Pinnacle Race Course Closes Doors For 2011 Season

HURON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - Michigan's only thoroughbred race track won't be reopening this year. The Pinnacle Race Course in Huron Township has surrendered its license for the season.

According to Rick Kalm, executive director of the state's Gaming Control Board, the track has been having financial problems.

"Basically its taxes, local and state, they have to  be paid up and current. And they have to show a budget that shows they are viable as a track in the future," Kalm said.

The track's owners are in a dispute with Huron Township officials about unpaid taxes. It has been open since 2008.

"They worked really hard all Spring to try and comply with the conditions, and I think for the good of the industry, they made a decision to just suspend trying to get open this year," Kalm said.

Part of the track's financial problems include paying other companies who provide simulcasts of races from other tracks.

"At least 90 days, no more than 90 days delinquent on out of state debts. In their case it would have been simulcast providers, chiefly providing signals from other tracks," Kalm said.

Pinnacle is also in a dispute with Huron Township officials over back property taxes. Kalm said the course will try to reopen next year.