Preliminary Plans for Drag Strip Discussed

Race car drivers, drag-racing promoters and Oxnard city officials are discussing plans to build a drag strip in Oxnard.

Although plans are still in preliminary stages, organizer Alex Borla, an Oxnard-based race car parts manufacturer, said one possible location for the strip is near the Point Mugu Navy base.

Since that site is next to the environmentally fragile wetlands, Borla said in November he plans to form a task force that includes environmentalists.

“The largest hurdle we need to cross is the environmental hurdle,” Borla said. “We are prepared to give some of the funds that are generated from this project back to the wetlands. We are fully aware of the environmental sensitivity in this area.”

But some environmentalists are waiting to see the plans before they make a determination.

“I can’t imagine where they might consider doing it,” said Roma Armbrust, head of the Ormond Beach Task Force. “I think before I respond I would prefer to be asked to the table. This does not sound feasible to me as an environmentalist, but I am always willing to talk.”

In addition to racing, the track would have an educational center for students to learn about automotive technology. Also, it could serve as an area for swap meets, rodeo or July 4 celebrations, Borla said.

Oxnard Councilman Andres Herrera, who attended the meeting, said the project is worth looking into.

“We had a very good meeting,” Herrera said. “This would create an economic boon.”