Indycar should go here......

[jimispeed]

http://www.champcaratlantic.com/content/photos/2008/By800/20080627P_0020.jpg


Beautiful........

[BobGarage]

yes they should.

however ,and I'm sure waldo will be rushing to point this out, the evnt doesn't make money. What did it hold for CC last year? 15,000 people? (there or there abouts). With the sanctioning fee the promoter cannot make any money off it.

I'd love to see it on the scheulde, it was may favourite race last year, but its just not going to happen

[ShiftingGears]

Brilliant circuit :up:

Less boring ovals and more circuits like Mont Tremblant and Road America are needed.

[indycool]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/SPORTS0109/806300331/1004/SPORTS

[BobGarage]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/SPORTS0109/806300331/1004/SPORTS

whats that got to do with tremblent?

[indycool]

Nothing......just another element of the schedule scenario.

[SarahFan]

Nothing......just another element of the schedule scenario.


it's not a scenario it's a canundrum

[jimispeed]

Well, I don't know anything about whether it can work financially or not. But, hopefully someone is out there trying to figure a way to make it work. It's probably the most beautiful track in North America. The Champcar drivers thought it was scary, and most challenging for a driver. And the community surrounding it is exquisite!!

It needs to happen IMO!!

[ChicagocrewIRL]

Brilliant circuit :up:

Less boring ovals and more circuits like Mont Tremblant and Road America are needed.

Ovals are not boring. Ovals are SPEED..... Single file parades on street courses are boring.

It's my opinion and it is no better than yours and vice verse.

To each their own. Peace and Love, Peace and Love

[!!WALDO!!]

yes they should.

however ,and I'm sure waldo will be rushing to point this out, the evnt doesn't make money. What did it hold for CC last year? 15,000 people? (there or there abouts). With the sanctioning fee the promoter cannot make any money off it.

I'd love to see it on the scheulde, it was may favourite race last year, but its just not going to happen

I am not rushing but it did not make money in 1967 or 1968 or 2007. History tells you that it just doesn't work there.

Too bad.

[F1boat]

I like ovals, but this track is a beauty. I'd like to see the Indy cars racing there as well as in Laguna Seca.

[Spiderman]

I like ovals, but this track is a beauty. I'd like to see the Indy cars racing there as well as in Laguna Seca.
The mix is, what mad id big - at least outside of Indianapolis...

[dataman1]

Granted history has not spoke well for an event at Tremblant if intended to turn a profit or get great attendance. The race track however is fantastic.

Lets look at the possibilities of the area with fresh eyes rather than hind sight.

This track and all the ski resort community feel and activties could, if properly sold and promoted, become the American Open Wheel scaled down version of Monte Carlo. IF the right connections were made with the easy to recognize celebrities like those invited to Indy AND we add a few of Paul Newman's actor friends. Add in a few of the Canadian Hockey stars and/or other sports figures. Make sure they all get a free ride and that there are plenty of photographers and videographers to take their pictures. Start building the place as "The Place to be" and fans will begin to show up in bigger numbers which will bring sponsors, etc..

This would take a huge investment up front that may take years to build BUT if done as part of a calculated business plan in conjuction with ICS we could see a real jewell emerge.

Oh and by the way, if you haven't been there and experienced the culture and the track you won't know how good it really is. It is like visiting France without crossing the ocean. The CCWS drivers spoke very highly of the racing at this track so that will take care of itself.

Food for thought and/or dreamers.

[jimispeed]

Granted history has not spoke well for an event at Tremblant if intended to turn a profit or get great attendance. The race track however is fantastic.

Lets look at the possibilities of the area with fresh eyes rather than hind sight.

This track and all the ski resort community feel and activties could, if properly sold and promoted, become the American Open Wheel scaled down version of Monte Carlo. IF the right connections were made with the easy to recognize celebrities like those invited to Indy AND we add a few of Paul Newman's actor friends. Add in a few of the Canadian Hockey stars and/or other sports figures. Make sure they all get a free ride and that there are plenty of photographers and videographers to take their pictures. Start building the place as "The Place to be" and fans will begin to show up in bigger numbers which will bring sponsors, etc..

This would take a huge investment up front that may take years to build BUT if done as part of a calculated business plan in conjuction with ICS we could see a real jewell emerge.

Oh and by the way, if you haven't been there and experienced the culture and the track you won't know how good it really is. It is like visiting France without crossing the ocean. The CCWS drivers spoke very highly of the racing at this track so that will take care of itself.

Food for thought and/or dreamers.

Thank you Dataman!!

This track was one that the drivers have to remember.

Very fast and very challenging!!

I agree with you Dataman1!!

[anthonyvop]

Ovals are not boring. Ovals are SPEED..... Single file parades on street courses are boring.

It's my opinion and it is no better than yours and vice verse.

To each their own. Peace and Love, Peace and Love

No, Ovals are boring.
Peace is dull and love is best when rented for short periods.

[indycool]

Well, anthony, we just disagree.

As for Mont Tremblant, I don't think there's a prettier setting for a road course on the continent and the area is uniquely fun on a race weekend. Whether an Indycar race is viable there or not, I have no clue.

[weeflyonthewall]

As for Mont Tremblant, I don't think there's a prettier setting for a road course on the continent and the area is uniquely fun on a race weekend.

Stunning statement!!

[indycool]

Well, yes, I prefer ovals. No big secret. Grew up with 'em, like 'em, like the Indianapolis 500. That doesn't mean I dislike road courses like Mont Tremblant, Road America, Laguna, all the upgrading that's been done at Infineon, The Glen.

But all the places I like may or may not be viable places for the Indy cars to run, for one reason or another, and there are plenty of variables for the schedulemakers and business people to consider in striking bargains between promoters and the series to run races. And because they may not run where I'd like to see them may not be anyone's fault....it may just be that the promoter and the sanctioning body simply couldn't make it work. And both hafta win or the deal is not a good one.

Look at some of the variables the schedulemakers are dealing with right now, not necessarily in this order:

1. Ovals vs. road courses.

2. Financial structure.

3. Length of deals and ability to fulfill them.

4. SMI's recent statement that it wants more ICS races and wants them now.

5. ISC's reticence to allow the ICS to grow at its own tracks in favor of hyping NASCAR's situation.

6. Perception of previous CC races as being viable, such as the recent information that came to light about Edmonton attendance and the huge messes created at San Jose and Las Vegas and how those perceptions would affect future races on an immediate basis at those places.

7. What sponsors want.

8. What competitors want.

9. What the "nut" will be in what the promoter must charge for tickets and what people will pay for tickets.

10. Television schedule.

So, somebody on a forum who says, "I want Zhuhai" or "I like Ansan" or whatever can want it and say it but there's far more than a forum opinion that goes into it than that to make it work right, for both the short haul and the long one.

[Bob Riebe]

No, Ovals are boring.
Peace is dull and love is best when rented for short periods.
THen you must be young and were not around when the MAJORITY of road races were won by tens of seconds or laps.

I actually prefer that boredom to the contrived crap they have now.

[SarahFan]

OVERVIEW

Miller Motorsports Park is a state-of-the-art road racing facility for automobiles, motorcycles and karts located just 35 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City in Tooele, Utah. It is considered the finest facility of its type in North America. Opened in 2006, Miller Motorsports Park hosts many of the world’s most significant racing series, including the American Le Mans Series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, NASCAR Grand National West Series, AMA Superbike Championship and, new for 2008, the FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, one of the top three racing series in the world.



Click on the image above to see a bigger version of the facility map. Click here for a PDF version.
Scroll down to "The Race Track" section to get maps of the individual configurations.

In addition to the professional racing series that visit Miller Motorsports Park, the track also has its own locally-based racing series for road racing cars and motorcycles, Supermoto motorcycles and karts (with competitors’ ages ranging from five to 65 years old). There is racing taking place almost every weekend between April and October. View the 2008 season schedule.

The track at Miller Motorsports Park is a 4.5-mile, 40-50 foot wide, 24-turn circuit, the longest in North America. It has four different configurations, ranging from two different 2.2-mile circuits (East and West Courses) to the 3.08-mile Perimeter Course and the 4.5-mile Full Course. The 3500-foot main straightaway allows the fastest cars and motorcycles to approach 200 mph before braking for Turn 1. The 511-acre facility also boasts a 0.9-mile paved karting circuit, one of the finest in the country, with 20 different configurations available.

Miller Motorsports Park offers something for almost every motorsports enthusiast. There are rental karts available for young and old. The Performance Training Center offers classes in auto racing, high-performance driving, karting and Supermoto, plus a Teen Driving Academy, Highway Survival School and Winter Driving Academy. The Larry H. Miller Museum is home to some of the world’s most significant racing cars, specializing in cars associated with the legendary Carroll Shelby. The Race Fanzz retail store offers clothing, souvenirs, collectibles and gift certificates. The track also holds Open Track Days, during which individuals can drive their car on the track after a brief orientation course, and has a multi-level Club Membership Program that offers exclusive access and amenities.

Corporate activities are very popular at Miller Motorsports Park, with full banquet, conference and classroom facilities available plus a variety of entertainment and team-building options utilizing the racetrack, school and karting facility.

THE RACE TRACK

The road course is a 4.5-mile-long, 40-50-foot-wide, 24-turn layout that provides a variety of cornering speeds, from 50 mph to well over 100 mph. The fastest cars and motorcycles will approach 200 mph on the track's 50-foot-wide, 3500-foot main straight.

The course has four possible configurations. The 2.24-mile East Course is a highly technical challenge suited to lower-powered, better-handling cars and motorcycles, while the 2.2-mile West Course is fitting for higher-powered, larger cars and motorcycles.

The East Course has as many as seven major overtaking areas and 14 corners, including the three-turn esses, which have significant elevation changes. The feature corner on the East Course is the final turn, a 50-foot-wide, nine-degree banked sweeper that leads onto the main straight. It is designed to create last-minute overtaking challenges before the race to the finish line. View a map of the East Course.

The West Course is notable for a sequence of three very fast (100-mph-plus) corners that lead to the heaviest-braking and slowest corner on the track, turn W5, whose 45-foot-wide entrance encourages overtaking. The rest of the West Course features several multiple-radius and complex corners designed to challenge drivers' skills. View a map of the West Course.

Miller Motorsports Park's longest configuration, the Full Course, has a character completely different from either of the two shorter layouts. In this 4.5-mile configuration, speeds will be extremely high both at the end of the long main straight and through the daunting sequence of turns that comprise the first elements of the East side of the course, where cornering speeds will approach 150 mph. View a map of the Full Course.

A fourth configuration, the 3.06-mile Perimeter Course (also called the Outer Course), eliminates the entire infield section and is one of the fastest track layouts in North America.

While the track is basically flat, Miller Motorsports Park's design incorporates several significant elevation changes in order to add character, challenge and unparalleled sightlines for spectators. The variety of configurations, each with its own distinct characteristics, enables Miller Motorsports Park to provide challenges for drivers and riders of all skill levels while simultaneously providing exceptional race action for spectators. View a map of the Perimeter Course.

Safety was a major consideration in the design philosophy of Miller Motorsports Park. The circuit provides significant runoff areas, deep gravel traps and ample curbing to allow competitors to race hard, secure in the knowledge that if they make a mistake there is plenty of room for error designed into the circuit. Miller Motorsports Park enjoys a reputation as one of the safest racing facilities in the world.

Take a lap around the track with Bill Murray in a Ford Cobra.


SPECTATOR FACILITIES

Miller Motorsports Park is unique in that it offers spectators almost 100% sightlines of the entire track from any viewing location, while providing up-close viewing of prime race-action zones. This is possible because of the inherently level nature of the property, which allows spectators to be located around the perimeter of the course while ensuring that the track layout brings major overtaking and action zones close to spectator areas.

Six different spectator areas, known as Oases, are prime viewing areas featuring raised spectator banks, grandstands, restrooms, concessions, catering, nearby parking and other amenities. These Oases are linked by roadways that provide access to each other and to the Paddock and Expo area, and are also connected by pathways that follow the track's perimeter.

PADDOCK FACILITIES

Miller Motorsports Park hit the ground racing in 2006 with what might be the most complete competitor and support facilities of any road course in North America.

On the east side of the property, just off Sheep Lane, competitors arrive at the Main Entrance and register at the Welcome Center, which includes the RaceFannz retail store, the Larry H. Miller Museum and Security Center complex.

[SarahFan]

After passing through the main gate, competitors see the Maintenance facility, which also houses the Shipping and Receiving office, to the right, as well as a children’s playground and basketball court. Directly ahead are the first of two 40-bay Day Garages, and a full-service Kart Retail and Service Center, adjacent to the Miller Kart Track. To the left, stretching 800 feet along the East Pit Lane, are the 27-bay Formula One-style Grand Prix Garages. Also visible is a feature image of the park: the three-story Race Control Tower.

Further into the 24-acre paved paddock, located close to the main straight, is a combination Medical/Restroom/Concession center. On the north side of the Paddock is a swipe-card-operated gas station, a wash bay and the Team Garage complex. Team Garages are available for rent to teams and individuals on a long-term basis as a location for workshops, car and motorcycle storage, or even as a facility from which to operate a motorsports-related business.

Two additional Race Control buildings serve the West Course and Miller Kart Track.

The Paddock is extensively wired to provide power for a large number of competitors, and has perhaps the largest number of permanent, high-quality restrooms of any race facility in the nation. Wireless Internet access is also available. Additionally, the Paddock has several classrooms and other multiple-use facilities.

CORPORATE AND MEMBER FACILITIES

The most spectacular, and certainly the most significant, building at Miller Motorsports Park is the 22,000-square-foot Club House Building, located on a hill overlooking the final turn before the main straight. This three-story facility offers almost 100% views of the entire track, and sits directly above the sweeping final corner complex. Surrounded by nearly five acres of prime viewing embankment, Club House Members enjoy exceptional viewing, privileged access and exclusive food, service and entertainment opportunities unique in American motorsports.

The Club House Building comprises a members-only main floor with lounge, cafeteria, catering facility, meeting room, restrooms, wireless Internet access, business center and a large open-plan exhibition hall which opens directly onto the viewing banks.

The third-floor Executive Level, complete with an expansive deck, is reserved for Miller Motorsports Park's Executive Club members.

The Miller Motorsports Park Club House is in use year-round, and its members enjoy access to all events as well as the opportunity to participate in a wide range of enthusiast-centered activities. The Club House is also used during the week as the main corporate entertainment center at Miller Motorsports Park.

Easily accessible to all spectators, paddock participants and corporate guests, a large corporate hospitality area is located between the Paddock and the Club House. Guests can also be accommodated in tented suites located on the roof of the Grand Prix Garages.

MILLER KART TRACK

Miller Motorsports Park incorporates one of the most spectacular kart road course facilities in North America. At 0.89 miles, with a main straight approaching 900 feet in length and 30 feet in width, the track is one of the fastest in the nation, yet still has a wide range of different-speed corners. This track's subtle elevation changes and multiple configurations make it perfect for all classes of racing. It is a center for major corporate and rental kart activities and can be used for solo car competition (autocrosses), driver training and manufacturer ride-and-drive activities. Also, it has been designed to serve as a motorcycle riding and race-training course, and incorporates dirt loops for Supermoto action.

The Miller Kart Track is located so that it can operate simultaneously with almost any road course event, and where it serves corporate and spectator needs during major events.

LOCATION

Miller Motorsports Park is situated in Tooele County, just 25 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, 35 minutes of downtown Salt Lake and about 10 minutes from Tooele or Grantsville. It is directly adjacent to Tooele County’s Deseret Peak Recreation Complex. Miller Motorsports Park is easily accessed by major highways (I-80) and surrounding county roads. View directions to the facility.

SUMMARY

Miller Motorsports Park is the most advanced, safest and best-equipped road racing facility in North America. So outstanding was its design and execution that it was named "Motorsports Facility of the Year" by the Professional Motorsport World Expo in Cologne, Germany, on November 8, 2006. The facility offers something for everyone, with outstanding fan amenities, unmatched corporate meeting and entertainment options and the finest paddock and garages available for teams. Miller Motorsports Park is a significant addition to the national road racing industry, and a major component of the ever-growing Salt Lake City sporting market.

[dataman1]

Ken, do you own that track? Kidding.

I talked with members of the Gid de Feran ALMS team that reported the track is dusty, dirty and a flat as a track can be. Getting into and out of the track were also a problem.

I am just the messenger. Have never been there myself.

Truefully, it will mature and be a great racing facility but will never beat Mt. Tremblant for its beauty and racing challenge.

[SarahFan]

Ken, do you own that track? Kidding.

I talked with members of the Gid de Feran ALMS team that reported the track is dusty, dirty and a flat as a track can be. Getting into and out of the track were also a problem.

I am just the messenger. Have never been there myself.

Truefully, it will mature and be a great racing facility but will never beat Mt. Tremblant for its beauty and racing challenge.

heck...you didn't thimk i typed all that...it's cut and paste straight from there website..

the dirt and dust is true...it's in the dessert....and landscaping takes time and $$$..

but I'm suprised about a few of those comments....Universally i have nothing nothing but positive from teams and racers....there is absolutly elevation changes.....not sure where they came up with 'flat as a track can be'....it's not laguna seca with the big climb and the corkscrew.....but I've been to Montreal and Monterry MX...those are flat.....and can't imagine having a problem getting in and out of the place....it's simple.....but who knows maybe they took a wrong turn

[Madmonk]

Pocono, Miller, Laguna, Road America, and Cleveland are all on my wishlist... But for something completely different, lets return to oval racing's routes... Horse Racing Tracks! Imagine Indycars roaring sideways around Churchill Downs... You know you'd watch it...

[indycool]

Well, there WAS more diversity for a couple years in the late '60s and early '70s. Along with rear-engine cars on road courses and ovals, teams had to have dirt cars for the Springfields and DuQuoins, which counted toward the championship. Al Unser will tell you to this day that one of those titles that he won (1970) was his most rewarding.

That year, the series had 18 races -- Phoenix, Trenton, Indy, Milwaukee, Langhorne, Michigan, Milwaukee, Ontario, Trenton and Phoenix again on paved ovals, Sears Point, Castle Rock and IRP on road courses and Springfield, DuQuoin, the Indiana State Fairgrlounds, Sedalia and Sacramento on the dirt.

[ShiftingGears]

Ovals are not boring. Ovals are SPEED..... Single file parades on street courses are boring.

They might be faster than most road courses still in operation, but I think a whole season of turning left is quite monotonous.

[F1boat]

But in the IRL there are many road courses!

[DrDomm]

Poorly attended roadcourse races are not just an indicator of the public's lack of interest in roadracing, but just as much are an indicator of the public's lack of interest in the series (it's formula, it's teams/drivers, it's sponsors, etc). Poor management, promotion, and other variables are involved as well.

Claiming that a brief history of failure precludes any chance of success under the right conditions (more cars, big names, new sponsors, better "event", etc) is simply shortsighted.

BTW, most oval racing is boring. ;)

[dataman1]

I believe the Doctor is in! Right on Doc!

[ChicagocrewIRL]

Pocono, Miller, Laguna, Road America, and Cleveland are all on my wishlist... But for something completely different, lets return to oval racing's routes... Horse Racing Tracks! Imagine Indycars roaring sideways around Churchill Downs... You know you'd watch it...

CART used to run at Chicago Motor Speedway in Cicero, IL which was a converted horse track (Sportsman's Park).

It's prominently shown in the epic motion picture DRIVEN, starring Sylvester Stallone. However CART did race there from 1999-2002.

[indycool]

Yeah, but not the "sideways" part on pavement! :) :) :) :)

[CCWS77]

short term thinking: which established track has lots of seating capacity and can pay a large sanction fee now

long term thinking: which track is the best venue for fans with good racing that we can invest in and commit to

I have no faith the IRL will make the right choice

[indycool]

Why should those two forms of thinking be that much different? And specifically what do you think the IRL is going to do, IYO, wrong?

[CCWS77]

It is the difference between building infrastructure and a fanbase vs just using (or fighting over) what was already there. IMHO the IRL has just been using what was already there be it former CART tracks, ISC tracks, IMS itself whatever. Despite endlessly talking about change and the future, the IRL is not really demonstrated any ability to move forward with something new.

[indycool]

What changes have they been talking about? They've been very silent about what we're going to see in the '09 schedule, for example.

Building "infrastructure?" What about new places like Texas, Kansas, Chicagoland, Iowa, Richmond. Some were new, some were already there but Indy cars hadn't raced there. What about the "blendification" plan when that came about? It absorbed teams, made equipment deals to get 'em going and absorbed some key events that it could in the limited time it had. It has signed new sponsors. TV ratings and attendance are up.

And wouldn't the IRL be a little stupid not to use what's already there? Why would it "change" Texas and its 90,000 customers to Coos Bay, Ore., or someplace, for example. Contrary to the CW jihad, it had built some equity in the marketplace already.

What's new IS "blendification." Deal with it.

[jimispeed]

What's new IS "blendification." Deal with it.


It's hardly, "Blendification" right now..........we'll have to wait and see if TG does the right things in the near future...

[indycool]

Well, two series have become one. It wasn't a merger. Whatever you want to call it.