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

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

Thanks, Dave

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.

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 ? )


Paul :Steer

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!

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.

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

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.

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