Road Atlanta renovates
Extra runoff has been provided at Turns 3-5.
Picture: Road Atlanta
Arepaving of the entire 2.54-mile racing surface is the focal point of a renovation and capital improvements project at the Road Atlanta circuit in Braselton, Georgia.
The track, owned by ALMS founder Don Panoz, has also moved back the concrete barrier block walls on both sides of the lower part of the Esses – the signature set of turns 3-5 – by as much as 30 feet, giving competitors additional runoff room. Moving the walls back will also improve sight lines for spectators from Spectator Hill looking from Turn 5 back to Turn 3.
“We were able to move the walls back further than we initially thought,” explained Road Atlanta general manager Brian Skuza, “and that gives the competitors a larger runoff area. This has been a massive project, but the weather has been our biggest problem. All of the ground preparation has gone smoothly, and the paving process has been done without a major problem.”
Prior to repaving all of the concrete patches were completely dug up and filled with a gravel base and asphalt. Extensive milling of the old surface, especially in the corners, also was done. That will give the new asphalt top better adhesion completely around the track. The curbs have been repaired or replaced as well.
Previously as part of this renovation project, the back half of the main paddock and the front entrance parking lot were paved. Originally built in 1970, Road Atlanta was last repaved in 1992. Since purchasing the world class facility in 1996, Dr. Don Panoz has spent millions of dollars in capital improvements, including the redesign of turn 10, elimination of the Dip and building a new main paddock on the infield side.
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