Mid-Ohio Being Repaved, Improved For 2006 Season

Mid-Ohio Being Repaved, Improved For 2006 Season

© 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

COMPLETE TRACK RESURFACING AMONG CONTINUING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE DUBLIN, Ohio (November 28, 2005) – In keeping with its reputation as America’s most competitive road course, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is currently undergoing extensive capital improvements in preparation for its seven-event 2006 season. Among the improvements 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. 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., the owner and operator of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School. “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. Dublin, Ohio, firm Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates is the architect. “As with most of the design work we’ve overseen at Mid-Ohio, there were a lot of variables to consider,” said Ron Gajoch, principal of Ronald J. Gajoch & Associates. “Maintaining the track’s character, increasing its capabilities, and providing a surface that enhances safety for competitors and spectators alike were all imperative, and we’ve accounted for each with creative solutions.” “It’s a privilege to manage this project for Mid-Ohio,” said Kokosing Vice President Wayne Brassell. “They’ve approached it with a great deal of diligence and a long-term view, and that’s the same way we look at our projects. We’re looking forward to working together and creating a track surface that’s second to none.” Columbus-based Resource International is creating the asphalt mix for the track with help from Kokosing Materials’ asphalt design division. “A race track is a unique roadway, and the demands that modern racing machines place on it require a unique asphalt mix,” said Kokosing Materials President Bob Bailey. “We’ll be doing a great deal of testing as we proceed to ensure that the Mid-Ohio track is not only fast, but also safe, consistent and easy to maintain.” 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). Other events on next year’s calendar include the EMCO Gears Classic, featuring the Rolex Sports Car Series, and Unlimited Audio Accessories Triple Crown Tuner Challenge (June 23-25), AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 28-30), Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire (Aug. 4-6), Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio (Aug. 18-20), National Auto Sport Association Championships (Sept. 15-17), and AMA Superbike Shootout (Sept. 29-Oct. 1). Season passes and individual event tickets are available now by calling 1-800-MID-OHIO or logging on to www.midohio.com. Enrollment for more than 100 class days in 14 courses at The Mid-Ohio School also is open, and available by visiting www.midohio.com/school or calling 1-877-973-8667. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road racing circuit in Lexington, Ohio. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the track has been called the most competitive in the U.S. and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned racing events for amateur, club and professional riders and drivers. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, TrueSports, Inc., is a privately held motorsports entertainment enterprise. The company owns and operates Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, and promotes a wide variety of motor racing, driver instruction, corporate, and family entertainment events throughout the year.

Latest Posts

WorldSBK: Bulega Undergoes “Arm Pump” Surgery In Italy

Nicolò Bulega underwent surgery for compartment syndrome Nicolò Bulega underwent...

How To Identify Real Vanson Leathers

Vanson has been producing jackets, riding/racing suits, and other...

Kato Named New President Of Yoshimura Japan

Editorial Note: Yohei Kato is the grandson of Yoshimura...

Suzuki Hayabusa Anniversary Celebration Scheduled April 27 In Concord, NC

SUZUKI HAYABUSA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMING TO CONCORD, NC “Hayabusa Homecoming”...

Oxley Bom Podcast: Hanging With Jorge

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner...