The renovation of Gresham Motorsports Park
(GMP) bulldozed its way through several projects this week much to the
delight of GMP General Manager Dan Elliott.
"Everything at this moment is on schedule," said Elliott. "Unfortunately,
the time that you think you have everything under control, that's when
something else pops up. As of right
now, we're on schedule to open with the World Crown 300
in November and that's what's important."
The most recent project to be completed on the site of the former Peach
State Speedway was the demolition of the old administration building
located outside what used to be Turns 1-2 of the half-mile paved oval.
"That building and the old grandstand probably dated this track more than
anything else on the property," said Elliott. "With those gone, it really
opens up the property. It gives you a totally different perspective of the
facility from the road. Not only do you get a better view of the track when
you come through the main gate of the speedway, but the removal of that
building also allows us the ability to make plans to truly make this a
motorsports and community event complex."
When completed this fall, Gresham Motorsports Park will have undergone a
major transformation featuring a new racing surface, fencing and retaining
walls for the half-mile
oval. Additional scheduled improvements will also include a
fresh aluminum grandstand - now located on what used to be the back straight
of the Peach State track - and a lowered infield for better sight lines.
Other improvements scheduled are a quarter-mile Legends track on infield of
the half-mile oval, renovated restrooms, new concession areas and trackside
parking.
"The hardest part of the project is trying to anticipate the things that you
can't even conceive happening," said Elliott. "I keep a pad and pen with me
all the time to keep track of the things that continually come up. We have a
lot to do in a specific period of time to do it in. At this point, we're
just trying to hit all of our marks - just like a driver does when he's on
the racetrack. We're focusing on the job we have to do and we're moving
forward. At the end of the day, we're trying to make everything at the new
Gresham Motorsports Park better for everyone. We want it to make it the best
short track around and to do that, we have to make sure we get all the
details right."
About Gresham Motorsports Park
Opened as Jefco Speedway with a NASCAR Late Model Sportsman (now Nationwide)
race in 1967, Gresham Motorsports Park has served the auto racing community
for more than 40 years. The half-mile asphalt oval, located just outside
Jefferson, GA, is currently under a total facility renovation and is
expected to reopen with the 26th-Annual World Crown 300 November 12-15,
2009. The multi-purpose facility is currently formulating plans to host a
wide range of events in 2010 including multiple divisions of auto racing,
local and regional Craft Shows, Farmer's and Flea Markets, Car Shows,
Concerts and other community events. For more information about Gresham
Motorsports Park - or to enquire about booking a 2010 event at the facility
please log on to www.greshammotorsportspark.com
