FORT WORTH, Texas – The final stage of Texas Motor Speedway’s major capital improvement project will begin next week with the repaving of the track surface for the 1.5-mile oval configuration at the world-renowned motorsports facility that annually plays host to NASCAR and INDYCAR events.
The project began Jan. 9 and construction crews already have completed the installation of the drainage system on the backstretch and frontstretch as well as the grade changes in Turns 1 and 2. The re-profiling of that segment of the track will reduce the banking from 24 to 20 degrees and expand the racing surface from 60 to 80 feet. Turns 3 and 4 will remain unchanged from the current configuration of 24 degrees of banking and 60 feet of racing surface.
Lane Construction Corp., known as the preeminent paving company for NASCAR speedways, will direct the repaving project. The entire 1.5-mile oval racing surface will be repaved, along with pit road being recently added to the project list and scheduled for a complete repave. The paving phase is expected to take 28 days barring any delays.
“We didn’t initially mention we were going to pave pit road, but over the years it has gotten a little rough and this was an opportune time to add it to the project,” Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. “It’s been re-patched where needed over the years, but a new layer of pavement will make it nice and smooth for both the NASCAR and INDYCAR competitors.
“Paving equipment will be on the track within the week and the project should be complete and ready to roll by March 1. We are moving ahead wide open and right on target.”
Click here for the finished video package with Gossage on the track providing the updates or here for the b-roll video package that includes Gossage sound bites.
The new configuration and racing surface will debut April 7-9 with the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader. The weekend features SportsDay Qualifying Day Powered by The Dallas Morning News for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Friday, April 7; SportsDay Qualifying Day Powered by The Dallas Morning News for the XFINITY Series and Cowboy 300 race on Saturday, April 8; and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, April 9.
Tickets are available by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com or calling the speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500.
Story and photo courtesy of Texas Motor Speedway Media Relations Department
