Lonesome Pine raceway going dirt

[Josh Bayko]

I wouldn't use red clay to start any dirttrack.

Red clay makes for just as good a surface as any if you prep it the right way.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

Red clay makes for just as good a surface as any if you prep it the right way.

Correct. Port Royal, Lernerville, and the Atomic that was in Tn were/are pretty good.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

It's not always necessary to remove the asphalt to have a satisfactory dirt track. Just gotta make sure you lay enough clay that it doesn't become an issue. For instance, Fulton Speedway and Albany Saratoga Speedway were asphalt tracks and were converted into dirt tracks, and the asphalt was never removed on either. There don't have issues with the surface peeling.

While I’m sure it can be done Josh, I wouldn’t trust it, plus it would create some nice pit areas, parking areas, if you milled them up.

I’m sure with enough CLAY, any track would be good. Sharon held up till right before they shrank it. It was showing asphalt then.

[Josh Bayko]

Correct. Port Royal, Lernerville, and the Atomic that was in Tn were/are pretty good.

Sharon is finally starting to figure their’s out too.

[TerryM]

I used to assume red clay would work too, until I moved to Georgia a few years ago. I haven't seen a good, consistent red clay surface yet, in GA, SC or Bama. And the ones previously mentioned, that I've attended, aren't truly red clay. They're at least mixed with dirt -- except Sharon and Port Royal, which I haven't been to. Even Atomic in Tennessee, was a different kind of track than what I see down here. Maybe it's the promoters or the heat, or whatever, but the racing on the real red clay is terrible.

[EvelB7]

What is called 'clay' in the southeast is not the same as 'clay' in the Midwest. The stuff in the SE, at least at most of the tracks, is red dirt (and mixed with sand in quite a few places). Look at Carolina Speedway, place can be wet as all get out and you still cannot watch a race without goggles. Clay in the Midwest holds moisture and is very tacky-turning dry slick with still little dust. The Virginia area is different again, so hopefully Lonesome Pine can haul in something that works well for them.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

I used to assume red clay would work too, until I moved to Georgia a few years ago. I haven't seen a good, consistent red clay surface yet, in GA, SC or Bama. And the ones previously mentioned, that I've attended, aren't truly red clay. They're at least mixed with dirt -- except Sharon and Port Royal, which I haven't been to. Even Atomic in Tennessee, was a different kind of track than what I see down here. Maybe it's the promoters or the heat, or whatever, but the racing on the real red clay is terrible.

When it is very high percentage of red clay and only sand as another component, it eats tires fast and the rubber builds up. You are right, it's hard to make those surfaces stay racey.

[Josh Bayko]

When it is very high percentage of red clay and only sand as another component, it eats tires fast and the rubber builds up. You are right, it's hard to make those surfaces stay racey.

Sand is a terrible regardless of what it’s mixed with.

[4Barrel]

What is the surface at Tazewell, Tennessee?

[Phatdaddy]

I remember Atomic before '95 was not very good, not sure if they got a new track crew or what

[toddg13]

(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word) I never heard of a track intentionally adding SAND to their red clay! Sand eats up tires. I know New Senoia did not add Georgia clay but added this gray stuff that makes for great racing (the times that I have been there). Dixie Speedway is red clay of some type, and while I do love seeing races there, I do bring my clear safety glasses, especially if you are standing on the back stretch. I can get tough on the eyes without them. Oh yeah, and I'm pretty sure Senoia added dirt on top of the asphalt, I don't think they got it tore up beforehand.

[EvelB7]

Never said they added it (sand), nature did it. Yes, Senoia is dirt on top of asphalt, went there in 2011 and it was hard, dry slick from hot laps on. I have heard that they brought in new dirt and surface is much better, but right rear tire barely made 40 laps back then. As you work across Georgia into Alabama and Mississippi the dirt improves tremendously, at least over some (not all) of the tracks in the NC/SC area. Greenville, Mississippi has to be one of the more entertaining tracks to race at, hooked up to dry slick you can race all across the wide surface.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

Josh

Yes, Sharon is figuring it out. About time. And getting car counts too. I just hope they keep the doors open and tweak the car classes and get back to the 80’s, 90’s, early 2000’s Sharon.

[Highbanked]

Not familiar with those tracks, but I do think the banking of the track is a huge factor! Have noticed it with dirt on dirt! Once they are able to dig with side walls, just a matter of time

[chupp n bloomer fan]

I know a couple people have mentioned tracks that left the asphalt. That’s all fine and dandy as long as there’s enough dirt over top at all times. If it gets close, it will snowball in a hurry.

Long as I knew there was a good base, I’m getting the asphalt milled up. Just from experience.