TRACKS: Work Begins Above Turns 2-4 at Sears Point
29 September 2000
SONOMA, Calif. (September 29, 2000) - Work is officially under way at Sears Point Raceway on Area 2 of the $35 million Modernization Plan.Construction crews have begun to grade the hillside above Turns 2-4, which will eventually make way for 34,000 Hillside Terrace seats. In addition, a new 40-foot wide customer service road will be built above the terrace seats, creating for a better flow of vehicle traffic. A separate shuttle route will also be built around the facility, beginning at Turn 2, to take fans around the property at major events.
Crews are working six days per week and moving around 10,000-20,000 cubic yards of dirt per day in the area. Raceway officials hope to begin actual construction of the terrace seats and vehicle access roads by late October. The new seating area will be ready in time for the 2001 racing season. Phase 2 of the Modernization Plan, which will likely start at the conclusion of the 2001 racing season in August, will feature an additional 30,000 terrace seats alongside Turns 8-9. The entire project should be complete by the 2002 racing season.
Work also continues in Area 1 located on the south end of the property. Since breaking ground on the Modernization Plan on Sept. 13, more than 500,000 cubic yards of dirt have been moved from Area 1. Once complete, the south end of the property will feature 146,000 square feet of additional tenant space, plus a Go-Kart track.
Other Phase One elements include:
· New wastewater treatment system;
· Construction of partial garages (32) for competitors;
· Pedestrian tunnel under Highway 121
· Construction of a service road/entrance for fans at Gate 7 alongside 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;
· 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.