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TRACKS: Work Begins Above Turn 7 on New Entrance Gate into Sears Point

12 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

SONOMA, Calif.- More than one million cubic yards of dirt has already been moved at Sears Point Raceway in less than one month, but the work has only just begun in the $35 million Modernization Plan.

Construction crews are currently working on three different areas - the south side of the property, the hillside above Turns 2-4 on the road course and the hillside above Turn 7.

The area above Turn 7 is the latest section of Sears Point that has been attacked by the 135-ton Caterpillar earth-movers that are in operation six days a week. Machines are grading the mountainside for a new eight-to-10 lane gate that will serve as the new main entrance into the facility for race fans during event weekends. Fans will be able to access the new Gate 7 from Highway 121.

The substantial number of vehicle lanes will help ease congestion on event weekends as a means of entering/exiting Sears Point. Moreover, there will be nearly one-quarter mile of road available once vehicles enter the property, further taking traffic off the highway. The new Gate 7 will be ready for the 2001 racing season.

Work also continues at both Turns 2-4 and also on the south side of the property. Jere Starks, Vice President of Facilities at Sears Point, said he expects construction of 34,000 hillside terrace seats alongside Turns 2-4 to begin Oct. 23. In conjunction, additional run-off will be made in the area to enhance driver safety, and a 40-foot wide customer service road will be built to further help with vehicle traffic flow.

On the south side of the property, crews continue the grading process that will lead to the construction of 146,000 square feet of tenant space, plus a Go-Kart track. The Go-Kart track will not be built until Phase 2 of the plan, but the additional tenant space should be available sometime during the 2001 season.

Other Phase One elements include: new wastewater treatment system; construction of partial garages (32) for competitors; pedestrian tunnel under Highway 121; increased run-off on the road course at turns 1, 2, 3, 3a, 4, 6 and 7; sound wall at Turn 9 that will reduce noise emanating from the facility; and a signal light at Gate 1 to help control traffic flow;

All Phase One elements should be complete by the 2001 racing season. Once the two-year plan is complete, Sears Point will be transformed into one of the premier motor racing and entertainment venues in the world.

Text Provided By John Cardinale

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.