[Indy]

Isn't the the problem dirt particles other than dust from the cheese grater type tires used to achieve maximum traction the problem? Tire technology has evolved a lot faster than dirt tachnology. It also seems a less tacky track also helps keep the cars shiney side up with less grip and more slip. Maybe there's a university than can develope a synthetic clay for dirt tracks. Don't laugh, we have safer barriers with help from the University of Nebraska. Just a fans observation over the years.

[Hot Rod K.]

Hey Indy! I won't laugh at ya. I've been preaching to my friends about synthetic clay for a few years now. Maybe someone could get Purdue to check it out. But my friends laugh at me about everything!

[apexonephoto]

Carl Myers (who owns Sweeteners Plus, sponsor of Tim McCreadie's late model) and John Wight have been on this for a while:


SYNTHETIC DIRT TRACK SURFACE - It looks like the
planned test of a synthetic dirt track surface at Brewerton will not
happen this fall as hoped. You might remember back in October a
story in this column regarding the whispers of a new 3/4 mile dirt
track in the Brewerton area that would have a one-of-a kind surface. Glenn Donnelly, John Wight and Carl Myers were reported
to be part of the project.
The hope was to test this new track surface on a portion of the
current Brewerton Speedway owned by Wight before the cold
weather settled into the area. Hoosier Tire had already been contacted and was ready to be involved with different compounds.
At Charlotte last weekend Wight said the project had been held
up while Myers worked to find the mixture he feels comfortable
would work to develop the proper surface. A simular synthetic surface is used in horse racing in the United States, Canada, United
Kingdom, France, Ireland, Turkey and Australia. It’s also used on
the warning path in the outfield of the new Yankee Stadium in
New York City.
A synthetic surface may be desirable because it can offer consistent racing conditions in inclement weather. Manufacturers of
synthetic horse racetrack surface materials promote the fact that
synthetic tracks have drainage attributes that are better than natural dirt or clay surfaces, which makes tracks fast under circumstances that would normally result in sloppy, slow or muddy
conditions. In other situations such as cold weather, these surfaces
allow racing to be continued when it might otherwise be canceled.
There are several such types of synthetic racetrack surfaces being
used worldwide in horse racing. Polytrack has become synonymous with horse racing surfaces. Polytrack has the texture of natural dirt but is lighter in color. It is a mixture of sand, synthetic
fibers and recycled rubber coated with a “microcrystalline wax”
and mixed on-site. Polytrack makes up approximately the top six
inches of the racing surface, and requires an extensive drainage
system before it is applied.
If the group can develop an affordable surface that can replace
clay in dirt track racing, they would be able to revolutionize the
sport. While it would be expected to be costly up front, if it
worked, it could pay for itself in time in reduced weekly labor to
prepare the surface and replenishment along with less event cancellations.

[Hot Rod K.]

Thanks for the info apexone! I was aware of the horse track application but not of the test at Brewerton.

[Charles Nungester]

Well I gotta admit it was a class act to respond and admit the problem.

What others have said is the problem. Field dirt and not only that, Field dirt that has a high content of sand, Stone and has had Fires over it for years and years now (ASH)

Also the fact that turn four is closed off from the breeze or dust escaping causes it all to pool in that area and get blown down the front stretch (Wall between lake and turn four pavilion) Never have a problem seeing 1-2 turns as the dust disspells and exits.

Just a simple hick observation and yes, Clay studdies will help. LBurg did this when searching for their clay and even at its dryest theres been some dust but never so bad you coudln't see through it.

My name is Tim Johnson. My father and I prepared Lawrenceburg Speedway for 12 years when he promoted the race track, and I have also been involved in preparation for 5 additional years after he stepped down as promoter. RPM Productions and the city of Lawrenceburg approached us regarding the construction of the new speedway. After the initial construction by the city, we informed them that the design was not condusive to competitive racing. To their credit, they allowed us to re-configure the track to its present shape. Last year was the first year that we believed the track was in our desired condition for competitive racing. For 2011, it appears RPM productions has made a business decision to conduct the track prep on their own. With my 17 years of experience preparing a dirt race track, I would be open to any discussions regarding the preparation of Eldora Speedway, especially for the larger events. The past couple year's events, including the DTWC day-time preparation, and the entire schedule of events for 2010 represent our capability, knowledge, and effectiveness in preparing a competive dirt track. As my father played a role in Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart's early success before stardom and my own 9 years of modified/late model experience, I believe I have a deep understanding of what is needed for excellent track preparation. My father and I always admired what Eldora Speedway represented and the shape it was in when promoted by Earl. I would be priviledged to assist in bringing the track preparation back to what it once was, if given the opportunity. I would also like to take this time to thank Budman, Arrow, Cecil, Charles Nungester, Fishinman, and the MANY others that donated so kindly to support the race in honor of my father. I look forward to seeing all of you at a race this upcoming year.

[treecitytornado]

Tim,

I always admired and liked your DAD. I got to know him after he quit promoting the "Burg" and would go to Eldora and cookout with Chicago, Slick,Ronnie, and the rest of the first turn gang from Lawrenceburg. He was a great man and he knew how to prepare a dirt track as good or better than anyone in the country. I spoke to him at the last Hoosier Fall Classic on the 1/4 mile in 2006 and on the 2nd of the 2 night ALL STAR Show. I told him I was amazed with how tacky the track was on Saturday after having a full show Friday night. He said it kinda even surprised him too and I told him I appreciated all the years he made Lawrenceburg fast! That weekend the "Burg" finally got into the 9 second bracket at around a 9.8 and I think with new clay and building the bank back up like it was in the 80s, Mel could've had it in the low 9s in 2007! I have raced on the new 3/8 mile and watched several races on it as well and quite honestly it should have been left a 1/4 mile for better racing and alot less expense. JMO

As far as ELDORA goes I raced there on July 31st and it stayed heavy all night! It was all you could do to keep the car freed up enough so it would turn under full throttle. I have been going to Eldora since 1983 and have seen Sunday Afternoon 4-Crowns and WoO Shows that were super slick and dusty and Earl had his Saturday nights on occasion when it was heavy. I know that Eldora doesn't want the dust for the drivers or fans and I think if they can get the moisture in it like it was on the 31st,due partly to morning rain; the drivers and fans will look forward to the trip to the Big E!

GOD SPEED MEL!!

[fishnman]

Timmy is, Imo, "Da Man" when it comes to track prep. I thought I knew most of what to do, that is up to three years at Lawrenceburg. Constantly checking weather updates from Wednesday til Saturday to include Rain, sun, wind, cloud cover,and so on. Spent many a Friday watering all night, cuz Mel and Tim knew that Sat. was to be Hot, and sunny, and 'absolutely gotta get some moisture "IN" the track, not "ON" the track. He knows what the hell is goin on! The one thing about Tim is he is a "wizard" on a grader. Every Sun. morning he was there from 8 til 1 or 2 in the afternoon. "Saturday nite track prep starts on Sunday morning" is what Mel and Tim told me the 1st weekend I started helping them.

I could go on and on. I will say that I sure do miss those days. Lawrenceburg is sure gonna miss that "wizard treatment"

Originally Posted by mjtjcj My name is Tim Johnson. My father and I prepared Lawrenceburg Speedway for 12 years when he promoted the race track, and I have also been involved in preparation for 5 additional years after he stepped down as promoter. RPM Productions and the city of Lawrenceburg approached us regarding the construction of the new speedway. After the initial construction by the city, we informed them that the design was not condusive to competitive racing. To their credit, they allowed us to re-configure the track to its present shape. Last year was the first year that we believed the track was in our desired condition for competitive racing. For 2011, it appears RPM productions has made a business decision to conduct the track prep on their own. With my 17 years of experience preparing a dirt race track, I would be open to any discussions regarding the preparation of Eldora Speedway, especially for the larger events. The past couple year's events, including the DTWC day-time preparation, and the entire schedule of events for 2010 represent our capability, knowledge, and effectiveness in preparing a competive dirt track. As my father played a role in Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart's early success before stardom and my own 9 years of modified/late model experience, I believe I have a deep understanding of what is needed for excellent track preparation. My father and I always admired what Eldora Speedway represented and the shape it was in when promoted by Earl. I would be priviledged to assist in bringing the track preparation back to what it once was, if given the opportunity. I would also like to take this time to thank Budman, Arrow, Cecil, Charles Nungester, Fishinman, and the MANY others that donated so kindly to support the race in honor of my father. I look forward to seeing all of you at a race this upcoming year.

Wow, I am speechless and dont know what to think about this. The one thing I can say is that Eldora could use you Tim in the worse way. I thought it was great to get to know you and your family the last few years. You guys are good people and hope to see you continue to go to the races and drink some cold budlts with me and the Mrs.

[cowboyhar69]

I have to agree that the email sent back from Larry Boos was a class act. I remember back in the early nineties talking to the promoter at Terre Haute (I believe it was Jerry Gappens Sr.) and he told me that they collected 3 different samples of clay and it was sent to a lab. The lab report came back and said they were all good clay samples but they suggested one that would hold the most moisture. It ended up being from the Amax Coal mine area between Terre Haute and Brazil. Kind of sounds like this may be what they are doing at Eldora.

Tim Wolffrum aka Cowboy