I really hope the new surface is going to be like the old surface. The new pavement on the " south" course was coming apart after 1 weekend last year. The old track while bumpy still had amazing traction in the wet and dry. The new part was aweful in the wet with all the sealer in the turns. Track layout is great, so hopefully the new surface is done right and we can enjoy it for another 10 years!!
I wonder why it's so hard to lay quality track pavement. Hallett was like that too. They milled it and replaced it, and it was coming apart within a few months. There were heaves, bumps, and ripples, and it had to have a bunch of sealer put down.
And tracks not waiting long enough to let it cure. The video of pittrace I saw they aren't just resurfacing though, they're starting from scratch almost!
FYI - the new course asphalt didn't come out ideal - something about a core ingredient missing/not working as intended. The intent is for that to be fixed this time around, similar to how the north course was originally paved (which if any indication, was certainly done properly).
It's been really cool to see this much work and money go into this place. I haven't been doing this for very long compared to most, but over the past three years since I had my first trackday at Pitt, there's been improvements made almost every time. I thought I heard some rumors that they might be repaving South sometime to fix it? I don't really think that's realistic so I must have heard wrong.
This could be the reason for the facelift, MotoAmerica to PittRace. http://www.motoamerica.com/2017-motoamerica-race-schedule-expands-to-10-rounds
I believe they were planning it before MotoAmerica, as it was. Aaron might be able to chime in and correct, if I'm wrong.
I think Mid Ohio is in trouble, I love the place but the entire place is feeling really outdated, it will cost a fortune to fix it backup. From the track to the facilities its' gotten pretty bad over the last 10 years.
Eddie is correct the repave was happening with or without MotoAmerica. With that being said it wasn't a real secret that MotoAmerica was looking at PittRace (with the new configuration) for awhile. The folks who own/run PittRace really like having motorcycles there. Glad it all worked out. Some real interesting stuff happened behind the scenes to get this to work (all good stuff). Lots of people coordinating stuff to move the sport forward. Hopefully some more exciting news coming in the next few weeks. Ride safe, AAron
I could not agree more. Track is top 3 of my favorite layouts but with the surface and facilities it is barely in my top 10 favorite tracks. Ride safe, AAron
I think it will take pressure from IndyCar and NASCAR to force them move forward with improvements - the rain this year will hopefully help that cause (Google video from NASCAR earlier there, this season). I've heard rumors that plans are in discussion, but we all know how that can go.
Rode there on my Superbike in August to check it out. Super fun and will be even more fun when the North is repaved. One thing is for sure as well - it will be the most physical track on the schedule (barely, over Sonoma).
