Request for proposals (RFP) lease of city of edinburg property and operation of its dragstrip (RACETRACK) at south texas international airport at edinburg

The City of Edinburg is requesting proposals for the lease and operation of a 147-acre dragstrip (racetrack) at South Texas International Airport, with proposals due July 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Proposers must be active members in good standing with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), or other recognized drag racing sanctioning body — a mandatory eligibility requirement.

The scope includes maintenance and daily operation of the quarter-mile asphalt track, control tower, spectator bleachers, ticket booths, and concession stand. The operator must develop and execute dragstrip operation and maintenance plans; coordinate emergency medical services; provide security personnel (including off-duty Edinburg Police Department officers); develop crowd control and traffic management plans; obtain health department permits; and comply with all FAA, airport, and building-code regulations. The operator bears all operational costs including labor, management, equipment, materials, insurance, and facility maintenance.

Compensation consists of a base monthly lease payment plus a minimum revenue share of 5% of total gross revenue, due on the first of each month. The draft operator agreement specifies an initial one-year term with renewal contingent on the City's written approval; the City may unilaterally increase lease rates for renewal periods if mutual agreement cannot be reached.

Required insurance includes General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Property Insurance, Dragstrip Operator's Insurance per sanctioning body standards, and Participant Accident Insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment and $150,000 Blanket Accident Medical Expense. Proposals must not exceed 45 pages and must include a comprehensive operation and maintenance plan, qualifications and experience documentation, financial plan demonstrating operational capability, and a relocation plan with timeline and financial projections for moving the dragstrip off airport property.

Evaluation weights operation and maintenance plans (20 points), qualifications and experience (20 points), guaranteed revenue return (20 points), financial ability (20 points), relocation plan (10 points), and insurance procurement capability (10 points). Questions are due July 22, 2026. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, conduct interviews with qualified respondents, and hold proposals for 90 days before taking action.