FORT WORTH, TX (March 28) -- The Texas Motor
Speedway Dirt Track, already referred to as the "Taj Mahal of Dirt Tracks," is
so large that normal construction procedures have been circumvented.
The placement of light fixtures at dirt tracks is usually accomplished using a crane. Industrial helicopters have been employed to lift the Musco light fixtures on the front straightaway into place.
A crew from Five States Helicopter Service masterfully completed placing eight banks of light fixtures in less than half an hour. The light banks are located on the roof of the luxury suite section, six stories above ground level. The 44-row grandstand will seat 13,008 spectators and 3,000 more temporary seats have been added for the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series' Southern Bleacher Classic scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
"Dirt track racing will reach new heights at Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track this year - literally," Speedway General Manager Eddie Gossage said. "Our construction personnel were trying to figure out the most efficient manner to place the lights and determined that using a helicopter is actually the most practical choice. It's quicker and uses less manpower to get the job done."
Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the semi- banked, 4/10-mile clay oval in preparation for the inaugural event. TNN will televise each racing program live, beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Tickets for both Southern Bleacher Classic programs are on sale daily at the speedway ticket office, by calling (817) 215-8500, at all area TicketMaster locations or online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com
(Article by Richard Day-World of Outlaws)
