NEW Road America Tunnel

[TimGreen]

Road America Turn 14 will be tad different in the spring! I was told over
the Labor Day weekend that the Billy Mitchell Bridge was being removed for
safety. This looks like they are digging a tunnel near turn 14 to get into
the infield. They expect that the excavation part of the project to be
completed by 12/18/06. I am told there are no surprises so far, a week
ahead of schedule.

[gms]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Road America To Remove Bridge and Add Tunnel

Elkhart Lake, Wis., December 14, 2006 – Elkhart Lake’s Road America, Inc. has begun a significant construction project which includes the addition of a new tunnel to the paddock and the removal of the Bill Mitchell bridge. The project, which will be completed by May 2007, is part of the track’s long-range facility improvement plan. The new tunnel is located approximately 100 yards south of the farmhouse office, and provides access to the paddock between turns 13 and 14. Designed to accommodate two lanes of vehicle traffic and two pedestrian walkways, the tunnel has a 16.5’ clearance and is 36 feet wide and 168 feet long. McMahon and Associates of Neenah, Wisconsin, designed the tunnel and is serving as general contractor. The tunnel’s unique pre-cast concrete roofing structure enabled the tunnel to be located in this desirable location near the farmhouse office and Gate 1. When completed, the tunnel will be the main entrance point into the paddock and will be a dramatic landmark at the historic track. A grand opening celebration will occur during the AMA Suzuki Superbike Championship weekend, May 31-June 3, 2007, in conjunction with an official sponsor entitlement. The goal of the project is to enhance the racing experience for spectators and competitors. In addition to better paddock access, removal of the Bill Mitchell Bridge will create a new viewing area for spectators and provide better track logistics for racecars and motorcycles. Road America is a 628-acre, year-round motorsports facility entering its 52nd season of racing. Its 2007 schedule includes eight major racing events and series such as AMA Pro Racing, American Le Mans, and Champ Car. In addition to major world-class racing events, Road America offers the Suzuki Supermoto School, corporate ATV and karting programs, and top-of-the-line hospitality. For more information visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800/365-7223.

Julie Sebranek, Media Director

www.roadamerica.com

[TimGreen]

Tunnel rendering

[TimGreen]

Road America says the goal of the project is "to enhance the racing experience for spectators and competitors." But this next bit is where we have some real trepidation brewing about this whole thing, because Road America says that "in addition to better paddock access, the removal of the Bill Mitchell Bridge will create a new viewing area for spectators and provide better track logistics for race cars and motorcycles." This all sounds good except that the Bill Mitchell Bridge, with its menacing cement abutment, was the focal point coming out of Thunder Valley, and with it gone so goes one of the signature landmarks of the track. Road America is also removing the famous old barn that greeted spectators as they drove in, but we hear that was about to fall down if they didn't take it down. We just can't imagine the track without these two visual landmarks, but we'll just have to wait and see.

[vintage914racer]

Coming out of Canada Corner and heading up the hill and under the bridge was both one of my favorite places to watch and race. I like the excitement of lining the car up driving somewhat blind under the bridge. We'll see how it turns out.

Tim, I've seen you on track a couple times. I drive an orange 914-6 #29.

[PJenkins]

Is this you?


Peter

[vintage914racer]

Thats me. Looks like that was a year or two ago.

[TimGreen]

Peter -
I have to change my 914-GTU fenders to 914GT in order to race the KIC this year. Do you have a source for fiberglass quarter panels for the 914?
Tim