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Model race car fan plans Seminole track
By MAUREEN BYRNE AHERN SEMINOLE -- Model race car fans and city officials alike will be thrilled if a deal goes through on the former Kash n' Karry property on Park Boulevard. A local resident wants to turn the property into a place where people can race remote control cars and trucks on 10 tracks, browse through a hobby shop that sells model planes, trains and automobiles and eat a pizza while watching folks have fun. "I've always been a massive NASCAR fan," said Mick McFadyen, 38, of St. Petersburg. "I've always loved the thrill of racing." McFadyen is hoping plenty of others who share his passion would visit Lugnut Racing Hobby and RC Park, which he plans to open on April 5. Mary Jo Castro, one of the property owners, said a lease with McFadyen is in the works. "It seems like time has come for that property," she said. McFadyen talks with enthusiasm about his project. Inside there would be a restaurant with a checkerboard floor, three carpeted tracks for electric remote control cars and two slot tracks. There also would be a large hobby shop with a long counter where customers can work on their models, seek advice on the latest technology or buy used or new merchandise. Outside the building, patrons would race miniature monster trucks in a large dirt area and fuel-powered cars on a drag strip and two paved courses. Spectators would sit on picnic benches under shade trees. McFadyen's enterprise sounds enticing for a city that's been waiting years for something to land there. The building has been vacant since Kash n' Karry closed the store in 1990. The 30,000-square-foot building, which is in the heart of the city's business district, has been a target for vandals, a canvas for graffiti artists and a haven for the homeless. With its boarded-up doors and weather-beaten paint, it has been a problem for residents and city officials. Dew Cadillac, a dealership in downtown St. Petersburg for decades, had plans to move to the 6-acre site, but instead opted for a spot on Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas Park. Willie Herbert, Seminole's building official, made it a priority to do something about the rundown property. In December, he met with Castro's father, property co-owner John Greco of Tampa, to press the issue. Herbert, who was hired by the city last year, told Greco the property couldn't continue to just sit there and be an eyesore. "It was a very good meeting," Herbert said. About that same time, McFadyen was looking for a place to house his business. He said he and Greco came to an agreement. He said he plans to lease the property for five years and then buy it. McFadyen said the project is more than a business venture. He said he wants to provide a place for families to have fun together, something he said he never had as a child. A graduate of St. Petersburg High School, McFadyen worked as a cabinet maker until 1998, when he injured his back on the job. He said he smoked marijuana to help relieve his pain and to help him sleep. In 1999, McFadyen was arrested for possession and manufacture of marijuana. He pleaded no contest and adjudication was withheld. "I've made mistakes," he said. McFadyen started a company called Lugnut Racing about a year ago. At various events, he would charge people to race his remote control cars on his portable track. McFadyen said he realized there was a market for a place with permanent tracks. After a deal fell apart in St. Petersburg last fall, he contacted the Grecos. The remote control hobby can be expensive, McFadyen said, because it can cost hundreds of dollars for the model cars. "Some of these cars just out of the box do 60 mph," he said. Rental rates would range from $3.75 per half hour for an electric car and $9.75 per hour for a fuel-powered automobile. Those who have their own equipment would pay $1.50 per hour or $5 per day, McFadyen said. Jim Hill, owner of Hobby Mart in Pinellas Park, said there are enough hobby shops in the county. But he likes the idea of providing a venue for people to operate their remote control cars and trucks. "That's a good concept," he said.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
