Road America - New pictures of changes!

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

I contacted Road America ( http://www.roadamerica.com/ ) by E-mail on Friday January 5, 2007 about not having any photo's showing the progress of the changes going on (like Daytona did when they did all their changes). They not only responded the same day, but they told me they were going to add that to their site with new pictures added often (possibly daily)!

I just checked their site and sure enough they have already done what they said they would do, their is a bunch of pictures of the new tunnel work and where the Billy Mitchel bridge USE TO BE!!!!! Man does it look weird not having the bridge there, plus there's actually run-off area now!!!!!!

Thanks to Road America for making these much needed changes and the prompt action in adding the pictures to their site! You guys rock! 8)

[KTG]

I can absolutely say, I hate it!   
I will have to see it in person, but it looks like it is gonna change the feel of the place

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Get over it.  I was going to Road America when there were twice as many trees, a rotting snow fence was all that separated the spectators from Can Am cars, the timing tower was on the infield side and made of wood, and the pit lane had a wood and sheet-steel lean-to running it's entire length.  There have been many improvements over the years, and we've lamented every one.  After awhile, the loss of familiarity ebbs, and everything is fine until the next change.
I hate to bring this up, but at one time there was discussion of turning RA into a housing development.  This would be better.

[EX#996]

I showed the pictures to Paul.  Way cool!   

While he laments the addition of the bend (yep, he's one of the yahoo's that liked the kink), the removal of the Billy Mitchell bridge will allow better vision through that area.  He did add that he'll miss the sound of an inline four screaming though there.

Dawn

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Check out the latest pictures, progress is really moving along! They have already installed the arched roof sections for the tunnel and with the Billy Mitchell bridge gone the view from Canada Corner up to where the bridge was is almost unrecognizably different with being able to see all the way across the track now to the trees along the main straight. From what I read they are also making a new spectator area in the general area where the bridge use to be, with the new unobstructed view I would think you would be able to see down to Canada Corner, all the way up to the start finish line, and coming down to turn 5 as well - should actually be a good spectating area. 

[Suzy]

Just got this in the mail, thought I'd share. 
My picture hosting won't let me make it any larger. This is the best for now, I'll try to make a better copy. Hope it's readable for ya's. 

[p3afoster61]

Since we're being deprived of the pleasure of running under the Billy Mitchel Bridge, they should let us use the kink instead of the chicane.  Bring back the kink! - "The fastest corner in North America"

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Since we're being deprived of the pleasure of running under the Billy Mitchel Bridge, they should let us use the kink instead of the chicane.  Bring back the kink! - "The fastest corner in North America"

I liked the kink as well, but I also realize there lack of ability to expand the run-off area at the kink due to the train tracks back there - if you look at a satallite view you can see them easily.

I thought turn 1 at Brainerd was the fastest corner in North America?

[Jason748]

I thought turn 1 at Brainerd was the fastest corner in North America?

It is...or at least was, that may change with the changes being made to BIR right now.

[KTG]

Just got this in the mail, thought I'd share. 
My picture hosting won't let me make it any larger. This is the best for now, I'll try to make a better copy. Hope it's readable for ya's. 

So they kept the farm house?  I heard they had to get rid of it for the larger entrance? 

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

So they kept the farm house?  I heard they had to get rid of it for the larger entrance? 

They just posted a lot more photo's, the old barn that use to have the score board on the side of it (next to the new tunnel) is now gone - apparent in the most recent photo's taken from up on the hill over looking where the Billy Mitchell bridge use to be. They already have the tunnel covered, gravel down where the track will be paved, and it looks like they are completing the area around each side of the new tunnel as well. It says in the article that the tunnel is apx. 16 and a 1/2 feet tall inside, so practically anything that doesn't require a special permit for height to travel on the roads will be able to travel thru it. 

[NumbskullzSE]

Oh how I'll miss going under Billy Mitchell bridge after a wet track has dried...everywhere except there!
C'mon, who else has crashed coming out of there? I think one weekend it was me, Janisch, Dorn and a few others.

What changes are being made to BIR?