by VERONICA GORDON
Owners of Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle announced in a press release and on their Facebook page last week that they have ended their lease at the track.
Thunderhill Raceway officially opened in April 1998. Mary Ann Naumann has been the owner/operator of MAN Racing Promotions, LLC at the track, since 1997.
In 2011 Thunderhill Raceway became a NASCAR-sanctioned track. It hosts stock car racing events from March to October each year.
Effective immediately, the property will be leased entirely by Armadillo Promotions, which is owned by Tim Self.
“The terms of the proposed lease were just too demanding to even possibly consider,” Naumann said, in a statement.
“It was such a tough decision to make, and I’m moving forward with a heavy heart,” Naumann said. “Thunderhill Raceway has been an important part of my life ever since it opened 14 years ago. I dearly love my racing family, and I know it will be very difficult for me to no longer be a part of stock car racing at Thunderhill Raceway.
Dawn Marckwardt-Harville of Converse was among many who posted a comment on the track’s Facebook page.
“It makes me sick to my stomach to hear that you are closing down, my dad and I spent many, many Saturday nights bonding at the races in my teen years,” she said. “Racing was one way my dad found to bond with me during that emotional time of my life. I hate you for closing down, but thanks for the memories.”
The facility will be renamed the Kyle Music and Events Center.
