Mid-Ohio upgrades on the way
Extensive improvements are being made the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course at Lexington, Ohio, which will ensure it continues to host top-class racing.
Among the work will be a complete track and pit lane resurfacing, and the creation of a connector in the track's famed Keyhole section. Also included in the project will be the removal of concrete patches from the track, the relocation of the wall and guardrail at turn one, the expansion of gravel traps at the exits of turn one and the Keyhole, the replacement of all remaining old-style catch-fencing, and the standardization of curbing throughout the circuit.
Owner and track operator TrueSports, Inc. has made continuous improvements to the renowned 2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio circuit over its 44-year history, including recent surface repairs, wall relocations and gravel trap upgrades. In addition to enhancing performance and safety, these newest improvements will give the track three road course configurations, new timing loops, additional capacity and flexibility for its track and driving school operations, a complete amateur motocross venue, and a wider range of events and activities for fans.
"Continuous improvement has been a hallmark of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course since its founding," said Michelle Trueman Gajoch, president of TrueSports, Inc. "As always, our goal with these improvements is a better, safer environment for our competitors and students, and a more complete and exciting facility for fans. We look forward to unveiling the changes in 2006."
The resurfacing portion of the project already has begun, and will include the milling of the entire road course and pit lane, subgrade and base reinforcement in certain areas, and drainage enhancements. Ohio's largest privately held general contractor, Fredericktown-based Kokosing Construction, is the project manager, with Dublin, Ohio, firm Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates in charge of the design work.
Among the other off-season improvements taking place at Mid-Ohio is the completion of an on-site motocross facility. The existing motocross venue will receive a number of upgrades in order to host American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and manufacturer events.
The projects are slated to be completed in advance of the track's first spectator event of 2006, the American Le Mans at Mid-Ohio (May 19-21).
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