Tornado strikes Atlanta oval
Aforce two tornado sweeping through Georgia has hit Atlanta Motor Speedway, causing millions of dollars worth of damage.
Winds of 150 mph struck the speedway on July 6, causing considerable damage to large portions of the track, tearing down the scoring tower and ripping thorough grandstands.
Around 20 percent of the back straight suites were wiped out, while a similar proportion of the suites high above main grandstand on the front straight were also torn open. Nearly half of the roof of the condominium building, which also houses the track offices, was ripped off.
The clearup began immediately.
Pictures: Atlanta Motor Speedway
Meanwhile, miles of fencing, track lighting and safety barriers were also extensively damaged and several course vehicles -including buses used for track tours - were left complete write-offs.
The winds were the remnants of Hurricane Cindy which caused six twisters in Georgia, killing two people. Hurricane Dennis followed, bringing heavy rains to complicate the clearup.
Track officials put the bill for the damage at $40 million dollars but have vowed to repair the track in time for its NASCAR round at the end of October.
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