TAMWORTH, NH – The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (NH DHR)  ruled in favor of Club Motorsports, Inc. (CMI), which is developing Valley Motorsports Park, a private driving and exhibition facility in Tamworth, NH.  

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (NH DHR) has determined the project will not have an effect on important cultural resources.  In a July 29 letter to CMI, NH DHR wrote, “Based on our conversations and site visits, on the project information, archaeological surveys, implementation of the proposed use restrictions and easements, and other supplemental materials provided for the DHR’s review… it has been determined that the undertaking, as proposed, will not have an effect on the identified cultural resources.”

In receiving a NH DHR determination of  “No Historical Properties Affected” Club Motorsports fulfills both the responsibilities for Section 106 of the state historical preservation review and concluded a critical open item that was required for the federal wetlands permit.  In granting the findings of “No Historical Properties Affected,” NH DHR certifies that Valley Motorsports Park will comply with applicable provisions of both state and federal requirements.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) granted Club Motorsports a permit to proceed with work on Valley Motorsports Park.  The ACOE permit, the last of three major state and federal environmental permits, was issued to the project following more than 18 months of rigorous review under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. 

The NH DES has already issued two major permits for the motorsports country club project; the “Wetlands and Non-Site Specific Permit” (also known as the Dredge and Fill Permit) in July 2004 and the “Site Specific Permit” (also known as the Alteration of Terrain Permit) in September 2004.   In a related April 12, 2005 ruling, the NH DES Wetlands Council voted 8-0 to deny the appeal of the Wetlands Permit, which was filed by FOCUS: Tamworth.   

Through wetland delineations agreed upon by NH DES, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Tamworth Conservation Commission, Valley Motorsports Park will impact less than three-quarters of an acre of wetlands.  In granting the Wetlands Permit in July 2004, NH DES wrote, “…that the project will not significantly impair the existing wetlands, surface waters, and groundwater resources.”  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently reviewing CMI’s application for a federal wetlands permit and a ruling on the application is expected soon.

A first-of-its-kind concept for New England, the Valley Motorsports Park development is located in wooded land on the north face of Mount Whittier off Route 25 in Tamworth, approximately two miles west of the intersection of Routes 25 and 16.  Described as a “ribbon through the woods,” the road course would be available for use by its members, much like a golf course country club. 

The $28 million development includes a more than three-mile, 18-turn, European-style road course for drivers and motorcyclists to develop and practice their driving skills and attend performance and safety driving schools.  In addition, Valley Motorsports Park will feature a vehicle dynamics area for driver development, short and long-term garage buildings, locker room and shower facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities, and a professional driving school.  The Clubhouse will feature spectacular views of the White Mountains, function rooms, a pool, tennis courts, an automobile museum, additional locker – rooms, a closed circuit media center, and an elegant restaurant.