The Simon Tonekham Statesman

Well guys, I’m finally back after my week-long absence because I have to write exams. I’m finally glad that my college life has wrapped up for another semester and for the summer – but I might be called in sometime in the coming weeks because I have to take one course – it’s not going to be all summer long – only until July at least. Anyways, onward to my blog posting:

I stumbled upon a few articles about a popular sporting track in Calgary known as the “Race City speedway” which is slated to be closed next year in 2009. The operator had leased the land from the city almost 20 or 30 years ago and had promised a long-term lease until 2025. Management however, have decided to pull the plug and the lease won’t be renewed beyond 2010.

Race City Speedway was very popular for automotive racers and even tourists too. It was also the place where the Vans Warped Tour concert festival was held every summer, which by now many concert goers are concerning what will the future of the Warped Tour will bring for many Calgarians. Many are scrambling should there be a new venue to keep the “lifeblood” of punk rock going for Calgary. Kevin Lyman was not aware about the decision that management is planning to close down Race City. Many workers are quite sad about the management’s decision. They believe that the city should make out a fair deal to keep the place open.

Further up in Edmonton, many Edmontonians are demanding Kevin Lyman to “revive” the plan on having the Warped Tour being held in Edmonton. In contrast, a new Warped Tour stop has been added for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. That date is going to be held on August 5th, 2008. Many people are quite concerned about the uncertain economic future for the Warped Tour in Alberta, whatever you call it, you should voice your opinion.

Anyways, let’s move further out to the east and GO with GO’s new double decker buses. I’ve told you last month about GO transit’s new double decker buses. They are about to hit the road starting Monday, April 28th, 2008. However, they are will be used in the 407 West corridor between Oakville and York University. These buses cannot be operated on all routes due to the height restrictions in bridges.

It’ll be at least a year until I see this new double decker bus in this light of day, oh well. It’s worth the wait!

References:

The Calgary Sun, “Race City facing a move” – January 14th, 2008

CTV Calgary, “Race City looking for a new home” – January 14th, 2008

The Calgary Herald, “City to help relocate speedway” – January 15th, 2008

Calgary Sportscar Club, “Race City to close in 2010″

Race City Petition

http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=2056&offset=0

http://newsdurhamregion.com/news/breaking_news/article/96243

Picture of the Casualties performing at the 2006 Warped Tour in Calgary is courtesy of R4NT magazine.