Phase Two of IRP Multi-Million Dollar Modernization Plan Underway

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Tue, 3 Jun 2003, 09:27 AM

Phase Two of IRP Multi-Million Dollar Modernization Plan Underway

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

INDIANAPOLIS -- Phase Two of an extensive, multi-million dollar three-phase modernization plan to upgrade all components of the drag strip complex of historic Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) is underway, track officials announced today. Completion of Phase Two is set for the running of the 49th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Aug. 27-Sept. 1, the world's largest drag racing event.

Rendering of IRP plans.
The facility improvements scheduled for completion during Phase Two will focus on fan amenities, corporate hospitality and general aesthetic enhancements. Specifically, construction has already begun on new luxury VIP box suites and relocation of the East Side Grandstands. General cosmetic improvements including entrance signage, a new ticket plaza at the main entrance, resurfacing the main driveway, widening the main entrance to ease ingress/egress and enhancing concession stands, restrooms and building functionality.

Phase One of the modernization plan was completed in April 2001, and included a total resurfacing and electronic cabling of the quarter-mile drag strip, as well as repaving of the staging lanes and shutdown area.

"We're excited to begin Phase Two construction which will continue our plan to increase Indianapolis Raceway Park's status as the premier drag racing facility in the country," said Peter Clifford, executive vice president and general manager, NHRA. "Phase One of the project was a great success in improving the quality of the racing, as the track surface has received rave reviews from drivers and as a result the fans have enjoyed many memorable performances. Our next step is to improve several aspects of the facility, to make the fan experience more enjoyable. We're certain fans will see a major difference at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals this season."

Eight state-of-the-art luxury VIP box suites will be constructed atop the West Side Grandstands. The suites are designed to provide shade to the upper level seats of the West Side Grandstand and provide indoor and outdoor seating for guests.

The East Side Grandstands, located on the pit side of the track, will be moved 30-feet closer to the drag strip, offering fans a closer view of race action. A new arch will be built atop the existing bridge in the staging lanes with a backlit sign in the center.

In Phase Three, expected to be completed in 2004 and time for the 50th anniversary of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, The Parks Tower will be completely refurbished including a major upgrade to the media center and race control operations center. The initial phases of the remodeling of The Parks Tower, constructed originally in 1983, will begin in late 2003. Two key elements of the plan call for extensive interior and exterior renovation as well as the addition of a small viewing area on the roof underneath a canopy.

Phase Three will include, in addition to The Parks Tower refurbish, construction of a permanent Top Eliminator Club building and resurfacing existing paving in the professional pit area.

The 49th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, will be contested at IRP Aug. 27-Sept. 1. Drag racing's most prestigious event will feature more than 10 hours of coverage by ESPN's family of networks.

One of five drag racing facilities owned and operated by the National Hot Rod Association, IRP was built in 1960 and has presented organized racing events since 1961. From March through October, the facility hosts more than 120 dates of racing on three tracks: a quarter-mile drag strip, a .686-mile paved oval and a 2.5-mile road course. Home to drag racing's most prestigious event, the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the drag strip runs more than 50 days of point-to-point action, from national events to grassroots racing in NHRA' Street Legal program. The oval track draws some of sprint and stock car racing's biggest events, including annual visits from the NASCAR Busch and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to five annual USAC races, and an exclusive Saturday Night Series. The road course provides a home for several racing sanctions, including SCCA, while providing an ideal resource for driving schools, corporate outings and open-road tests for professional drivers. Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members nationwide and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.