Changes in the track at Road America
03-31-2007, 06:17 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Changes in the track at Road America
Had a unique opportunity recently to see the changes made in the track at Road America in Elkhart Lake.
As many of you know, the Mitchell Bridge (turn 13) has been removed entirely, eliminating those dangerous bridge abutments on either side- the entire area is now at grade and much safer.
A preformed concrete tunnel has been put under the track half-way between Turns 13 and 14, so that it's a straight shot into the lower Paddock area, and just a slight offset from the Gate 6 (Registration) entrance. The tunnel has 16' clearance and will have walkways on both sides. It has the benefit of natural drainage as well.
From the top of the ridge you can now see all the way down into Canada Corner.
About 20' of grass has been added in the Turn 14 runoff before you hit the pea gravel, making this area less prone to roll-overs.
Additional rumble strip extensions have been added in a number of turns where cars typically have worn off the grass. Perhaps more important in terms of controlling erosion, but will still add to the safety improvements.
All is expected to be ready in mid April for the first event!
As many of you know, the Mitchell Bridge (turn 13) has been removed entirely, eliminating those dangerous bridge abutments on either side- the entire area is now at grade and much safer.
A preformed concrete tunnel has been put under the track half-way between Turns 13 and 14, so that it's a straight shot into the lower Paddock area, and just a slight offset from the Gate 6 (Registration) entrance. The tunnel has 16' clearance and will have walkways on both sides. It has the benefit of natural drainage as well.
From the top of the ridge you can now see all the way down into Canada Corner.
About 20' of grass has been added in the Turn 14 runoff before you hit the pea gravel, making this area less prone to roll-overs.
Additional rumble strip extensions have been added in a number of turns where cars typically have worn off the grass. Perhaps more important in terms of controlling erosion, but will still add to the safety improvements.
All is expected to be ready in mid April for the first event!
04-01-2007, 10:51 AM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
The farm house is still there, but the barn is gone, gone, gone.
They had some rather massive footings poured for a new scoreboard, which was not yet up when I was there.
They had some rather massive footings poured for a new scoreboard, which was not yet up when I was there.
04-01-2007, 11:39 AM
#4
Race Director
Did the track look ready to use?
04-01-2007, 12:09 PM
#5
04-01-2007, 12:21 PM
#6
All of the changes can be seen on the "Road America" website. It will be very different coming out of 12. I think that it will make for a great place to watch but still not all that happy about it. They also cut down a lot of trees on either side of the track.
04-01-2007, 12:39 PM
#7
Instructor
04-07-2007, 11:34 AM
#8
Drifting
Thread Starter
Wait till you see it first hand- I think you'll like it.
It really opens up the whole area between turns 12 and 14, and the runoff in 14 is better, at least in my opinion.
It really opens up the whole area between turns 12 and 14, and the runoff in 14 is better, at least in my opinion.
04-07-2007, 11:37 AM
#9
Drifting
Thread Starter
