Atlanta rebuilding complete
The reconstructed main grandstand at Atlanta.
Picture: Atlanta Motor Speedway
Teams of construction workers have completed a mammmoth reconstruction project to repair damage caused by storm-force winds at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
An F2-class tornado ravished the facility July 6 causing major damag to the circuit. 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.
Meanwhile, miles of fencing, track lighting and safety barriers were also extensively damaged. The repair bill was put at an estimated $40 million.
"Since day one, we have pledged to build Atlanta Motor Speedway back in time for the October 28-30 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500," said Ed Clark, president and general manager of Atlanta Motor Speedway. "Not only are we going to meet that goal, we were able to take this disaster and use it as an opportunity to make Atlanta Motor Speedway a more fan-friendly track."
A team of 97 contractors and sub-contractors worked some 350,000 man hours to replace:
- Over 8 miles of fencing;
- 97 contractors and sub-contractors
- 129 New flag poles;
- 639 plumbing fixtures;
- 750 tons of air conditioning systems;
- 10,000 tons of asphalt;
- Over 12,000 square yards of carpet;
- 20,250 cubic feet of concrete;
"Over the next year and a half, you will see even more improvements as we continue the rebuilding of the facility. We have a long history of continuous upgrades and improvements to bolster the overall fan experience," promised Clark.
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