DELAWARE SPEEDWAY RENOVATION thread. (pic update April 30)

[Shadowracer]

Check out the Delaware site HERE for details, and here's a vid. Big news folks!

UPDATE: Thread has been merged. Official press release is below.

Delaware Speedway 2012 Renovation Announcement

[Snotrod]

Very interesting indeed

[Shadowracer]

I think it'll be great. The cool part about it is they had a big consultation and input from a number of our star drivers, and apparently a lot of them thought it'd solve a big part of Delly's problem.

I'm excited mainly because of that. I was at the initial general meeting and it looked to me like the guys suggesting track changes were just being brushed off. I can't say that any more.

 

[tigeraid]

That's...... unexpected. Why not put graduated banking in the HIGH line, rather than crowding another low line? I thought Delaware was already pretty flat, now it's gonna have a REALLY flat part.

But, two racing lines is two racing lines.  It's certainly a step in the right direction.

[Dougy109]

It's more cost effective to do the botom groove. It also give racers what they need, and hopefully bring back a pile of people.

[CanadianRacingOnline]

MAJOR DELAWARE SPEEDWAY RENOVATION UNDERWAY

*Photos and video of renovations available on speedway website: www.delawarespeedway.com

April 5, 2012
John Houghton
Delaware Speedway PR

Delaware Speedway’s new owners are releasing details today of a renovation project to the historic speedway located just outside of London, Ontario, Canada.  The plan will see the first major upgrade to turns at the track since the 1990’s and the first reconfiguration of a turn since 1969 when the speedway was expanded to its current size.  The upgrade is made possible by the Spivak-Demelo Ownership team and aims to radically improve the quality of racing at Canada’s most historic speedway.  Excavation has already begun for the project.

“Delaware Speedway is open for business and this construction shows the strong commitment from the new ownership group in building racing at the track for years to come,” explained track PR director John Houghton.  “These improvements will help make Delaware Speedway the top destination in the region for racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike”.

--Rumors Which Turned Out True--

A number of competitors were consulted in the planning for the construction and the plan was actually leaked in early March by a handful of eager drivers using social media such as Facebook and Twitter.  With the original date for construction and planned release date set as April 1, the program was believed by most to be an April Fool’s Day prank.

Fans and drivers have seen their share of renovations to the facility in recent years in spectator areas, food concessions, and pit road.  Long-anticipated upgrades to the racing surface itself, however, have been on the waiting and wish list for many years.

The plan was widely praised by drivers including 2010 Track Champion Ron Sheridan.

“I think it’s great to show of commitment on the track’s part,” explained Sheridan.  “To see them willing to take steps to make the racing better is something that will benefit everyone, the fans and the drivers.”

--Details of the Plan--

The plan calls for a significant reworking of the “left-hand side” of the track and part of the front stretch and pit road.
• A new concrete lane will be placed below the existing concrete in the turns at a reduced level of banking below the current preferred grove.
• The inside wall entering turn three will be moved towards the infield of the speedway to accommodate the new concrete.
• The inside wall on the front stretch will be removed and altered on the exit of turn four to allow the new concrete to make its way to the front stretch.
• The entrance to pit road and the large tire that marked it will now be moved towards the middle of turn 3-4.

The renovation is expected to generate greater interest in Delaware Speedway’s racing programs and radically improve the quality of racing on the track.  The update will allow drivers to choose different lanes as they enter the turn three area and set up more planned passes on their competitors.

--Another Major Release Next Week: APC Summer Showdown Nascar Super Stars--

Earlier this week the speedway announced $300,000 in available prizing for local drivers this season.  Next, the track has another major release when it announces details about which top-level Nascar drivers will be participating in this season’s Summer Showdown.  Speculation from fans has been rampant as to which driver(s) have been selected and have chosen to participate.  The speculation will come to an end next week.  Tickets for the hotly anticipated event will go on sale at the time of the release.  Super-value season passes for all Delaware Speedway events continue to be available through the speedway office.

--About Delaware Speedway:--

Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track located just west of London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the best stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable evening or afternoon of action at the track.

Media Inquiries: John Houghton (519) 652-5068 x201 – john@delawarespeedway.com

[lostleader]

That's...... unexpected. Why not put graduated banking in the HIGH line, rather than crowding another low line? I thought Delaware was already pretty flat, now it's gonna have a REALLY flat part.

But, two racing lines is two racing lines.  It's certainly a step in the right direction.

Went to look today and spoke to the guys.  Oh boy it looks exciting....just ripping up lots and very busy there....it seems they did not want to put it on the high side, as they did not feel speeding up that track was the solution.  Not everyone can afford to have the fast cars, and making the track faster was not one option they wanted.  Also, as mentioned cost effective. I suppose they could have just added concrete to the right of the current area?  Then it would have still worked without adding another lane? But in turn, maybe made the "track" faster and that was the issue.....I don't know, but maybe....just throwing it out there....don't hold me to it!

The great news is that they said all will be done for opening shootout, so every race team should come out for this test and tune day, after all, now there is a new lane, and new strategies to the race....but bottom line, we got side by side racing all the way to the finish line!!!  That will make for exciting racing for sure!!!  Happy Easter Weekend y'all!

[Shadowracer]

Hey...maybe Showler can try to go four wide into 3. 

[Statsman]

Great news for all you tried and true Delaware fans. Should make it a very interesting place to race and watch again.

[Shadowracer]

Just for posterity, I went out and took some photos of the track on Monday afternoon before the festivities commenced. This is the "before" photo.

Cant wait to see the "after" shots 

[tigeraid]

Went to look today and spoke to the guys.  Oh boy it looks exciting....just ripping up lots and very busy there....it seems they did not want to put it on the high side, as they did not feel speeding up that track was the solution.  Not everyone can afford to have the fast cars, and making the track faster was not one option they wanted.  Also, as mentioned cost effective. I suppose they could have just added concrete to the right of the current area?  Then it would have still worked without adding another lane? But in turn, maybe made the "track" faster and that was the issue.....I don't know, but maybe....just throwing it out there....don't hold me to it!

Hmm, well that's a fair point.  Gonna be interesting.

[Snotrod]

One thing's for sure. Turns 3 and 4 are gonna be wider than my ass.

[Shadowracer]

One thing's for sure. Turns 3 and 4 are gonna be wider than my ass.

Not likely  

[justconfused]

after all it will still be a one grove track no mater if you make the turns wider

[ernie]

after all it will still be a one grove track no mater if you make the turns wider

I'm sure they have done their homework. Pretty sure they wouldn't be spending the cash to just make the track shorter. Although with what they are doing drivers will be able to get the entire 'OH Sh!t' out before they hit the wall in 3 & 4 instead of just 'Oh Sh"