Drag
Route 66 Raceway prepares new track surface
Back To The Grind--Literally Route 66 Raceway Approaches End of Resurfacing Project (Joliet, Ill. -- April 1, 2004) This Sunday marks the beginning of daylight savings time signifying that Illinois is just that much closer to summer weather, ...
Published: Apr 3, 2004, 6:22 PM
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Back To The Grind--Literally
Route 66 Raceway Approaches End of Resurfacing Project
(Joliet, Ill. -- April 1, 2004) This Sunday marks the beginning of daylight savings time signifying that Illinois is just that much closer to summer weather, better than that, Route 66 Raceway is closer to race season. Today, Route 66 Raceway began the process of grinding it's brand new track surface in anticipation of another record breaking season. The asphalt has cured through the winter and today marked the first day of the final stage of the drag strip surface renovation.
Route 66 Raceway began the two-step resurfacing process with the removal and replacement of the existing asphalt from the 500 foot mark and continued 820 feet to the finish line in the fall of 2003. After allowing the new pavement to cure through the winter, today marked the final stages of grinding and polishing the surface to remove any imperfections.
Special state-of-the-art machinery has been brought in and the grinding process began at the transition of concrete and asphalt at the 480 foot mark. It continues the length of the new asphalt (820 feet) and will end around 50 feet past the transition of new and old asphalt. Route 66 Raceway is using high-tech laser technology to guide the machine and focus on a flawless surface and unnoticeable transitions.
This meticulous process enables track officials to make the drag strip surface as flat and as consistent as possible. The final effect is a smooth and tightly compacted surface that is excellent for launching drag racing machines.
"This mixture of polymers and aggregate has served us well. This is one smooth baby," proclaimed Chris McMahan Operations Manager of Route 66 Raceway. "I just can't wait for us to finish this grinding process and see a car go down the track."
Racers and fans are encouraged to help christen the new track by laying down rubber during the first Test & Tune event of the season at Route 66 Raceway. The Saturday April 17, Test & Tune presented by Beaver Creek Trailers, will open its doors at 9:00 am. Normal Test & Tune guidelines will follow, see www.route66raceway.com for details.
The official 2004 Season Opener "Kicks at 66" will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2004. The days activities will include jet cars, a monster truck on display, live music, fireworks show and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new track surface. Test & Tune begins at 11:00am and the Top Sportsman Class bracket begins at 1:00pm with the biggest Top Sportsman Route 66 Raceway payout of the year. The Kicks at 66 Season Opener crowd show begins at 6:00p.m. Visit www.route66raceway.com for more information.
About Route 66 Raceway:
Dubbed the first true "Stadium of Drag Racing," Route 66 Raceway provides top-notch entertainment for all types of racing fans. Route 66 Raceway is a multimillion-dollar complex including a 1/4-mile, 30,000 seat, stadium-style drag strip with 27 luxury suites and a 1/2-mile dirt oval track. The multipurpose facility hosts a wide variety of entertaining events, including two NHRA POWERade Drag Racing National events featuring Top Fuel, Funny Cars, Pro Stocks and motorcycle racing. Route 66 Raceway also features, USAC Sprint and Midgets, demolition derby's, monster truck shows, Jr. Dragsters, car shows, bracket racing, music venues, an NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing event, and much more. Route 66 Raceway is located 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago on Old Historic Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, three miles south of I-80 on Route 53.
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