Infineon Raceway Continues with Track Enhancements for 2005

SONOMA, Calif. Construction crews have begun work
at Infineon Raceway on track enhancements to the road course that will
be in place for the 2005 Big O Tires Racing Season.

 

The four projects will be particularly beneficial to the Indy Racing
League IndyCar(r) Series and the American Motorcyclist Association
(AMA). The IRL will make history at Infineon Raceway in 2005 with its
first-ever permanent road-course race in the 10-year history of the
series, Aug. 26-28. 

 

Infineon Raceway has spent more than $60 million over the last five
years on a comprehensive modernization project that has transformed the
facility into one of the premier motor sports and entertainment venues
in the country. Many of the added amenities over the last five years
have been designed for competitors, including increased runoff at
virtually every turn, removal of old, wooden bridges, creation of a
safer Turn 9-9a for the AMA, repositioning of the Turn 1 bridge and an
enlarged pit road that accommodates 43 race cars.

 

The theme continues in 2005. Ninety-percent of a grading project at Turn
2 is complete, making the runoff area level with the racetrack. A new
storm drain system has also been installed at Turns 1-2, which should
aid rain runoff.

 

Specific for the IRL race in August, a wall will be constructed on
driver's right from Turns 1-2, followed by tire-pack that will span
Turns 2-4. Finally, three Musco light poles, which are currently at the
exit of the Carousel (Turn 6), will be moved back 40 feet onto a slope.
The wall and tire-pack at Turns 1-4 will exist ONLY for the IRL race.

 

Raceway officials will also pave small areas of runoff at AMA and IRL
Turn 9a, and the exit of the Carousel (Turn 6).

 

All work will be completed for the 2005 road-racing season, which begins
with the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, May
13-15.