Paving of the racing surface at Darlington Raceway has been completed, track President Chris Browning announced. “This begins a new chapter in the history books at Darlington Raceway,” said Browning. “We are very excited to be finished with the paving so that we can now focus on preparing for the upcoming Dodge Challenger 500 race weekend, May 8-10.”
Paving at Darlington Raceway began in mid-January, took nearly 15,000 tons of asphalt to complete and replaced a surface that was laid in 1994. Construction crews utilized 4 million reference points around the legendary track to ensure that the transitions in the corners and banking stayed true to the track’s original design.
The new racing surface was part of a $10 million capital improvement project that also included an infield access tunnel large enough to accommodate car haulers, motor homes and emergency vehicles and the addition of SAFER barrier walls to interior concrete walls on the frontstretch and backstretch.
“All of the upgrades that we have completed during this capital improvement project will play a vital role in the future of Darlington Raceway,” said Browning.
- Darlington installs Safer Barrier
- Repaving begins at Darlington
- Darlington could get new track surface
- Goodyear to tire test at Darlington
- Goodyear completes 2nd tire test at Darlington
This is good news. It will have a short time to cure but expect better racing. I have always looked forward to Bristol and Darlington shows. They are just so “old school”. No matter what you race here, skill has a lot to do with the final result.