The new Burg chatter, news and opinions thread '08

[charlesnungester]

Visited the track a few times the last few weeks, Much work has been done and aparently they are to start building the walls this first week of february Tons of Rebar have been staged under the grandstand and outside turn two. With forms laying in the fairgrounds for the concrete.

Last week it apeared they had some work to do in 3/4 and were doing so when weather permitted.

The track now has banks that goes to the gutter level of the buildings around the fairgrounds (Restrooms both turn one and outside on the fairground) The back straight is considerably higher and more banked while the front straight will pretty much remain the same, New drainage is being added in the infield. I assume more pumps as well and I think the whole track at the bottom is being raised about three feet..

Feelings? The tracks got the straights of North Vernon with the turns of Eldora and will probably cost more to run regularly on. However I think the show will be significantly faster (Even if it's slick) and provide more crossover passing including some slingshot moves.

The facility?? IMHO it's going to be the best Dirt track facility wise in the midwest. Far better than Eldora in seating and restrooms. Theres chatter that there is to eventually be a Pit Restroom/shower/concession built in the future.

The new pit entrance to the grandstand will now be behind the Pit end Concession instead of inside. Quite honestly from what I've seen, From the pits you will not be able to see the track. Possibly not even from the top of a hauler. The bankings that tall and the new scale building and turn 3 grandstand is gonna hamper that even more. The good is they are building a pit grandstand in three and the main stand is close as well.

The back straight righty now has a significan't outward slope to it. Im not sure that after the wall is built it won't be backfilled as I know they want some backstretch parking The exit of the track apears to be right off the end of turn two and the entrance, Im still unsure of but probably simular, just further back in the pit area than it used to be.

The entrire track from the fairgrounds is now totally secluded by a brick wall that extends around 1/2 and at points is 15-20ft tall (Turn One). New and the old turn one granstands will be put up there four feet above the track and should provide a great view from the 1/2 grandstands, I know this much, You'll be almost as high as halfway up the main grandstand. Dave might consider putting a concession trailor outside two

I don't know how it's going to affect the racers. Cost of racing there has always been raised as a issue (One of the cheapest to run on before) However I think Safety was a bigger factor on many teams that raced there and teams learning there in the past. Except for the front straight, There was nothing to hit if something happened. I don't know, I'll leave that to the racers.

Im excited, The excavation on the track is almost done (Track itself) Walls going up soon (rebar is hard work) but after that the rest should go really quickly.

Two months to go!

Your thoughts?
Chuck

[charlesnungester]

Got clarification that there will be no inside wall on the track. I think this is a good move.

Chuck, who says they have a ton of rebar tied up and ready to set. They also have about a 50ft section of the back straight wall formed and ready for concrete.

[QueenCityMotorsports.com]

Thanks for the updates Chuck,
I have yet to get down there, but intend to soon now that some significant progress (other than demolition and moving dirt) is being made.
No doubt that with 2 million dollars spent it will be one of the best facilities in the US.
As far the racing being as competitive as the 1/4 mile layout only time will tell, but it is common sense that bigger track = more $$$ to race, and the difference between the haves and the have not's will be more evident.
I see where methanol is at about $4.50 to $5.00 a gallon, and have heard from some Sprint car guys that they will probably spend 4 times per night what was spent last year on fuel. Teams will be running different gears that will use more fuel and the larger track will cost more money every time you hit the track.
Maybe the City of Lawrenceburg, with their endless money supply, can donate to the purse to offset some of the cost!/!?
Hopefully nobody busts their Butt to bad and the tracks safety inspector will have a good look at the seats and belts used in the Mods and Stock cars, as I have seen some seats I would not deem safe to run on the 1/4 mile track.
The new track will probably best suit the USAC sprints, although I don't see the lower budget locals pulling off top ten Qualifying runs like has happened in previous years.

IS IT APRIL YET?

[charlesnungester]

Thanks for the reply and comments KDub. Yeah I understand its hard on motors (Everything) I just hope we can maintain some good car counts and have good shows. As far as facilities, It's second to none.
They've answered the drivers who said great facilities, crappy track. Now lets see if they show up.

Chuck, who's had a couple drivers give me that reason for not running here.