An Airway Heights businessman plans to develop a large automotive-themed complex on a 13-acre site next to the Spokane County Raceway and near Northern Quest Resort & Casino, in Airway Heights.

George Lawrence, who owns Consumer Auto Liquidators, at 10828 W. Sunset Highway, says he purchased the property several years ago as part of the Spokane Raceway Park auction. 

“I want this to operate closely with the Spokane County racetrack,” he says. “Eventually, I want to open it to the public for racecar repairs, so drivers can drive off the course at the track and into our shop for repair service, or storage.”

Lawrence says so far his plans call for developing five buildings totaling about 40,000 square feet. Three of those buildings would be set aside for the condominium storage community GarageTown USA. Another structure is expected to house a combination of exotic car sales and repair, and the remaining building would be for automobile storage. 

Lawrence estimates the development will cost about $5 million to complete. 

 “So far, we’ve created the driveway and some infrastructure, and hope to get the building foundations in before the snow flies,” he says. “If all goes well, our goal is to open in the spring.” 

In addition to the buildings, Lawrence says he plans to create an RV park with 21 hookups.  

“The west side of Spokane has limited options for RV parks right now,” he says. 

Lawrence also plans to create a racing school at the site, setting aside 2.5 acres of land for a skid pad where people can practice other forms of racing, including auto-cross and drifting. 

“For the racing school, we’ll be partnering with a soon-to-be retired professional race car driver,” he says. “

He says he is considering allowing area police programs access to the various tracks so they can practice vehicle maneuvers, including motorcycle training.

Lawrence says he has left room for expansion including lots available for lease, and hopes to attract other automotive businesses soon.

“The racetrack has struggled in the past few years. I’d like to help bring back some interest and create a synergy between some of the racing and auto businesses here,” he says.