Council rejects racetrack lease bids, directs staff to rebid with stronger requirements

Edinburg — The City Council voted to reject current bids for the lease and operation of the racetrack at the South Texas International Airport and authorized staff to revise the request for proposals.

Ray Chavez, representing Vandenberg Motorsports Park, urged the council to continue the partnership and described safety and facility investments, saying the operators had “invested heavily into the facility, including a new track timing system, LED lighting, specialized equipment, and most recently resurfacing the main track surface at a cost of over a4 million dollars.” Racer Paul Ibram added that he has participated at the track for more than 50 years and encouraged continued cooperation between operators and the city.

Assistant City Manager Tom Dana told council staff recommended rejecting the bids to add additional clauses to the RFP to address prior complaints and to reissue the solicitation. Dana also said the current operator is in compliance and would remain on a month-to-month basis while the city reworks the procurement.

Council voted to reject RFP 2026-011 and directed staff to rebid with the added requirements.

Why it matters: Reissuing the RFP gives the city an opportunity to set clearer operational and performance requirements for the racetrack while maintaining continuity of operations under the existing operator. Proponents said local events bring economic activity and offer avenues to reduce illegal street racing.

What happens next: Staff will revise the RFP to include the additional clauses discussed and re-advertise the solicitation. The current operator will continue under month-to-month terms until a new agreement is awarded.