New track

[Resolution78]

Has anyone here heard that Thompson speedway is putting in a new road course over this winter ........ I run auto x there and the last 2 were canceled because they already broke ground ....

Thompson speedway is off exit 99 on 395 in ct ..... Also 30 minutes from my house ...... I can't wait

[Chrispy]

Do you know if they are bringing back the old course or building something new? Old old road course was supposedly a 2.0 mile challenging course, and in the 70's it was revised to a 1.7 mile course, although supposedly there was at least 3-4 different versions over the years.

Here's the 3 flavors I was able to find:
1940's to 1951
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=e ... 4e25020541

1952 to 1967
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=e ... 2fb81b872f

1969 to 1977
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=e ... 89ea5eb550

[Chrispy]

Found this site with some pretty cool info, a lot of the old pavement is still there! I've watched some old 8mm film of races there, the track was very tight, seemed barely wide enough for two cars at the time.

http://www.barcboys.com/Images/Thompson ... aceway.htm

[Georgethefierce]

heard rumors and I assume this would kill Palmer?

[Chrispy]

Palmer still has the backing of SCCA and they are still trying to move forward so I don't think it will kill Palmer but whoever finishes first will benefit more greatly.

[Resolution78]

It's def. a new track not the old one ..... I actually used part of the old one for autox there .... I hit about 75to 80 during my autox there

[iamrazor]

I am all in favor of new tracks. Especially ones close by. I will remain skeptical until it's on the COM schedule...

[brucesallen]

The town has said the track requires approval and Thompson is unlikely to give it.

[zchris]

I'm not so sure Thompson would need any approval as the track will not be new. Its already there. Just needs a repave. And 2 race tracks already operate on the property. The oval and the gokart track. The only negative impact would be on the golf coarse and they own that also. I can't imagine a town that needs income like Thompson would stop it from happening.
Chris

[grovefromnh]

Bridgehampton syndrome

[jstan]

Palmer still has the backing of SCCA and they are still trying to move forward so I don't think it will kill Palmer but whoever finishes first will benefit more greatly.

Has the track in Palmer been paved?

If so, any idea as to when it will be open for club events?

[zchris]

Palmer is still in the planning/permit stage. No ground broken yet.

[WillM]

It is a re-pave, not a new track. The track has been in contact with us, and a couple of us are going to meet with the owners. It is my understanding that the permits and such are all in place, and were relatively 'easy' to obtain given that the project is closer to a maintenance project (a repave) than a remodel / reconfiguration.

This shouldn't affect Palmer at all. Apple/oranges as far as I can tell.

Given the passion and direction of the Palmer project, my expectations and hopes are high!

[paultg]

The track has been in contact with us, and a couple of us are going to meet with the owners. It is my understanding that the permits and such are all in place, and were relatively 'easy' to obtain given that the project is closer to a maintenance project (a repave) than a remodel / reconfiguration.

Excellent!

[zchris]

Will, you may want to discuss there use of the oval. I was talking to an old coot steward about Thompson back 15+ years ago and why the scca stopped going. He claimed the use of the oval was damaging cars because of the elevation change coming over the banking. Apparrently as ground effects became popular and ride heights dropped, you could no longer use that configuration. Lots of damaged cars. Just food for thought. I doubt any of your Corvette guys would like to bash the crap out of the bottoms of there sleds. With an SM, no big deal.
Chris