Ritzville Council hears drag racing event presentation proposal, begins consideration

Moses Lake’s Oscar Garcia wants to bring drag racing to the City of Ritzville.

Garcia spoke at the April 17 Ritzville City Council meeting to gauge interest about potentially holding a drag racing event at the Ritzville Municipal Airport in the future, as well as answer any questions from the Council regarding the operation.

He said he would like to hold the event in the summer, possibly June, when the airport is minimal.

Garcia informed the Council he has held drag racing events in Royal City for the last 14 years.

He has also staged racing events in other Washington cities, one being in Spokane that he said drew about 1,500 people. He recently held an Ephrata event and has also hosted events in Oklahoma, California and Oregon.

Garcia said most of the drivers who race will use street vehicles, though some motorists will bring automobiles with more horsepower. The event will also have special guests and vendors who sell food.

He explained his events will bring anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 in revenue per day.

Many of the spectators who attend the races are from the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. Instead of using bleachers, Garcia said fans will bring their own chairs and tents to watch the races.

In the 14 years he has been coordinating events, Garcia said there has not been a crash, major incidents or property damage on site during the races.

Garcia runs the event along with his family, business partner and a crew of volunteers. He will also partner with local EMTs and firefighters.

He informed the City he can provide his own water, electricity and restrooms as they have their own equipment.

Garcia said he also holds car shows and will work with the communities where he stages the events. He informed the Council he also donates to local charities and scholarships.

For the proposed event in Ritzville, Garcia said he would hold it over two days with races on the airport runway.

In preparation for the event, Garcia will survey the airport and the surrounding area in order to find the best access points for fans.

Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick asked about alcohol consumption at the event, and Garcia stated fans are allowed to bring or consume alcohol.

On some occasions, a sponsor will acquire a permit to set up a beer garden with their own security.

When it comes to traffic management, Garcia, along with the volunteers, will approach people and ask them to come to the races through the entrance.

Garcia said he would present a formal proposal to the Council and include a draft of the insurance policy for the event.

During the Public Comment portion of the meeting, it was suggested the City contact the Royal City Chamber of Commerce to collect feedback about the previous racing events Garcia held in the city.

Mayor Gary Cook said the city will contact Royal City and the other municipalities regarding Garcia and his business.