Track backers, foes mull the impact of the basketball team’s possible move.

Last week’s sale of the Seattle Supersonics to an out-of-state concern isn’t likely have a huge impact on the proposed construction of the proposed Kitsap County NASCAR facility, according to those on both sides of the issue.

And while both cases are similar with respect to questions over public financing for a privately owned venture, there are enough differences that lawmakers considering the fate of the track may not be influenced by the fortunes of the NBA team.

“The legislature will look at the racetrack funding differently than any request from the Sonics,” said racetrack supporter Rick Flaherty. “Once they look at the proposal and grasp the situation, they will see the differences.

“This is not like a stadium proposal where everyone pays. The only people who pay for the track are the people who go to the race.”

The NASCAR proposal, currently under development by International Speedway Corp. is expected to be presented for legislative approval during the 2007 session. ISC Vice President Grant Lynch currently is visiting lawmakers across the state to plead ISC’s case.

There are differences between a racetrack bond issue as proposed by ISC, and a direct appeal for stadium funding such as past demands by the Sonics organization.

For some legislators, both fall under the “public funding” umbrella, which many legislators oppose in principle.

“If the Sonics and NASCAR ask for money this session, my feeling is that the Legislature will say no to both requests,” said Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo). “I believe the Sonics will move after their lease is up, so I don’t think they will get any funding.”

Despite differences in the funding specifics, Appleton doesn’t think the Legislature is likely to approve either a bond issue or a direct-financing proposal for a sports facility.

Not concerned

Local ISC representative Rich Johnson describes the track plan as a “grassroots” effort, with proponents garnering support and “not concerned with whatever the Sonics may do.”

But the two issues may collide in Olympia nonetheless.

“The ISC has to say they are not concerned,” said Trent England, a candidate for the 26th District House of Representatives seat now held by Derek Kilmer. “But I think the harder the Sonics push, the less chance the racetrack has of succeeding. There may be a backlash. A lot of legislatures will look at these things at the 30,000-foot level and not pay attention to the details.”

Those who have taken a position on the racetrack are using the Sonics situation to support their own positions.

Flaherty said the basketball team has become “irrelevant” due to its poor record on the court.

As racing is not a team sport, the winners and losers are not governed by hometown preferences, he said.

“There are a lot of bad vibes created by the Mariners and the Seahawks,” counters racetrack opponent Tom Donnelly. “I don’t think they are in the mood to fund anything associated with sports.”