New track

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Resolution78
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New track

Post by Resolution78 » Tue Sep 25, 2012 8:55 pm

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
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Re: New track

Post by Chrispy » Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:22 pm

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
Chris Parsons
#22 - 95 Miata

Chrispy
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Re: New track

Post by Chrispy » Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:27 pm

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
Chris Parsons
#22 - 95 Miata

Georgethefierce
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Re: New track

Post by Georgethefierce » Wed Sep 26, 2012 8:45 am

heard rumors and I assume this would kill Palmer?
J
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Chrispy
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Re: New track

Post by Chrispy » Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:52 am

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.
Chris Parsons
#22 - 95 Miata

Resolution78
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Re: New track

Post by Resolution78 » Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:07 am

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
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Re: New track

Post by iamrazor » Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:00 am

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

Post by brucesallen » Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:22 am

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

Post by zchris » Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:37 pm

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
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Re: New track

Post by grovefromnh » Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:43 am

Bridgehampton syndrome
30+ yr member

jstan
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Re: New track

Post by jstan » Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:07 am

Chrispy wrote: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
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Re: New track

Post by zchris » Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:14 am

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

WillM
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Re: New track

Post by WillM » Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:32 am

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!
96 Miata #72 SC
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paultg
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Re: New track

Post by paultg » Fri Sep 28, 2012 12:30 pm

WillM wrote: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!
Paul G.
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zchris
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Re: New track

Post by zchris » Fri Sep 28, 2012 3:59 pm

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

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