The Massive Amount of Dirt on Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway is a NASCAR track famous for its steep banking, short track racing, and an impressive capacity of 162,000 spectators. However, something new is happening this year in the iconic speedway. The bass rumbling of engines will be replaced by the sound of shovels, bulldozers, and dump trucks. That's right; Bristol Motor Speedway is converting into a massive dirt track for a weekend of racing, and the amount of dirt required to turn this paved track into a dirt track is staggering. Let's explore how much dirt is on Bristol Motor Speedway and how it was transformed into a dirt track.
The Amount of Dirt on Bristol Speedway
The transformation of the Bristol Motor Speedway track required a lot of dirt, so much that it's hard to even imagine. The project required more than 23,000 cubic yards or approximately 14,400 truckloads of dirt. The dirt was brought in from East Tennessee, and the project took several weeks to complete. The bulk of the dirt was used to cover the concrete surface of the racetrack, which is more than a half-mile long at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Why and How of This Transformation
First, why create a dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway? The answer is simple, the fans want it. Dirt racing has always been a favorite among fans, and Bristol Motor Speedway decided to give them what they wanted. Additionally, the transformation of the Bristol Motor Speedway track is part of NASCAR's efforts to diversify racing surfaces. The automobile racing organization wants to see how stock cars would perform on a dirt surface, and what better place to do it than the legendary speedway.
The process of transforming a concrete race track into a dirt track is a massive undertaking. The first step was to remove all the materials covering the Bristol Motor Speedway track, including its outer concrete walls. Next, a layer of plastic was laid over the bare surface to protect the concrete from damage. The dirt was then hauled into the track and spread evenly with bulldozers and excavators. The dirt was then compacted with a large roller and then wetted down to keep it in place.
What to Expect from this Dirt Track Race
Creating this dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway is an exciting prospect for NASCAR. The transformation sets the stage for a weekend of high-speed racing and adrenaline-pumping action. The dirt track race will feature 250 laps, making it the longest dirt race in NASCAR history. Fans can expect a lot of slipping and sliding on the track, adding to the challenge of the drivers and the enjoyment of the spectators.
Conclusion
The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into a dirt track is a massive project that required a lot of dirt. The amount of dirt required to cover the racetrack is staggering, but it is all worth it to give fans what they want. The dirt track transformation also allows NASCAR to experiment with other types of racing surfaces, diversifying stock car racing. This experiment is generating a lot of excitement, and fans are eagerly waiting for the race. We can't wait to see how this dirt track race will go and for the start of the new era of racing at Bristol Motor Speedway.
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