Speedway On-Track

Photography by Ron McQeeney

Thanks in great part to favorable fall weather, Indianapolis Motor Speedway has completed paving for the 16-turn roadcourse that will be used for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on September 14, 2008. According to Kevin Forbes, IMS director of engineering and construction, most major phases of the project are finished.

Interviews (MP3 Format)"We had an extremely ambitious, almost unrealistic schedule," said Forbes. "Creek relocation and concealment is finished. All the paving is finished. Eighty percent of the earthwork and grading is finished. We have 40 or 45 percent of either relocated or new guardrail installed and 20 percent of the fencing completed."

Main goal in laying the 8000 tons of fresh asphalt was to blend the old pavement of the Speedway's famed 2.5-mile oval with that which will used for the infield portion of the course. "It's like taking one artery and splicing it with another artery," said Forbes. "The complexity and sensitivity to the existing elements are what make this project unique and tricky."

Representatives from the FIM and Dorna visited the Speedway this past November. "They did a fantastic job," said Franco Uncini, 1982 500cc world champion and MotoGP rider safety representative. "We will come back for the final inspection, but for the moment, we are very happy about the layout of the racetrack."Construction will continue through the winter months, with most work scheduled for completion by May 4, opening day for the 92nd Indianapolis 500. Tickets for the event can be purchased either online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by telephone at 317/492-6700.