Karting Ventures, Inc. has recently unveiled plans to repair, resurface and upgrade it’s CalSpeed Karting facility in Fontana, California. The CalSpeed track, which plays host to many of the country’s top kart racing series (i.e. IKF, SKUSA, ProKart, Gatorz, Los Angeles Kart Club), has a history of implementing major improvements following it’s annual February break for NASCAR.
“It has been our policy to upgrade and improve the facility every year,” stated Karting Ventures President and CalSpeed Managing Director, Rob Niles. “Last year we entirely replaced the Contino Carousel section of track at a cost of $25,000. The year prior we expanded the circuit with the infield horseshoe (Grande Course) and hairpin bypass (Nuovo Course) to create three distinct tracks at CalSpeed. For 2008, we intend to make the track as smooth as possible and upgrade many of the facilities used by the racers.”
The renovation project has been divided into three stages: One - grinding and filling the track surface; Two - sealing and striping the track surface; Three - grid and paddock upgrades. The budget for the entire project has been set at $60,000.
“We recognized the need to improve the track surface around mid-2007,” said Niles. “However, after careful consideration and consultation with several paving, sealing, and grinding companies, we elected to wait and fix the entire track rather than just do patch repairs mid-season.”
For phase one, CalSpeed has hired the Penhall Company, the largest provider of highway grinding services in the United States, to create a smooth and level racing surface. To make CalSpeed more “rib cage friendly” Penhall will use its patented $1-million purpose-built 30- foot long grinder, specifically designed for jobs requiring the finest amount of detail and accuracy. Penhall and its 7-figure machine are also a leading provider of grinding services for both drag strips and speedways nationwide.
The grinding phase was completed on February 22, following 18 hours and 2-semi loads of work. CalSpeed Track Pro and IKF racing stand-out, Josh Brander, turned the first laps following Penhall’s completion and commented, “it’s a heck of a lot smoother and faster, especially in the high-speed corners. We’re definitely going to see lap times fall at least a second.”
Phase two is scheduled to begin the first week in March, weather permitting, as proper sealing requires specific temperatures and curing times. Phase three will commence in mid-March and includes a redesigned main and pre-grid, a new canopy structure, expanded PA coverage, and several new buildings for registration, instruction, and shop services.
“We recognize the value of being located at one of America’s premier speedways (California Auto Club Speedway) in one of the country’s biggest karting markets (Southern California). However, we are committed to making CalSpeed a premier karting facility in it’s own right, and not just relying on the strength of our location and famous landlord,” stated Niles. “We owe it to the racers, both amateur and pro, who visit our facility throughout the year with the many different series and clubs that race at CalSpeed.”
