Wow Keystone getting some nice upgrades

[pittsburghracer]

We are coming up on the date 2 years ago when we made a start on a big, much needed upgrade, adding 350 feet of brand new concrete race surface, with a proper base. Since then, we have been faced with many challenges. Ripping out a 20 plus year old seasoned 270 foot section of concrete/asphalt track created the “problem” of making a brand new surface the best we could. We knew it was going to take a lot of work. As we battled through year number one, we tried a number of things to make it better. In year number two, the battle didn’t get any easier. With everything under the sun changing, rising in cost, being scarce, and often a combination of some or all of those, we couldn’t pinpoint just one thing that was still fighting us. Other tracks faced the same challenges, from companies not being able to get normal supplies, changes of everything from manufacturing, distributing, shortages and more. After multiple talks, texts and sending pictures with Kurt Johnson, we made the decision to cash in on our WDRA discount and take another step in the process of preparing the best surface we can provide our racers. Kurt put us on the schedule of their version of the Eastern swing. After 2 days of working their Total Venue Concepts magic, we believe the struggle will be over. It was a very busy, stressful few days to watch bag after bag of concrete dust () get vacuumed up and disposed of.

Thank you to Kurt Johnson, Total Venue Concepts, and Ralph Mabrier for the expertise. Also thank you to our employees Bob, Mark, Austin and Chuck for stepping up and putting in the time needed to complete this project. Also thank you WDRA for the partnership discount with Total Venue Concepts and all of our Sponsors who help make upgrades such as these possible. The 2023 season is getting more exciting by the day. Stay tuned for additional big news announcements, we have more coming!

In addition to the surface, a new piece of equipment was delivered by TVC to help speed up the process of removing broken cars. #totalvenueconcepts, #wdra

Total Venue Concepts

 

[Demonracer]

At least they are working to make it right. Down here in the South, tracks are closing left and right. The only tracks open are in very poor shape with short shutdown areas and return roads so rough that it will loosen every nut and bolt on the car.

 

[RustyRatRod]

It's good to see they're repairing it. I don't think they'd do that if closure was in the near future.

 

[Les Gibson]

Is it 'THE' Kurt Johnson?

 

[73smallblock]

Wow! Greg is really putting work into the track. I didn't think the new concrete was to bad after it's got seasoned. I did have one scary pass last year but I think it was after the concrete, the traction was bad and they called the race shortly after. So with this resurfacing and finally putting in concrete barriers, the track will be pretty good. Now if they could just move the races along quicker.....

 

[pittsburghracer]

Is it 'THE' Kurt Johnson?

No he started out working the starting line at Norwalk many many years ago and always did a great job. He then started his own business doing tracks all across the globe. You can even see him at the NHRA national events. Pretty sure a link to his business is in my post.

 

[pittsburghracer]

Professional Track Prep & Project Management by Total Venue Concepts

 

[pittsburghracer]

Wow! Greg is really putting work into the track. I didn't think the new concrete was to bad after it's got seasoned. I did have one scary pass last year but I think it was after the concrete, the traction was bad and they called the race shortly after. So with this resurfacing and finally putting in concrete barriers, the track will be pretty good. Now if they could just move the races along quicker.....

That night was terrible with the weather and track delays. I had already made up my mind I wasn’t racing that night and left my car in the trailer. Shortly after 11pm when they called my class they shut it down for the night. Many of these tracks run their program very slowly. I stopped worrying about that years ago and just sit back and enjoy the day.

 

[pittsburghracer]

I do hope our regular traction compound is available this year. Tracks were really scrambling last year with new products

 

[Darter6]

Keystone has been around a long,long time. Glad to see it will continue for many years to come !
It was my home town track since the 60's. Last I was there was about 13 years ago.
This was my favorite car and made me buy a 63 and start racing on my own after being a crew member when my brothers were racing. I know I'll spell his name wrong but I think it was Carl Shottie or Shotty .

 

[oldkimmer]

That’s great that Keystone is doing improvements to support the racing community. Kim

 

[Darter6]

Is it still owned by the Tedesco family ?

 

[73smallblock]

Is it still owned by the Tedesco family ?

Yes and leased to Greg Miller

 

[RockinRobin]

At least they are working to make it right. Down here in the South, tracks are closing left and right. The only tracks open are in very poor shape with short shutdown areas and return roads so rough that it will loosen every nut and bolt on the car.

Demon, have you been to Xtreme in Ferris (IH-45 north of Ennis)? Excellent surface, pits and staff and they keep the place clean.