[Shotimes] Road racing input needed for new track

[Donald Mallinson]

This is what the owners want, so having some input is better than no 
input, and it isn't about just the course layout, it is also about 
memberships, availability, rules etc.  And they already have a good 
designer on staff, but they are looking to see what the people that plan 
on using the course would like to see.

Doesn't mean they will follow every whim to the detriment of the design.

I applaud them for trying to involve their target market.  No different 
than doing group studies on new cars.

Most golf courses are designed by golfers, just ones that design courses 
after they can no longer play at the top level.  Wonder how many golf 
courses were designed by people that never played the game?   Most race 
courses are designed by former racers or at least people that know how 
to race.  Asking for input from other racers/drivers is valid.  It is up 
to the owners and eventual designer to sift through the info and either 
use or discard it.

Don Mallinson



Ron Porter wrote:

> Find a professional road course architect, like the one that designed 
> Barber Motorports Park.
>  
> It's a lot more than just the layout of the track.
>  
> It's like asking golfers to help design a new golf course....you get 
> input, with most of it not useful.
>  
> Ron Porter
>
> Donald Mallinson <dmall@mwonline.net> wrote:
>
>     At a Peoria area meeting of several car clubs, the new
>     owners/operators
>     of the I39 Raceway Park at Minonk (IL, 20 miles or so north of
>     Bloomington) asked for people to participate in a series of meetings
>     about the design of the new road course (drag strip is pretty much
>     designed....straight!) :)
>
>     I am looking for a couple people that have a lot of track time,
>     and have
>     some thoughts on track design, safety, etc, that would be willing to
>     drive to the Bloomington area a couple or so times this summer and
>     participate in discussions.
>
>     They don't want a huge group, but I will be there, and a couple more
>     people would be nice, Chicago metro area interest is also a good
>     thing.
>
>     Get back to me off-list if interested, I should know the approx.
>     schedule in a few days and we can see who can make it.
>
>     They expect to start construction this summer/early fall and could
>     have
>     the first races next summer.
>
>     Drag Strip will be first, followed by the Road Course, hopefully the
>     same year, and the oval track the next year. Oval track went from #2
>     priority to #3 because we brought more people to every meeting and
>     have
>     been vocal about support.
>
>     Another option for track days is a good thing.
>
>     Don Mallinson
>     _______________________________________________
>     Shotimes mailing list
>     Shotimes@autox.team.net
>     http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shotimes