NAPA Super DIRT Week is Open for Business The New Stage is Set for Racing’s Biggest Party
Story By: CHRISTINA CORDOVA/ SUPER DIRTcar SERIES MEDIA
Photos By: RACERSGUIDE.COM PHOTO STAFF
CONCORD, NC –September 30, 2016- In under 80 days, the 54-year-old Oswego Speedway has undergone a major overhaul for NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week, with renovations that would typically take crews a year to complete.
Since the “New Stage” was announced on July 14, construction crews have been scattered throughout the Oswego, NY facility putting in 10- to 12-hour workdays to transform the timeless Oswego Speedway in advance of the 45th Annual NAPA Super Dirt Week.
Crews have worked vigorously to complete all of this work in record time. One of the most aggressive projects was the Lakeview Grandstand that oversees the backstretch of the racetrack. More than 200,000 lbs. of steel was used to upgrade the stands to accommodate 6,622 fans.
The Black Lot campgrounds have been completely renovated with new plumbing and electricity for over 90 spots, and gravel now levels the grounds on which it sits.
Oswego Speedway, traditionally a 5/8-mile asphalt oval, has been covered with approximately 9,600 cubic yards of clay for next week’s festivities. Grooming of the new “Clay Palace” has been ongoing over the last two weeks in order to give the racers the best possible surface for this monumental event.
Several new roads – including Big-Block Boulevard, which connects campers to newly added amenities, including the bathhouses – have been carved and readied for race traffic.
Over two miles of fencing was used along the perimeter of the 86-acre facility to create an open gate atmosphere. Albany Street, which runs parallel to the front-stretch of the Oswego Speedway, will be closed to traffic during NAPA Super DIRT Week to enhance the fan experience with team merchandise vendors, extra concessions and sponsor displays.
Fans who have previously attended pavement races at the historic Oswego Speedway will find it difficult to recognize the facility. Not only have many permanent and temporary improvements been made, but there is also a new entrance and traffic patterns. Fans are encouraged to view the FAQ’s on www.SuperDIRTWeekOnline.com to ensure the best race experience possible.
“The facility as you’ve seen it will be completely different for Super DIRT Week,” said Jeff Hachmann, event director for DIRTcar Racing. “It has become one big property instead of how it used to be. After receiving word late in the summer about the switch of venues, it really is a miracle, but everyone joined together to get all the work completed, assuring the fans will have the best of experiences.”
The 45th Annual NAPA Super DIRT Week is officially here and ready to invade Oswego Speedway. The first racecar will hit the track on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 3:00 p.m., as the Big-Block Modifieds have their first open practice.
