Construction crews began erecting the steel girders that will provide the framework for Las Vegas Motor Speedway's new state-of-the-art media center this week. As the speedway's renovation project completed its fifth month, crews have completed the re-banking of the 1.5-mile superspeedway from 12 degrees to 20 degrees and have completed the moving of pit road approximately 275 feet closer to the grandstands.

This past week, crews turned their attention to the new media center and the Neon Garage. The Neon Garage - an ultra-modern, fan-interactive area - is a place where race fans can watch the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams prepare their cars while being entertained by various acts that represent the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Other progress made this week by construction crews included:

Began pouring the forms that will become the walls for the Neon Garage.
Used NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch and Brendan Gaughan to test the new pavement.
Completed the restoration of the SAFER barrier and catch fence.
Continued internal construction of the new Busch Series garage.
Completed the installation of the irrigation system for the tri-oval grass.
Began replacing the giant billboards above Turns 1 and 2.
Continued grading parts of the infield to make room for more camping spaces.