I have raced in England Wales Scotland Ireland Germany and Belgium and with out doubt palmer race track is a real exciting track . This can only be a matter of time until local residents will reap the rewards of a thriving circuit . Good overall can't be thrown away and from what I saw at the track they really do try to comply with noise measures
Dave R - 5 years ago
Palmer is a well-run motorsports complex that is aware of local noise concerns and careful to abide by them. Its participants definitely support many sectors of the local economy.
Jon C. - 5 years ago
I know the economic impact is important to the two to three dozen people in the area who get to do some part-time work, at least half the year. No, it's not full-time, and it's not year-round, but the chance to work some, at least from spring to fall, is really important to a significant number of locals.
Chuck S - 5 years ago
I live locally. Before the track opened it was very rare to see Ferrari, MaClaren, Lamborgini, Aston, and Porsches in and around town. I'm hoping the sight of them might inspire some students to work harder and set higher goals so that one day they might be able to afford one if they wish to. I've read where they do veteran's events, benefit events for law enforcement, as well support local charities. So yes, I think it benefits the community in a large way.
Tom C - 5 years ago
The track is one of my favorites, I’ve been coming multiple times a year since it opened. I expect the motels and restaurants and gas stations in the neighborhood appreciate the business me and the other drivers bring to the area. I appreciate the concern over noise, and feel like the track is making efforts to reduce the noise as much as possible. During most events cars are tested, anyone that fails the test gets one chance to fix it; if they fail again they are sent home. There is definitely a happy medium that can be reached on sound.
Pat - 5 years ago
Great track for Centeral MA , I’ve only been once but spent money in town with gas, coffee, and going out to dinner afterwards. Fun Safe environment in a quiet town.
Dana Seero - 5 years ago
Palmer is my favorite track and I attend both car and motorcycle events there. I’ve purchased auto and motorcycle parts, groceries, accommodations, gas and oil, coffee and meals. $4-500 last season.
Rob.s - 5 years ago
As a resident of palmer and track driver I have even spent more money in town because of the track. Trips I would take elsewhere and spend in other towns is now spent right here in palmer
Rob S. - 5 years ago
I believe that the Palmer track is great boost to the local economy. Hundreds of people visit the track during the season, spending their money at the near by restaurants, stores, and gas stations, ect. I hope to continue to visit the track and local amenities.
Todd - 5 years ago
Every time I go to Palmer I stop to eat locally at a number of different places. I purchase gas at local gas stations, have shopped in some local stores in Ware, as well as sought out some of the surrounding apple orchards. So absolutely the track contributes to the community beyond what they officially do. I disagree with the comments about the track not caring about noise - from my experience they take great measures to make sure all cars meet regulations, and if not they shut them down immediately.
Anthony R - 5 years ago
The track brings over one hundred drivers in for events and all of which buy hotel rooms, food and lots of gas. All of which would have no other reason to visit this very pretty and comfortable town.
Palmer Motorsports Park has consistently held large events that bring people in from all over New England and other states. Not to mention they have hosted a Memorial Day event for the past two years that helps veterans and active duty soldiers experience the thrill of motorsports (over 200 guests attended these events). Think of the number of people that utilize gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc., and the answer is quite simple. Yes, they are a major help to what is an otherwise slow economy. God bless everyone at Palmer Motorsports Park.
Bam bam - 5 years ago
The four others and i that i come up with visit the local restaraunts everytime we go and also use the local gas station and the walmart. So far we have tried 3 restaraunts multiple times and usually always visit walmart atleast once per trip and fill up four 5 gallon gas tanks so yes the local economy def benefits from the track
Carmen - 5 years ago
I think it contributes. Every time I go, I start off with Breakfast at Dippin Donuts at the bottom of the hill, Lunch at Teresa's and On the way home we will stop at the place in the Train Station. Driving actually makes you quite hungry. Also, have to fuel up on the way in and out.
Dave Pascucci - 5 years ago
The track has to benefit local restaurants, motels, gas stations, etc. I usually patronize local gas stations and eateries when I'm at the track..
J b - 5 years ago
Times i spent money in the pamer area over 30 years before the track opening: 0
Times since opening: many
Tony guy - 5 years ago
Is there something else in Palmer that would motivate people to drive for hours to get there, fuel up, dine locally, spend for lodging and rendezvous for training and sport? If there is, I am not aware of it.
Adam - 5 years ago
I am a local guy in monson I believe this track is just the beginning to a big economical rise for the town..before the track personally for me there was no excitement in the town or anything to do as a hobby I plan to use this track to my full benefit being right in my back yard!
Frances - 5 years ago
I’m adding to my previous comment. I used to visit Sturbridge and the area in the 1990’s when I was in the antique and design business. The area looked healthy and vibrant. I was shocked when I drove through the area for the first time since then, this year, on my way to the track. Now the area looks like it’s really struggling, buildings in very bad shape, closed businesses. The antique business has died and is taking the local economies that relied on it with it. Motorsport is growing - if the area embraced Motorsports it could benefit the local economy that needs a new “anchor” industry, and one that fosters community as well, like Motorsports.
James B - 5 years ago
I can understand how local people who do not patronize the Whiskey Hill track facility can see it as not contributing to the betterment of the town.
But in reality it puts Palmer on the national map in a positive light.
In time you will see business trickle into the area as a result of this facility. It will not be an overnight explosion but a slow growth factor.
I’d like to see a few local hotels open up to capture the financial benefits from track patrons.
As it is now I personally make it a point to always purchase fuel in Palmer as well as patronize restaurants and when warranted purchase auto supplies.
The track is in Palmer - I encourage the local community to embrace it and the benefits it can bring.
Bill - 5 years ago
If not for the track I would have no reason to visit Palmer. I honestly have no idea what's there other than the track. When I visit, I spend money buying food, fuel, and sometimes I stay in nearby lodging. I can't imagine the track is very disruptive because they're pretty strict about measuring sound and kicking people who are too loud. Often the only exhaust systems that will work at Palmer are the quiet stock ones. Also, they don't run overly early or late due to, I believe, town ordinance. No, it's not silent and I'm sure you can hear some noise at some houses near the track if you listen hard enough, but that's living in a world with other people. You can't live in southern MA and expect to be far and away from civilization's comings and goings. That's what the area around the Canadian border is for. Try upstate NY or Maine.
In summary, the track goes through great pains to be a good neighbor and I spend thousands of dollars a year in a town I had never heard of until the track was built. That sounds like a benefit to me.
John Raudat - 5 years ago
I eat, shop, and stay in the community when I'm there. I love the beauty of the area and I hope that more amenities and things to do will be developed so I can stay longer.
I find the local people to be super friendly and helpful.
Jay - 5 years ago
I try and go to Palmer once a year since it's my favorite track within a few hundred miles. Everytime I go we support at least the local gas station and food vendors. It would be a shame to see anything happen to this wonderful track enjoyed by all types of enthusiasts, if anything I would love to see it continue to grow.
Neil Halin - 5 years ago
The track has been a good steward to the local area. They went out of their way to minimize impact during construction. They have tried to hire local companies for service. They bring in hundreds of people a week to the local economy buying food, fuel, parts, renting rooms, eating out, everything. The community should be supporting the track to allow this local economy to grow.
To those of you who claim the track is doing nothing about noise, well, you haven't ever been there. There is fairly strict enforcement of sound levels. I have seen multiple cars parked for failing sound check. Tracks like Watkins Glen have embraced the "track economy" and the whole town profits from this.
Emma S - 5 years ago
I live local to the track and I have to say it’s been great. It gives the small towns around it a lot of business. It has brought a lot of people together because we didn’t have anything like that near us besides Thompson in CT. They never are too loud, never cause traffic, and it’s a very well maintained area. I’ve been up there a few times for events and had a blast. Not everybody is going to enjoy something like this, but there also is no reason to complain about it :)
Ronald Savenor - 5 years ago
I think the racetrack it’s a wonderful place
They adhere to strict sound regulations for the local community
They also provide a real need for the motorsports enthusiast
This benefits the enthusiast as well as the local economy
Personally I admire the events in which they donate their time and facility for charitable events
The positive aspects clearly out way the negative
Stephen T - 5 years ago
The track is fantastic. It’s ambitous, well managed, and a great addition to the community. It provides an economic boost to the town and the residents. The opportunities that it, and future development provide should be enthusiastically supported. The track should be a component of smart development opportunities. I have been there many times and often stay overnight in the vicinity instead of driving home for the night. Having explored the area and meeting some residents it’s become apparent That there is a small vocal minority that resents the facility. Many of my conversations with locals have suggested that the folks who object would likely be against anything being introduced to the area. In fact, many in the community suggest that this vocal minority is responsible for the continued and deteriorating economic vitality of the area. My hope is the facility and future facilities for the region be encouraged and that they distribute resources for the people that they surround.
Frances - 5 years ago
But for the track I would not have a reason to visit Palmer and its businesses.
For decades I lived on a farm near a small town, which was the center of a large rural area much like Palmer. There was a Speedway right on the edge of town and one could hear the Friday night races from miles away (very flat area). Unmuffled cars. Everyone I knew (and they were not into cars) was sorry that it was destroyed for a Walmart and Lowe’s, and they’ve missed the sound of those races ever since. Walmart and the big box stores all ruined the historic town and it’s small businesses. Ironically, one of the ways the historic town is trying to revive itself is by having regular car meets, where the vintage cars and hot rods park all along the Main Street.
Bill Coolahan - 5 years ago
I visit this area multiple times per year now because of the park, and contribute to the local economy not only by helping fund the property taxes paid by the facility, but also by patronizing many local businesses. The park provides a safe environment for enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles.
Christian Sumner - 5 years ago
I got to this track several times a year. We always stop at local restaurants and gas stations. It may not be a huge help to the community, but we are spending our money in a town where we would otherwise not be in.
As for the noise, the track owners hire independent agencies to spot check for excessive noise at various points around the track. If someone's vehicle is too loud, they get black flagged and can't drive on the track until they have reduced their noise to acceptable levels. I've seen them out on the track 1st hand checking, and the track takes it seriously. It's not a please try next time. It's get it quiet enough to pass or don't drive here.
Stephanie - 5 years ago
The track brings people with disposable income to an area where they tend to “dispose” some of it. Food, lodging, entertainment all of this is ancillary to the people who come to the area. As has happened with places like Lime Rock Park, over time some of these people ended up buying homes in the community and starting businesses. Many of the people coming to Palmer had never had reason to travel to that area before. I understand and sympathize with people regarding noise issues, and can say that the groups and the track are very strict about muffling sound. Many of the vehicles that travel there are running street mufflers. They have erected sound barriers at higher elevations to try to dampen it. They run sound checks all the time. People who don’t comply are bounced from the event. I hope that there can be a mutual relationship with the area and the track that benefits both. It is a nice area, but seems to be struggling economically. It would be great to see opportunities open up for locals and for those who travel to the area. Between the track and the proposed water park, this area may have a boon time coming.
Dean F Hyman - 5 years ago
I visited your area for two nights last summer, so that I could use the track, and enjoyed supporting local businesses while I was there. I look forward to doing more of the same. What a beautiful facility, and surrounding area. I hope the local community supports its continued success as much as its success supports the community.
Dom F. - 5 years ago
The track is truly one of the best in America. It brings auto enthusiasts to the area that may not have had a reason to come to this great part of the state. Local businesses absolutely benefit from Palmer Motorsports. I have personally discovered new restaurants, farms, brewerys, and other small independent operators that keep small towns thriving. This track is professionally run always keeping safety a top priority. While it may not be as obvious, they do in fact monitor noise level with a digital meter and have a zero tolerance policy for mufflers that exceed their limits.
Tony - 5 years ago
Yes the track co tributes in a positive way to the local economy.
Brad - 5 years ago
The track is an abomination; a complete intrusion on the quality of life for anyone who lives within five miles of Whiskey Hill. The park ownership has done NOTHING to adhere to noise limits and its attitude is "We'll do what we want and to hell with everyone else."
Steve S - 5 years ago
As a visitor to the track, it provides a great service to the area. Area restraints, gas stations and stores and hotels have benefited from my attendance there!
I have raced in England Wales Scotland Ireland Germany and Belgium and with out doubt palmer race track is a real exciting track . This can only be a matter of time until local residents will reap the rewards of a thriving circuit . Good overall can't be thrown away and from what I saw at the track they really do try to comply with noise measures
Palmer is a well-run motorsports complex that is aware of local noise concerns and careful to abide by them. Its participants definitely support many sectors of the local economy.
I know the economic impact is important to the two to three dozen people in the area who get to do some part-time work, at least half the year. No, it's not full-time, and it's not year-round, but the chance to work some, at least from spring to fall, is really important to a significant number of locals.
I live locally. Before the track opened it was very rare to see Ferrari, MaClaren, Lamborgini, Aston, and Porsches in and around town. I'm hoping the sight of them might inspire some students to work harder and set higher goals so that one day they might be able to afford one if they wish to. I've read where they do veteran's events, benefit events for law enforcement, as well support local charities. So yes, I think it benefits the community in a large way.
The track is one of my favorites, I’ve been coming multiple times a year since it opened. I expect the motels and restaurants and gas stations in the neighborhood appreciate the business me and the other drivers bring to the area. I appreciate the concern over noise, and feel like the track is making efforts to reduce the noise as much as possible. During most events cars are tested, anyone that fails the test gets one chance to fix it; if they fail again they are sent home. There is definitely a happy medium that can be reached on sound.
Great track for Centeral MA , I’ve only been once but spent money in town with gas, coffee, and going out to dinner afterwards. Fun Safe environment in a quiet town.
Palmer is my favorite track and I attend both car and motorcycle events there. I’ve purchased auto and motorcycle parts, groceries, accommodations, gas and oil, coffee and meals. $4-500 last season.
As a resident of palmer and track driver I have even spent more money in town because of the track. Trips I would take elsewhere and spend in other towns is now spent right here in palmer
I believe that the Palmer track is great boost to the local economy. Hundreds of people visit the track during the season, spending their money at the near by restaurants, stores, and gas stations, ect. I hope to continue to visit the track and local amenities.
Every time I go to Palmer I stop to eat locally at a number of different places. I purchase gas at local gas stations, have shopped in some local stores in Ware, as well as sought out some of the surrounding apple orchards. So absolutely the track contributes to the community beyond what they officially do. I disagree with the comments about the track not caring about noise - from my experience they take great measures to make sure all cars meet regulations, and if not they shut them down immediately.
The track brings over one hundred drivers in for events and all of which buy hotel rooms, food and lots of gas. All of which would have no other reason to visit this very pretty and comfortable town.
Palmer Motorsports Park has consistently held large events that bring people in from all over New England and other states. Not to mention they have hosted a Memorial Day event for the past two years that helps veterans and active duty soldiers experience the thrill of motorsports (over 200 guests attended these events). Think of the number of people that utilize gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc., and the answer is quite simple. Yes, they are a major help to what is an otherwise slow economy. God bless everyone at Palmer Motorsports Park.
The four others and i that i come up with visit the local restaraunts everytime we go and also use the local gas station and the walmart. So far we have tried 3 restaraunts multiple times and usually always visit walmart atleast once per trip and fill up four 5 gallon gas tanks so yes the local economy def benefits from the track
I think it contributes. Every time I go, I start off with Breakfast at Dippin Donuts at the bottom of the hill, Lunch at Teresa's and On the way home we will stop at the place in the Train Station. Driving actually makes you quite hungry. Also, have to fuel up on the way in and out.
The track has to benefit local restaurants, motels, gas stations, etc. I usually patronize local gas stations and eateries when I'm at the track..
Times i spent money in the pamer area over 30 years before the track opening: 0
Times since opening: many
Is there something else in Palmer that would motivate people to drive for hours to get there, fuel up, dine locally, spend for lodging and rendezvous for training and sport? If there is, I am not aware of it.
I am a local guy in monson I believe this track is just the beginning to a big economical rise for the town..before the track personally for me there was no excitement in the town or anything to do as a hobby I plan to use this track to my full benefit being right in my back yard!
I’m adding to my previous comment. I used to visit Sturbridge and the area in the 1990’s when I was in the antique and design business. The area looked healthy and vibrant. I was shocked when I drove through the area for the first time since then, this year, on my way to the track. Now the area looks like it’s really struggling, buildings in very bad shape, closed businesses. The antique business has died and is taking the local economies that relied on it with it. Motorsport is growing - if the area embraced Motorsports it could benefit the local economy that needs a new “anchor” industry, and one that fosters community as well, like Motorsports.
I can understand how local people who do not patronize the Whiskey Hill track facility can see it as not contributing to the betterment of the town.
But in reality it puts Palmer on the national map in a positive light.
In time you will see business trickle into the area as a result of this facility. It will not be an overnight explosion but a slow growth factor.
I’d like to see a few local hotels open up to capture the financial benefits from track patrons.
As it is now I personally make it a point to always purchase fuel in Palmer as well as patronize restaurants and when warranted purchase auto supplies.
The track is in Palmer - I encourage the local community to embrace it and the benefits it can bring.
If not for the track I would have no reason to visit Palmer. I honestly have no idea what's there other than the track. When I visit, I spend money buying food, fuel, and sometimes I stay in nearby lodging. I can't imagine the track is very disruptive because they're pretty strict about measuring sound and kicking people who are too loud. Often the only exhaust systems that will work at Palmer are the quiet stock ones. Also, they don't run overly early or late due to, I believe, town ordinance. No, it's not silent and I'm sure you can hear some noise at some houses near the track if you listen hard enough, but that's living in a world with other people. You can't live in southern MA and expect to be far and away from civilization's comings and goings. That's what the area around the Canadian border is for. Try upstate NY or Maine.
In summary, the track goes through great pains to be a good neighbor and I spend thousands of dollars a year in a town I had never heard of until the track was built. That sounds like a benefit to me.
I eat, shop, and stay in the community when I'm there. I love the beauty of the area and I hope that more amenities and things to do will be developed so I can stay longer.
I find the local people to be super friendly and helpful.
I try and go to Palmer once a year since it's my favorite track within a few hundred miles. Everytime I go we support at least the local gas station and food vendors. It would be a shame to see anything happen to this wonderful track enjoyed by all types of enthusiasts, if anything I would love to see it continue to grow.
The track has been a good steward to the local area. They went out of their way to minimize impact during construction. They have tried to hire local companies for service. They bring in hundreds of people a week to the local economy buying food, fuel, parts, renting rooms, eating out, everything. The community should be supporting the track to allow this local economy to grow.
To those of you who claim the track is doing nothing about noise, well, you haven't ever been there. There is fairly strict enforcement of sound levels. I have seen multiple cars parked for failing sound check. Tracks like Watkins Glen have embraced the "track economy" and the whole town profits from this.
I live local to the track and I have to say it’s been great. It gives the small towns around it a lot of business. It has brought a lot of people together because we didn’t have anything like that near us besides Thompson in CT. They never are too loud, never cause traffic, and it’s a very well maintained area. I’ve been up there a few times for events and had a blast. Not everybody is going to enjoy something like this, but there also is no reason to complain about it :)
I think the racetrack it’s a wonderful place
They adhere to strict sound regulations for the local community
They also provide a real need for the motorsports enthusiast
This benefits the enthusiast as well as the local economy
Personally I admire the events in which they donate their time and facility for charitable events
The positive aspects clearly out way the negative
The track is fantastic. It’s ambitous, well managed, and a great addition to the community. It provides an economic boost to the town and the residents. The opportunities that it, and future development provide should be enthusiastically supported. The track should be a component of smart development opportunities. I have been there many times and often stay overnight in the vicinity instead of driving home for the night. Having explored the area and meeting some residents it’s become apparent That there is a small vocal minority that resents the facility. Many of my conversations with locals have suggested that the folks who object would likely be against anything being introduced to the area. In fact, many in the community suggest that this vocal minority is responsible for the continued and deteriorating economic vitality of the area. My hope is the facility and future facilities for the region be encouraged and that they distribute resources for the people that they surround.
But for the track I would not have a reason to visit Palmer and its businesses.
For decades I lived on a farm near a small town, which was the center of a large rural area much like Palmer. There was a Speedway right on the edge of town and one could hear the Friday night races from miles away (very flat area). Unmuffled cars. Everyone I knew (and they were not into cars) was sorry that it was destroyed for a Walmart and Lowe’s, and they’ve missed the sound of those races ever since. Walmart and the big box stores all ruined the historic town and it’s small businesses. Ironically, one of the ways the historic town is trying to revive itself is by having regular car meets, where the vintage cars and hot rods park all along the Main Street.
I visit this area multiple times per year now because of the park, and contribute to the local economy not only by helping fund the property taxes paid by the facility, but also by patronizing many local businesses. The park provides a safe environment for enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles.
I got to this track several times a year. We always stop at local restaurants and gas stations. It may not be a huge help to the community, but we are spending our money in a town where we would otherwise not be in.
As for the noise, the track owners hire independent agencies to spot check for excessive noise at various points around the track. If someone's vehicle is too loud, they get black flagged and can't drive on the track until they have reduced their noise to acceptable levels. I've seen them out on the track 1st hand checking, and the track takes it seriously. It's not a please try next time. It's get it quiet enough to pass or don't drive here.
The track brings people with disposable income to an area where they tend to “dispose” some of it. Food, lodging, entertainment all of this is ancillary to the people who come to the area. As has happened with places like Lime Rock Park, over time some of these people ended up buying homes in the community and starting businesses. Many of the people coming to Palmer had never had reason to travel to that area before. I understand and sympathize with people regarding noise issues, and can say that the groups and the track are very strict about muffling sound. Many of the vehicles that travel there are running street mufflers. They have erected sound barriers at higher elevations to try to dampen it. They run sound checks all the time. People who don’t comply are bounced from the event. I hope that there can be a mutual relationship with the area and the track that benefits both. It is a nice area, but seems to be struggling economically. It would be great to see opportunities open up for locals and for those who travel to the area. Between the track and the proposed water park, this area may have a boon time coming.
I visited your area for two nights last summer, so that I could use the track, and enjoyed supporting local businesses while I was there. I look forward to doing more of the same. What a beautiful facility, and surrounding area. I hope the local community supports its continued success as much as its success supports the community.
The track is truly one of the best in America. It brings auto enthusiasts to the area that may not have had a reason to come to this great part of the state. Local businesses absolutely benefit from Palmer Motorsports. I have personally discovered new restaurants, farms, brewerys, and other small independent operators that keep small towns thriving. This track is professionally run always keeping safety a top priority. While it may not be as obvious, they do in fact monitor noise level with a digital meter and have a zero tolerance policy for mufflers that exceed their limits.
Yes the track co tributes in a positive way to the local economy.
The track is an abomination; a complete intrusion on the quality of life for anyone who lives within five miles of Whiskey Hill. The park ownership has done NOTHING to adhere to noise limits and its attitude is "We'll do what we want and to hell with everyone else."
As a visitor to the track, it provides a great service to the area. Area restraints, gas stations and stores and hotels have benefited from my attendance there!