HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Without a track to use or a lease to utilize the Guam International Raceway in Yigo, the Guam Racing Federation announced that Smokin’ Wheels, the event that has attracted thousands of motor sports competitors and car enthusiasts from around the world over the last 40 years, has been canceled this year.
GRF, the nonprofit that was operating and constructing the raceway, was evicted last year by the Chamorro Land Trust Commission, which owns the property. The decision stemmed from concerns with the organization’s actions, including issues with clearing and grading activities.
The organization occupied the property for some time after the eviction but left by December 2023.
The CLTC is currently attempting to solicit the commercial use of the property, while GRF board members had been wanting to see if they could continue to use the raceway somehow.
“Michael Limtiaco, a new member of the GRF, said the remedy is simple: (forgo) a commercial lease and enter into a licensing agreement, similar to the Guam Football Association and Hal’s Angels Field; an option the federation will be proposing to CLTC members at this week’s commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18,” a press release from GRF stated.
The release went on to talk about the importance of Smokin’ Wheels for Guam.
“Smokin’ Wheels has been a tradition for international racers and local families for the past four decades. This is the perfect event for our island as we continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic and Typhoon Mawar. With our hospitality industry seeing less than stellar numbers of visitors, this is the type of event that can kick-start tourism and create excitement in Guam again,” Limtiaco stated in the release.
Fellow board member Joey Crisostomo stated that Smokin’ Wheels went beyond just motor sports and that the raceway also serves as “hallowed grounds” for many on Guam.
Meanwhile, board member Tina Conquer discussed safety issues stemming from not having access to a raceway park.
“Drag racing is a sport, and there are hundreds of drag racers on Guam. Without a facility at which to compete, many of these racers will take to the streets, and some already have,” Conquer stated in the release.
GRF invites all past Smokin’ Wheels participants and supporters to attend and offer testimony at Thursday’s CLTC meeting, the release added.
Three vehicles converge in the 40th APL Smokin’ Wheels Off-road Enduro race Sunday, April 23, 2023, at the former Guam International Raceway in Yigo.
