AZ Speedway TT racing track changes

[ElderGeek]

OK, Following is my two cents on how we can address the following issues at the TT track at Speedworld. It is my understanding these are the issues at hand:

1. Few passing areas
2. Rough/bumpy track surface overall
3. Inconsistant track surface
4. Knobbie riders "chunking up" the track at key areas, mainly:
......a. The first infield left hand turn leaving 1/4m circle track.
......b. The following infield right hander before the roller bump.
......c. Entering turn-3 on the 1/4m circle track.
5. Incorporating a rear knobbie tire "type/brand/model" rule


I may have missed some so feel free to add them. Here is my suggestion for a new track layout. It mainly changes the infield portion and how we enter the 1/4m circle track. Take a moment to review it then read my details below.



After leaving the 1/4m circle track to make the left hander into the infield, the rider has two lanes to choose from.

1. The left hand lane is a longer, but smoother and faster path to the infield straight. It does have a small roller jump entering the infield straight.

2. The right hand lane is shorter & slower, with speed bumps/rollers throughout and a clean entry into the infield straight.

3. Remove the existing roller bump on the infield straight.

This is not a new idea as it is used at other TT tracks accross the country. It will take some time & adjustments to get them "equal" by adding/removing, changing the size/shape of the speed bumps in the shorter lane. As well as the size and shape of the roller bump entering the straight on the longer lane.

4. Cross over turn-4 of the 1/5m circle track instead of turning right onto it. Going off the back of turn-4 will force riders to slow then turn right, then a quick left around the light pole. The right side of this left hand turn can use the back side of turns-3&4 1/5m circle track, as a small banked turn. We could even continue to build it up around the turn to complete a smooth transition of the banking. It might not matter as speed through here would be rather slow, but slight banking might give another lane for passing.

Then gradually enter the 1/4m circle track so as not to "chunk it up" as the riders will be heading fairly straight at this point. This layout will move all of the "Hard Turns" to the infield not effecting the circle tracks as much as before. This should appease the 'two wheelers' that don't like us 'four wheelers' running on 'their track'. Even though we have been out numbering them lately.

It did not obviously measure lane widths so some slight changes would be needed to "field fit" it all together. This layout addresses items #1 & 4 above. Preping for circle track races would be easier as we will be 'crossing' the circle tracks or gradually merging onto them, as opposed of making 'hard turns' on both tracks. Items #2 & 3 will be addressed in another thread about "on going" dirt track prep & maintenance.



As far as a rear knobbie tire rule, I would go for approving Turf Tammers. Not because I already have them but because they are very soft compared to ITPs & Maxis desert & MX tires. They don't have the aggressive side bite of the other tires that causes the "chunking" of the track. I would suggest we talk to a local vendors or, Oh Yea, Site Sponsors!! (PowerSports, DFR, Lytles, or Big-O tires) They could work out a deal with AZSP as prefered suppliers of wheels and tires of AZSP TT Racing. They get signage and other promotion, riders get a break on wheel/tire package deals. And one can ride Turf Tammers elsewhere, so the rider can get more use out of them then just at the track.



So there you go! We all know we need to do something, so don't just pass this off and say it will not work. I would be available to help making these layout changes with enough notice from Steve & Joe. I am sure others would help out too. It's basically some grading and hay bale moving.


Looking forward to yor comments...



..

[lwrider20]

i agree with mike and he definetly has the right idea. the track needs to be changed for a few reasons. first off it just gets boring after about 3-4 years of running the same track over and over again. new layout might bring new riders. plus like mike said address the turn 3 "hole issue by moving the turn elsewhere. i personally think if they are going to redo the track i would like to see a whole new layout not just a slight variation on what they already have and passing lanes would be a good idea too, but not needed in order to pass. i say we all draw up some plans like mike has done on what we would like to see on the track and we all sit down and decide what we like best. shoot for all we know they could say no but its worth a shot at least.

[panici33]

When do we start excavating. I have a shovel.

Well done Mike. I love the two lane idea but may have to eliminate one roller in the inside lane. I think that outside lane would be fast.

Dumb question: Are the light poles portable?

Turf tamers would work and even the Cheng Shings.

[Kramar119]

I can't seem to find the jumps on the above drawing. Hey, if supermoto has such a draw due to a couple of jumps in the dirt section, would it be such a bad thing?? A table and a double never hurt anyone!

[ElderGeek]

Kramer, We have little 'bumps' in TT. And no pavement close by to build a Supermoto track. By the way, nice site!! Though I would get a new photo guy......

Bobby, I'm up for other layouts. I drew up a few different versions until I decided on this one. To anyone taking on the task, when drawing one up keep the issues posted above in mind. The less we make hard turns on the roundy-round tracks the better off we will be. Crossing or merging reduces the "hole" issue.

Panici, yea, the speed bumps would need to setup, raced on, changed, race again, etc. till both lanes are about the same "time" to travel. This would take a few sessions to work out.

.....Are the light poles portable? Nope, solid like tree!! More hay bales would be in order on a few of the corners.

Post up your ideas!!!

[Kramar119]

Thanks.

I'm not suggesting a supermoto track, I was just curious about a couple of jumps on the infield similar to what they have in the dirt section of a supermoto course. Just a suggestion... might bring out a few more riders, and that is really what they are after, right?

We raced a supermoto race at the end of the Speedworld drag strip years ago, and they have a dirt section with a few jumps, and that section was a BLAST!

[ElderGeek]

Just a suggestion... might bring out a few more riders, and that is really what they are after, right?

yup! That and keeping the two wheelers happy...



Here are some variations to chew on. Can't remember how high the banking is on the 1/5m.

[predator22]

elder even with me being retired by the wife due to my crash on the 1/4 and having a seperated shoulder i will still be active glad to see your input but with your history with the haybales dont you think by moving the water truck that is close to your favorite spot might be wise hope to see you back out soon . BOB BOYER

[ElderGeek]

Ohhh, You a funny, funny man....

Actually I have a three favorite spots.

As you mentioned, the roller on the infield straight, just past the water truck.
Blame: Riding over my head. Totally my fault.
Result: Four months healing and physical therapy. Lots of quad damage.

Turn two of the 1/4m.
Blame: Fat lazy rider, My fault.
Result: Tweaked above injuries. No quad damage.

Entering the infield.
Blame: A youngin' with more balls then brains at the time. We be buds now though.
Result: Scraps and cuts, more damage to quad then me this time.

You happened to cash in your last racin' ticket. I have one more left. As long as I can still work and not need to go to the hospital, I'm good. If I do another like crash #1, My wife will pull the plug too.

As soon as I get my trailer finished out, I will be back. Finishing up insulating this week and coating the floor this weekend weather permitting.

What do you think of the layouts I posted? Any tweaks or wholesale changes? Do you think Steve & Joe would be receptive?

[ElderGeek]

Someone fill me in on what was discussed at the quad riders meeting last Saturday. What was asked, answered?