cgt1229

Per RRW & friend mentioning it, seems we're getting some attention in the NW.
Happy spectators will be able to get a much better overall view with a bridge over the track.
Curious what Moto America expects infrastructure wise before their arrival next summer?

alienbogey

So, they have, what, 25 seats to sell in the aluminum bleachers at Turn 15 and 25 seats to sell in the wooden bleachers up by 12? Assuming the bridge gets built?

Actually, one would assume they wouldn't get the race without contractually agreeing to some significant improvements for spectators, which would be great.

I'll gladly go to the race if you can actually see racing.

ChopperDr

PIR brings in temporary bleachers for the grand prix of Portland.

I can't wait.


Chop

LaCorski

Really? Yes! I'm in! I have the season pass but live on a local track would be outstanding.

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PeteN95

I think it is great and plan to attend, but really hope they improve the facility in advance!

Alpine 318is

Echo that sentiment.

Greg

Looking forward to it!

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lazyeye

Now they'll have to improve things. I'm in. There's enough complexes of corners there should be some good viewing locations.

powergroove

I'll be there the whole weekend ��

alienbogey

From the MotoAmerica site:

“Expansion projects to support the growth of the facility and the MotoAmerica Komatsu Superbike Championship at Ridge Motorsports Park have been strategically scheduled to ensure a successful completion before the June 26-28 event,” Schmitt said. “Pit entrance will be extended to provide additional track surface supporting the transition from turn 15 to 16; design has been completed to add another creative element to the already nationally recognized 2.47-mile road course; 100,000 square feet of paddock space will be added to tie in the current paddock to the pedestrian bridge; and a newly designed facility entrance is planned and the final highlight will include the new grandstands being installed to create the extreme fan experience from each viewpoint on the property."

powergroove

In 2015 when MotoAmerica took shape I took a job with a PR firm. My only account was MotoAmerica. Weekly conference calls with Wayne were a normal thing. They say never meet your idols.... I say never work for them.

Anyway.... Chuck Aksland is the guy making sure every track on the calendar is safe to run races, rain or shine. I'm more than positive that they've been working on this for at least the last year or two. During the off season he probably works more than anyone in that series. That track will be more than ready to host the races.

And as for grandstands.... Who needs those? I've been to races at Laguna Seca more than I can count and have sat in the stands once.... During practice sessions.

alienbogey

I’m curious about the new “creative element” and the 15-16 transition. That’s about the only place where it’s easy to hit a wall.

Two years ago a friend’s just-upgraded race car got punted into it during PRACTICE (grrr) on Friday, and last year at a lapping day while riding shotgun in another friend’s shiny new zoomy car the traction control saved his ass from an unscheduled meeting with the wall.

cgt1229

I recall seeing, I think in 2017, a very "minty fresh" Aprillia hitting the cement wall coming out 15 on cold tires or rider error, and the rider, uninjured, pacing about in disbelief.

If they move that wall farther away from the track or farther down the straight its a good thing for sure, especially with the likely more rapid pace of Moto America Superbikes railing around. Hope they don't add some dumb bus-stop (PR) type corner after as the "creative element".

BabyJordan

I think its great, anytime we can get some big racing up here in the PNW is awesome. I do however think its going to be a cluster F getting in and out of there.

Syringe

Along with stands, and presumably - adding more restrooms, parking might be a real issue, especially after the teams get their paddocks set up.

I'll be interested to see what they do with turns 15 & 16, also. I'd have to say that is the least enjoyable portion of the track for me. Seems like there's always a grip issue that makes itself known at some point over a weekend.

With the negatives out of the way, I cannot wait to see the racing!

Sam Verderico rode a number of track days there this past summer, and it was pretty fun to see just how fast he was in some of the slow parts -- seems like turns 11 & 12 [if memory serves], he took quite a different line to others....and it took seeing him there twice to realize he was actually sliding around them while trail braking very, very deep.

Anyway....happy holidays, everyone!