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Taft gives preliminary approval to proposed downtown supermoto race, council corrects event dates
Summary
The council granted preliminary approval to continue planning a downtown supermoto street‑circuit race proposed by BP Promotions, directing staff to complete public‑safety reviews, insurance and business‑owner acknowledgements. Council corrected proposed dates to Oct. 16–17, 2026.
The Taft City Council gave preliminary approval Aug. 4 to continue negotiating a special event permit for a proposed downtown supermoto street‑circuit race promoted by BP Promotions.
City Manager Craig Jones said the proposal is for a temporary closed‑street course in the downtown district and described the item as preliminary: final authorization would follow operational planning, public‑safety review, street‑closure approvals, business‑owner acknowledgments and confirmation of insurance and indemnification.
Jones described a draft schedule and staff later corrected the dates from Oct. 17–18 to Oct. 16–17, 2026 during the discussion. Jones said the event is expected to attract regional and international visitors while showcasing downtown businesses. "The proposed event would be an internationally recognized motorsports competition expected to attract a significant regional and international visitors while showcasing the city's downtown businesses and attractions," Jones said.
Council members expressed support for the potential economic boost to motels, vendors and restaurants. Mayor Noor added a local note: "Taft loves racing," and the council voted 4–0 to give preliminary approval to continue planning and negotiations for a final special event agreement.
Staff will return with operational plans, safety reviews and the final special event agreement before any street closures or the event itself are authorized.
