Bradenton Motorsports Park Owner Victor Alvarez Steps it up!
/A few weeks ago I had the privilege of sitting down with Victor Alvarez, the Owner of Bradenton Motorsports Park, to discuss his future plans for the facility.
As some of you know, Victor has been involved in the Florida drag racing scene for a long time. Growing up in a family that loved cars, it was a natural progression for Victor to continue down that path. His go-getter attitude and entrepreneurial spirit have led him to own a very successful performance shop, a dealership, and now one of Florida’s most recognized and historic tracks. Victor was also recently honored as one of Drag Illustrated’s 30 Under 30 recipients for 2019.
Before traveling to Bradenton to cover the 2019 Snowbirds event I noticed that Victor had started some upgrades at the track including paved pit areas and a new scale. What I didn’t realize is how big this young man’s plans are for the future. By the time that I arrived, paving was completed, the new scale was installed, a new Winners Circle area had been constructed, and there were plans for much more.
During our discussion, I asked Victor what his plans were moving forward. Without missing a beat he said that his plans were to have one of the best tracks in the country and these seemingly small improvements were just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, the day after Snowbirds wrapped up, groundbreaking was underway for an all-new Compulink Timing System. Bob Brockmeyer, the guru and go-to for timing systems, was going to be overseeing the project. This meant brand new fiber optics, sensors, and a tree were going to be installed. These upgrades will bring Bradenton up-to-date and will provide racers with more accurate data and fewer errors.
New fiber going in for the timing system
Victor also expressed an understanding that it is important for him to meet both racer and fan needs as well. He has a 4-5 year plan that includes extending the paved pit area opposite the tower side of the track. “It’s a huge undertaking, but one I feel we need to do” Victor stated. Along with the paving, there are plans to eventually add power poles for rigs to plug in to as well.
TVC Founder Kurt Johnson (left) and BMP Track Owner Victor Alvarez (right) at PRI with a new rotator.
It didn’t take long for Victor to one-up himself just a week later. As I was down the road covering another event, I received a text from Victor with a photo of him and Kurt Johnson at PRI. Victor pulled the trigger on a brand new rotator for track prep. “There are times that the heat drops in the track at night, and a rotator is a perfect tool for all our prep needs,” said Victor. Add to that the fact that he is bringing in none other than Jimmy Bradshaw, owner of Sticky Mafia, to prep for some of the larger events at BMP in 2020. Events like the U.S. Street Nationals require the ability to prep for big tire pro mods as well as the small tire, radial beasts.
Brand New Scale!!
Obviously, as a member of the media, I had to inquire about future improvements to aspects that impact the people covering Victor’s events. Victor has expressed a genuine appreciation for the photographers and videographers that come to his facility and understand that we may see the race in an entirely different light than the rest of the attendees. During larger events like the U.S. Street Nationals, there will be added portable lighting placed in between the existing light poles. Not only does this aid photographers but increases drivers’ sight and safety as well. There is also talk that the media will get some other added necessities in the tower. Victor has proved that he wants to work with media to ensure BMP and racers are highlighted in the best way possible.
Added paved pit parking
Less grass…move pavement for the racers
Victor certainly isn’t just sitting back and hoping for the best though. He is putting in the time and money towards a facility that he plans on building his life around for years to come. I walked away from our conversation with renewed happiness about the future of our sport. Track owners like Victor are what will keep our sport alive and thriving for decades to come.
E3xtreme’s first event of the 2020 season will in fact be the U.S. Street Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park on January 24th-26th, 2020. Stay tuned for coverage of the event, along with updates about what Victor has in store next.
Text via Courtney Paulshock & Damon Steinke
Photos via Damon Steinke & Victor Alvarez