local
Winnerman: Let’s properly work together
By Lorrie B. Winnerman at Aspen Times
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
I am writing this as the wife of the man who was the first member at the Raceway in the early 1990’s, when a man with a big dream named Arden Weatherford bought the Woody Creek Raceway from several doctors in town who, after racing through Aspen on city streets, actually built the track in the 19...
Key takeaway That track ran every summer season for over 30 years and I do not recall one complaint to the county commissioners about the noise or the traffic.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The renewed discussion around the Woody Creek Raceway's future use brings to the forefront the delicate balance between private land ownership and community needs in Pitkin County. With the new owners extending invitations to first responders and local schools to utilize the track for training, it's clear that the facility can continue to serve as a valuable resource for enhancing public safety and driver education in the valley. The suggestion that a portion of the 40+ acres could be allocated for employee housing units is particularly noteworthy, given the county's ongoing struggles with providing affordable housing for workers. This potential solution could help alleviate some of the pressure on the local housing market, and it will be interesting to see how the county commissioners and new owners navigate this opportunity in the coming months. The fact that the proposal currently on the table includes only a limited number of housing units may indicate that there is still room for negotiation and creative problem-solving.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I am writing this as the wife of the man who was the first member at the Raceway in the early 1990’s, when a man with a big dream named Arden Weatherford bought the Woody Creek Raceway from several doctors in town who, after racing through Aspen on city streets, actually built the track in the 19...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lorrie B. Winnerman at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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