Post by dalejrfan on Mar 6, 2006 23:09:53 GMT -5
MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- Outlaw Motor Speedway, south of Muskogee, Oklahoma has made a name for itself since opening in April of 2003 as being one of the most state of the art dirt track facilities in the nation. Among the praise have been some suggestions and ideas for improvement.
Track owner Gary and Theresa Clay have listened to the good and the bad that followed building their dream.
“When we started construction in 2002 we visited as many tracks around the nation as we could and took notes on what we liked and didn’t like and the Outlaw is what we built,” says Gary Clay. “Now we are four years old and we have been taking notes on our own track on how to improve it. We have been listening to suggestions and ideas over the years to see what the fans and drivers wanted and where we could improve.”
Improving what he could is just what the goal was going into the off-season.
The first order of business was to refresh the racing surface and get back to the original plan in 2003. Dirt crews worked 10 hour days for 17 days, hauling in over 60,000 cubic yards of new clay to resurrect the race track surface. With the new clay being brought in, the track surface itself has been raised over four feet around the track. The track width is back to the original four lane configuration with the banking reduced to about 8 degrees consistently all around the track from the 11 degrees the last three years.
A handful of racers have already tested the new surface and offered their feedback to what has been done.
Three time defending Modified points champion Gary Andrews knew immediately that he would like the new surface after his first lap. “It feels like a smoother transition going into the corners and overall it feels like a better surface than what it was in the past,” said Andrews. “I didn’t get that many laps in on it but I could tell it is going to be better.”
Defending Economy Modified points champion Heath Weston also partook in the practice and had high praises for the track. “It is more like it was back in 2002-03 when the track opened,” said Weston. “I think the racing will be better and we will see more competition with this track.” “I think the corners are more manageable making handling better on everyone.”
Raising the track four feet, another issue was addressed, not being able to see the cars very well on the front straightaway.
“Raising the track has improved the sight of the cars zooming by tremendously,” said General Manager Eric Shannon. “We have been listening and that was one of our major concerns on how to improve the visibility.”
Other improvements around the track may not be as noticeable as the new track surface but the overall benefits will be seen during the 2006 season.
· Installing a new sound system and additional lights in the pits were also a priority as these projects are still under construction for the 2006 season.
· The flag stand has been lowered nearly five feet to allow the drivers a better view of the flagman.
· Bathrooms in the pits have been heated / air-conditioned this season.
· Tech area was improved by adding a covering and additional lights for inspectors.
· Two additional drains have been added to the track to assist in draining the track after a rain.
· Grass has been planted on the track infield and around the track complex to minimize dust and create a friendlier environment.
· The Outlaw offices have been moved to the track full time as permanent offices have been completed along with a conference room.
· The area has been cleared for the dirt work on the new drag strip.
· A supplemental pond has been dug to provide additional water during low precipitation years.
"We have basically gone back to the original design of the track, this will increase the racing this year, making racing better for the drivers and fans, “said Clay. “We are all very excited about this season and with the overall improvements I believe everyone will see a different race track.”
The 2006 season kicks off Mach 25th with the first point’s race April 1st and the Azalea Super Sprint Shootout $2,000 to win April 8th. The National Sprint Tour visits April 15th.
Track owner Gary and Theresa Clay have listened to the good and the bad that followed building their dream.
“When we started construction in 2002 we visited as many tracks around the nation as we could and took notes on what we liked and didn’t like and the Outlaw is what we built,” says Gary Clay. “Now we are four years old and we have been taking notes on our own track on how to improve it. We have been listening to suggestions and ideas over the years to see what the fans and drivers wanted and where we could improve.”
Improving what he could is just what the goal was going into the off-season.
The first order of business was to refresh the racing surface and get back to the original plan in 2003. Dirt crews worked 10 hour days for 17 days, hauling in over 60,000 cubic yards of new clay to resurrect the race track surface. With the new clay being brought in, the track surface itself has been raised over four feet around the track. The track width is back to the original four lane configuration with the banking reduced to about 8 degrees consistently all around the track from the 11 degrees the last three years.
A handful of racers have already tested the new surface and offered their feedback to what has been done.
Three time defending Modified points champion Gary Andrews knew immediately that he would like the new surface after his first lap. “It feels like a smoother transition going into the corners and overall it feels like a better surface than what it was in the past,” said Andrews. “I didn’t get that many laps in on it but I could tell it is going to be better.”
Defending Economy Modified points champion Heath Weston also partook in the practice and had high praises for the track. “It is more like it was back in 2002-03 when the track opened,” said Weston. “I think the racing will be better and we will see more competition with this track.” “I think the corners are more manageable making handling better on everyone.”
Raising the track four feet, another issue was addressed, not being able to see the cars very well on the front straightaway.
“Raising the track has improved the sight of the cars zooming by tremendously,” said General Manager Eric Shannon. “We have been listening and that was one of our major concerns on how to improve the visibility.”
Other improvements around the track may not be as noticeable as the new track surface but the overall benefits will be seen during the 2006 season.
· Installing a new sound system and additional lights in the pits were also a priority as these projects are still under construction for the 2006 season.
· The flag stand has been lowered nearly five feet to allow the drivers a better view of the flagman.
· Bathrooms in the pits have been heated / air-conditioned this season.
· Tech area was improved by adding a covering and additional lights for inspectors.
· Two additional drains have been added to the track to assist in draining the track after a rain.
· Grass has been planted on the track infield and around the track complex to minimize dust and create a friendlier environment.
· The Outlaw offices have been moved to the track full time as permanent offices have been completed along with a conference room.
· The area has been cleared for the dirt work on the new drag strip.
· A supplemental pond has been dug to provide additional water during low precipitation years.
"We have basically gone back to the original design of the track, this will increase the racing this year, making racing better for the drivers and fans, “said Clay. “We are all very excited about this season and with the overall improvements I believe everyone will see a different race track.”
The 2006 season kicks off Mach 25th with the first point’s race April 1st and the Azalea Super Sprint Shootout $2,000 to win April 8th. The National Sprint Tour visits April 15th.