Dirt Track Prep
 

Another interesting article... Tom Helfrich talking dirt track prep.

The article is dated. September 6, 2001

http://www.circletrack.com/techartic...?__federated=1

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

Bill

OK i read the article first. He is an expert at his track. The point that came across most was that farming a dirt track is hard work and sometimes hard work still turns into something the color of dirt.

The first trip we made down there it rained all the way down and it was reining when we got there. We walked up to the grandstands to look at the track and they were tilling it and adding water. There was a guy up there watching and I asked him if he thought they would be racing that night. He said sure will this rain is about to blow over and the track is working nice.. Well it did and we had one super nice race track.

Honest Dad himself:6::6:

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

it seems the main problem that most track prep people have is they are putting water onto a track that has clay already packed HARD AS A ROCK, SO THAT THE WATER IS ON THE TRACK, BUT NOT IN THE TRACK. THE TRACK HAS TO BE OPENED UP AND THEN WATERED, SO THERE IS PLENTY OF WATER IN THE TRACK, THEN PACKED WITH A SHEEPFOOT AND THEN WATERED SOME MORE doesn't hurt to mix some manure in with the dirt from time to time either, it really is like farming the track

#1 most tracks dont have the equipment that tri- state has so dont try to do what he does.
#2 dont over water the thing.
#3 if we dont want to get our cars muddy by packing the track then make it dry and remind us we when we complaine we wanted it dry lol
#4 just be glad we can still afford to go race.

Yeah ya jackwagon it talks about that in the article. Lol.

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

Interesting article. Now if Tom would just start paying more attention to the IOW track prep experts here on the board, he just might one day make it and be half way decent at it.:3:

now bill why did you go and call me that lol when yoi comming to racetrack

You know it's all in fun

I'll b back once I get this pain under control. Have you missed my intelligent commentary. Lol

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

johnny

Bet we could get a deal on that manure stuff right here on the good old IOW. I got a bunch of that stuff myself.

Honest Dad himself:6::6:

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

And here I thought it was your good looks. :47:

I recall reading that article when I was working. It was before I subscribed to Circle Track. Draw your own conclusions. :19:

Good looks? You really need to get those cataracts fixed. :D

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

Danny Was that when you delivered the mail? who's mail were you reading? ;) Just kidding

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

If most tracks would hire a Farmer to do track preparation it would help, and the promoter could spend more time promoting the track. People don't understand how much time and cost involved with track preparation. The great thing about racing their all on the same track. Some our just better at knowing what the dirt will do. At a rain delay years ago at Eldora, people were wondering why Earl (was a farmer for many years) had not start working the track yet. He informed USAC and anyone who would listen. He could not touch the track until the sidewalks were dry, or it would rut and the driver would holler, about that. Every track is different due to soil condition, the amount sand, silt, and about 30 different types of clay, particle-size distribution. Eldora tried Tommy's leaf system a couple years ago, and everyone complain about it being a dust bowl at the first USAC show of the year. If the EPA still let tracks use Calcium Chloride it would solve a lot of the problem. I always thought, the college at Lima, Ohio would come up with something to aid in moisture retention. I have farmed enough as most good farmers know what to do to hold moisture in the ground, and what to do to take it out. In the horse industries they are trying different products in indoor riding arenas, to control dust, with some success, but cost might be prohibited. I am sure it takes a few years to know your soil as in farming. I would like to know, why tracks don't explore irrigation systems to aid in watering during the week. seems more water could be added cheaper then the water truck. and a portable system would work very well on a 3/8 mile and below.
But I am sure the IOW, track preparation expert could prepare any track to perfection every time, once someone started the machinery for them.

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

There used to be an old saying about race tracks. It went something like this "Dirt tracks are best for the racers and pavement tracks or best for the promoters." Whenever you want to complain just remember it ain't too hard to replace that dirt with asphalt, it has been doe in the past and the reason was usually to make the track owners job easier.

The best tracks that we have raced on were usually broke up right after the last race, and farmed all week long or until the next race.

Charlestown Indiana had the possibility of being an excellent dirt track. It has very little clay in it but the guy who owns it now is a dirt mover construction man and did an great job of giving us a very good racing surface the last time we raced there. I talked to him about the prep and he told me it took two weeks of work to get it ready for our race. That is a lot of work and I guess he thought of much better ways to make money than on a race track.

Dirt tracks change, not just from week to week, but minute to minute, we all like to complain about the track prep. If you wanted to help I bet the track could pencil you in for a few hours of volunteer work each and every week.

Honest Dad himself

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

the old (original) track of w. va. speedway ( a huge 5/8ths) had a sprinkler system all the way around and watered itself

Re: Dirt Track Prep
 

Paragon Speedway is For Sale or Rent now is a good chance to try your hand & (back) at track prep. Thank You

keith always like your track prep not overyly watered and smooth and others must too because your not short on cars like some places. jmo