Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Thanks for the pics! I guess no one was working today? I keep hearing that they have the man power to work around the clock but that doesn't appear to be true. I guess maybe it is too wet. Any update DAVE?

Thanks,

Shane

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Never been to Lawrenceburg and don't know much about it ... but , I have followed these construction posts and the photo updates with interest !

Questions for those in the know...

1- Is this like a complete new speedway being built in place of the old and in the same track location of the former ?

2- As shown in the photos ... Are those brand new grandstands ? ( and what is the seating capacity ? ).

3- Who owns the Speedway ?

4- What is the projected cost of this upgrade ? ( if it has been published )

Just some things I've wondered about for awhile now. Thanks !
I will definately be going over to take a look later this year !

Paul Gray :greenflag: www.paulgray28.com

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by pgray:
Never been to Lawrenceburg and don't know much about it ... but , I have followed these construction posts and the photo updates with interest !

Questions for those in the know...

1- Is this like a complete new speedway being built in place of the old and in the same track location of the former ? The expansion is happening where the 1/4 mile track was

2- As shown in the photos ... Are those brand new grandstands ? ( and what is the seating capacity ? ). All the old grandstands are being used or moved, with one new grandstand in turn 2 which seats 1670, bringing our total seating to over 6500.

3- Who owns the Speedway ? City of Lawrenceburg

4- What is the projected cost of this upgrade ? ( if it has been published ) 3+million

Just some things I've wondered about for awhile now. Thanks !
I will definately be going over to take a look later this year !

Paul Gray :greenflag: www.paulgray28.com

Thanks, Dave

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by pgray:
Never been to Lawrenceburg and don't know much about it ... but , I have followed these construction posts and the photo updates with interest !

Questions for those in the know...

1- Is this like a complete new speedway being built in place of the old and in the same track location of the former ?

2- As shown in the photos ... Are those brand new grandstands ? ( and what is the seating capacity ? ).

3- Who owns the Speedway ?

4- What is the projected cost of this upgrade ? ( if it has been published )

Just some things I've wondered about for awhile now. Thanks !
I will definately be going over to take a look later this year !

Paul Gray :greenflag: www.paulgray28.com

Paul, the new surface is being built over the old track. It's being expanded from 1/4 to 3/8 of a mile, the banking is being increased and a concrete retaining wall added. The main grandstand is a recent structure. The old concrete stands were demolished and replaced a few years ago. Can't remember which year. The City of Lawrenceburg IN owns the facility and has financed these upgrades. It is also the Dearborn County Fairgrounds. The cost of the project upgrade has been reported in the $2.5million range and it will seat between 5000-6000 when it is completed. This is the second phase of the improvements to the track. The first phase was the new grandstand (as mentioned before), new concession buildings and new restroom facilitites. It is a first class place!
I do, however, worry about the new track configuration and how it is going to affect the local racers but, it should be great for the fans.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Thanks to both Dave and to Cecil for the info !

It is quite admirable that the local government sees continued benefit to finance a major facility upgrade in this day and age where so many local tracks are falling out of favor within their communities. Iam sure that being a part of the fairgrounds makes this all possible.

Lawrenceburg sounds like a nice racer friendly community !
Looking very forward to a visit ! ( Is there a Holiday Inn Express ? :D )


Paul :Steer

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Im gonna answer a little differently.

ITS A COMPLETELY NEW AND DIFFERENT SPEEDWAY. The grandstands were new in 2001 or 2000 as were the TOP NOTCH concessions and restrooms (For a dirt track facility) That was a 3+ million improvement as well.

It is my understanding from interviews I've hear from Bill Cunningham on Another Bill Cunninghams radio show that all these projects are financed off the interest on the city fund. Which is largely from Casino tax money and is not directly out of the taxpayer pocket as are The new school ballfields, Pool, Improvements, Street projects, Flood wall park ect. He says the casinos could pull out tomorrow but he wants attractions and activities to keep things going incase they do.

I don't know if its actually in future plans or not, But I have heard mention of a possible Pit restroom facility and if necessary a backstretch grandstand. BTW, There will be room to add more grandstands around 3-4 even though they are building a turn 3 grandstand.

Dave, Did I see them starting on the Pit drive thru building last week?
Best wishes to The Burg in "08. Im in agrement with a few other people that this track now is SECOND TO NONE!

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by pgray:
Thanks to both Dave and to Cecil for the info !

It is quite admirable that the local government sees continued benefit to finance a major facility upgrade in this day and age where so many local tracks are falling out of favor within their communities. Iam sure that being a part of the fairgrounds makes this all possible.

Lawrenceburg sounds like a nice racer friendly community !
Looking very forward to a visit ! ( Is there a Holiday Inn Express ? :D )


Paul :Steer

Paul, this track was almost all but dead fifteen years ago with Delapidated fairground (I believe the fair didn't even happen a couple years, falling down grandstands, fifty year old concessions and restrooms, A track and fence that needed serious improvements. It also had a lot of comunity oposition (Except for the buisnesses) Luckily a bunch of buisnesses, Racers, promotors, former promotors and the city govt seen the viability of keeping it.

I believe we have a former promotor who designed the new grandstand, concession and restroom facilitys but never got to see them under his management.

Still, without the Casino. I highly doubt a quarter of the improvements around the Burg both track, fairgrounds and several other projects like removal of a railroad track, City parks and sports facilities would have ever been possible or taken place.


You can see several old pics of the facilities before any of the upgrades on www.queencitymotorsports.com ran by "Itsanonwingthing"

Chuck, who litterally says the UPGRADE is way beyond his expectation and I hope the racers both like it and get to run for more $$$ in the future.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by JETFXR:
Updated photos from Saturday 3/29 are on site http://pbase.com/bob_sell Pages 7 thru 9..Bob

Thanks for the ongiong pics, we check it daily to see the progress. This place is going to be great.:thumb

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by pgray:
Thanks to both Dave and to Cecil for the info !

It is quite admirable that the local government sees continued benefit to finance a major facility upgrade in this day and age where so many local tracks are falling out of favor within their communities. Iam sure that being a part of the fairgrounds makes this all possible.

Lawrenceburg sounds like a nice racer friendly community !
Looking very forward to a visit ! ( Is there a Holiday Inn Express ? :D )


Paul :Steer

Paul, there is a Holiday Inn Express along with two other motels within a half mile or so of the track. Not included in that mix is the Argosy Hotel right across the street from the entrance to the fairgrounds/track.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Just updated site with latest photos.Fence is going up and tech building outside turn 3 is taking shape.Great to see everyone at Twin Cities last night. http://www.pbase.com/bob_sell

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

I just updated this site with latest photos pages 9 and 10 at http://pbase.com/bob_sell

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Is it an optical illusion or does the backstretch exit look awfully small to anyone else but me? I haven't been there to actually see it yet, but the photos make it appear any car wanting to leave the racetrack will have to be going very slow to make that exit and maybe even swing out into the racing surface to exit the track.

I always liked the fact that disabled cars could pull off the backstretch and head to the pits without interferring with the racing action or bringing out a yellow.

Dave, maybe you can answer that question. Are disabled cars going to be required to pull into the infield while the green is out? Or are cars going to be able to slow down and make that exit without being a danger to the cars still at full speed?

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by Pushtruck:
Is it an optical illusion or does the backstretch exit look awfully small to anyone else but me? I haven't been there to actually see it yet, but the photos make it appear any car wanting to leave the racetrack will have to be going very slow to make that exit and maybe even swing out into the racing surface to exit the track.

I always liked the fact that disabled cars could pull off the backstretch and head to the pits without interferring with the racing action or bringing out a yellow.

Dave, maybe you can answer that question. Are disabled cars going to be required to pull into the infield while the green is out? Or are cars going to be able to slow down and make that exit without being a danger to the cars still at full speed?

I was noticing that also. From the picture it appears it would be difficult for a quick moving car to exit the track. It looks like a pretty hard turn.....actually, it looks like a very hard turn.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

that exit has me completely baffled!!! it looks like A DISASTER waiting to happen to me. At the very least, the sprint cars are going to have to circle the track a few times in order to get off. If someone stalls, it's going to be a mess. They need to redesign that before they get too much further along in the construction. If they're not going to fix it then they're going to need a loop through the infield similar to Florence Speedway. If the track is greasy there is no way a sprint car is going to make that right hand turn with the stagger they run.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Cecil, I Was Checking It Out And There's No Way You Can Make It If Your On The Track. You Will Definatly Have To Go In The Infield. You Need A Straight Shot.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

I just hope they have a guardrail or something that closes that off during race time. They cannot leave that open during races. That would be disaster for someone to hit there head on. A gate like Eldora.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by riskybrisky5:
I just hope they have a guardrail or something that closes that off during race time. They cannot leave that open during races. That would be disaster for someone to hit there head on. A gate like Eldora.

My first thought was, this is going to get someone hurt. Maybe it is not as bad in person.

Jerry #66j
www.joshspencer.com

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

1. There will be no way to pull off if racing is green. You would have to pull into the infield.

2. It'd be easy to drop low and turn out under pace speed.

3. The wall is beveled, Meaning the straight is slightly in from the turn 4 end.

4. It's my understanding there is going to be some sort of safer barrier on the turn four end of that exit wall. This is in case a car for some reason would get bent out of shape and go up in there. You'd really have to be flipping down low to get up to it but we know how sprints are so predictable (NOT)

I've seen far worse exit lanes, with no barrier and nobody says anything about it. (Florence, Twin Cities, Union County witch are basically a opening with blunt walls on both ends.

Its wider than it apears and the fill dirt isn't in it yet in any of them pictures.

You kinda have to see it to understand but even so, Im a little confused. There will probably have to be a loop lane in the infield both for cars needing to get off the track durring racing and to exit.

Im not saying any of this is good or bad, Just that I've seen many a track that you basically had to lineup in the infield. Come thru the infield to exit yada yada yada. All with blunt walls on each side of the opening.


Im told they had to redesign the entrance to the track as well and thats the only remaining wall left to be built.. The exit road will go to the Scale building, I believe there is a bypass of the building and the pit grandstand will be in turn three right between the building and the track.

Chuck, again not stating any of this is good or bad but the pics are decieving as to how DANGEROUS it may or may not be. On the track at speed it isn't going to be a issue as far as misshaps and exiting, three words I've learned to live by. "I DON'T KNOW"

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

I've looked it over a few times and I still can't figure it out. It could be disasterous to leave that gateway open during a race. If a car were to get forced up into that opening.......well, let's just say it wouldn't be good.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by riskybrisky5:
I just hope they have a guardrail or something that closes that off during race time. They cannot leave that open during races. That would be disaster for someone to hit there head on. A gate like Eldora.

I agree, Kevin. I 've only seen it from the grandstand. It looks bad enough from the vantage point down close to turn 1 but as I walked closer to turn 4 to getter a better vantage point it got worse. Hopefully it's an optical illusion from the front side of the track. I'm really worried about that whole deal.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

I'd agree that the new exit looks to be too narrow, but I'd be willing to bet that it's no narrower than the turn one exit at I-55 Raceway.

http://www.stlracing.com/forums/show...n+one+pit+gate

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

We're not going to run I-55 Speedway so, that doesn't really give me much comfort.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Many are expressing a safety concern here about the exit -:action-smiley-049:

I would think that Dave would want to clear this up for all as I am certain there is a plan that maybe isn't quite clear to those casual observers.

Where is Dave on this ? :rolleyes:

Paul Gray :greenflag: www.paulgray28.com

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Paul, Sorry for the delay!! Been a bit busy. The speedway was designed by professionals who design racetracks everyday. They do studys and research the safest way to build the safest racetracks. These people don't just get in a dozer and start building a track like some people think.
The exit is 12' wide at the narrowest spot. The backstetch wall offsets the wall after the exit, to prevent a head on hit into a concrete wall. Drivers will be able to exit the track with no problem.
Please look at all the positive things we are doing (Making it a safer track)
Safety is our #1 concearn and always will be.
Thanks, Dave
P.S. Cecil...c'mon......your boys never hit anything, they will be fine!!

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

P.S. Cecil...c'mon......your boys never hit anything, they will be fine!!.....Dave Rudisell

NOW YOU KNOW WHY I'M SO CONCERNED, DAVE!!!!!!:rolling

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by cecil98:
P.S. Cecil...c'mon......your boys never hit anything, they will be fine!!.....Dave Rudisell

NOW YOU KNOW WHY I'M SO CONCERNED, DAVE!!!!!!:rolling

Dave took some pics yesterday and I really looked at it hard. There is a pretty big offset between the actuall straight and the exit lane. A car running the wall will be like 4ft lower than that exit wall..

I'll make no comment on to how safe or not it is, I will say it's going to be one of the safest dirt tracks in the world for fans. I really haven't seen another dirt track with a full course SPEEDWAY CATCH FENCE and quite honestly, Most tracks fences scare me as inadaquate, Expeically the old burg before the 2001 revamp. I seen over a handful of cars leave the track area either pits or turn one.

Chuck, hoping everyone has a safe 08

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Heres a link to Paxton Waters Architecture, They designed the speedway and have a huge background in building and designing racetracks. You can see some of the work they have done recently.
www.paxtonwatersarchitecture.com
Have a great day!! Dave Rudisell

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Dave, thanks for the update. I think the picture we were looking at makes it difficult to see the offset. The next time you post some pictures can you add a closer view of the back-stretch and exit area?

Thanks.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

http://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/...2008%20011.JPG
http://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/...2008%20020.JPG
http://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/...2008%20010.JPG
Here are some pictures i took yesterday. The pictures show the track exit. There are a few more pictures on our website in the photo gallery.
Have a great day!! Dave

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by Phylo82:
Dave, thanks for the update. I think the picture we were looking at makes it difficult to see the offset. The next time you post some pictures can you add a closer view of the back-stretch and exit area?

Thanks.

Hows that for customer service!! If there are any other picture request just let me know what you want to see and i'll do it.
Have a great day!!! Dave

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by Dave Rudisell:
Hows that for customer service!! If there are any other picture request just let me know what you want to see and i'll do it.
Have a great day!!! Dave

I cant believe i'm beating section A to this but how about one of the 50/50 girl in a low cut top! You said anything.:eek:

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by ROSS:
I cant believe i'm beating section A to this but how about one of the 50/50 girl in a low cut top! You said anything.:eek:

I am glad that I didn't request this!:wink However please post it as soon as you have taken the picture please.:O:

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

:applaud::thumb

Originally Posted by Dave Rudisell:
Hows that for customer service!! If there are any other picture request just let me know what you want to see and i'll do it.
Have a great day!!! Dave

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Originally Posted by Dave Rudisell:
http://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/...2008%20011.JPG
http://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/...2008%20020.JPG
http://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/...2008%20010.JPG
Here are some pictures i took yesterday. The pictures show the track exit. There are a few more pictures on our website in the photo gallery.
Have a great day!! Dave

Maybe I am confused and you already answered this but are you putting a gate up on this? If you not I think it would be a good idea to do so. If there is an opening a car will end up there some how some way in the future. Cars do crazy things sometimes, like land in your concession stand.

I once hit the pit entrance turn 4 wall at Eldora square and I mean dead on luckily I scrubbed off some speed prior but it was still not pretty, I learned a few things that night. Anything can happen in a racecar, A single tire mounted on the the edge of a wall doesn't cushion the blow at all, and the inside wall hurts worse than the outside wall. I never in a 1000's years would have thought you could hit that spot but sure enough it happened, lucky me huh. Murphy's Law.

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Dave,
I understand the thought behind the offset between the backstrech wall and the pit entry radius wall leading to turn 3. That should work if a car is already sliding against the backtrech wall and skips onto the offset turn 3 wall.

However, I agree with Rob, that at some point and time, and I'm guessing more than once, a car is going to get turned or hooked and end up in the pit entry area without prior contact to the backstretch wall. With the opening only being 12 ft wide, It doesn't leave much room for any kind of tire wall, or other energy absorbing barrier along that radiused break in the wall either. Is anything like that in the plan?

I understand these guys are experienced designers of tracks, but so were the guys that re-designed Vegas, and we all saw how hard Gordon hit, and that opening is being eliminated now also.
The track looks awesome Dave, but this is one area of concern to alot of us, and for good reason. I really would hope you and all of your crew can sit down and discuss these concerns.
Thanks for your time Dave.:thumb

Ken Joyce

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Once again....The track is being built to be the safest it can be. There is no such thing as a "safe" racetrack. Racing is dangerous and always will be. As a promotor, Safety is my number one concern for everyone involved. I am confident the designers of the new facility know how to make the safest possible track. I have been to many many many racetracks across the country, and have not seen one that i would consider safe. I believe what we have at Lawrenceburg Speedway will be the best that there is, and the safest. We all know a sprint cars will defy all logics and theory's, you can never build a wall and fence high enough.
Thanks for your questions and comments, Dave Rudisell

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

Maybe this has already been announced and I missed it perhaps ...
"When is opening night , first race or what is projected with much reconstruction remaining ?"

The web-site says the 26th , but that's only 10 days ; can it be complete by then ?

Reading all these threads / posts on everything Lawrenceburg and seeing the construction photos I'm getting excited about visiting a place I thought I never would !!

Maybe somebody could offer "USAC's Oldest Rookie" a ride ! :help:


Paul Gray :greenflag: www.paulgray28.com
____________________________________

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

After working at Lowes motor speedway for more than 10 years, I can agree with Dave. Racing no matter what series is unpredictable.I can also tell you this . Being on the safety crew at LMS and working both the dirt track and the mile and a half,from go carts to legends to nascar, and indy cars.Accidents are going to happen.No matter how prepared you are ,no matter how the track is designed. That being said I have raced in several states, you will not find a better short track safety crew than the crew that works at Lawrenceburg. I have seen the new exit configuration at the burg, is it going to be tight? probably,the sprints should have no problem.The other classes may have a harder time when they are having steering problems. All I can say is give it a chance, and have a wrecker posted pit out to grab anything that clogs the exit .

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

It seems a bit strange that IOWers in general support the Little 500 at Anderson. That track has a pit exit :thumbsdown: at the end of the back straightaway which has mangled many cars and some drivers. Yet quite a few IOWers get on this thread to malign a track that isn't even finished yet. :confused:

Re: Lawrenceburg Construction
 

I wasnt bad mouthing anyone just giving a suggestion. They are doing great things over their at Lawrencburg. I have not seen personally just going off pictures. But openings in walls if not done right can be a bad combination. It may not be a problem and hope that it is not. I am not concerned at all with exiting the track.