ECR construction

[DarcShadow]

Just saw over on MotoDFW, and the ECR calendar seems to validate it. ECR is shutting down June-Aug. and are repaving as well as modifying the track. Sounds like they are going to try a setup where they have to individual tracks that can also be joined together like at MSR. I can't picture how they can do that without quite a bit of new construction and there is no way 3 months would be enough time, but we'll see what happens. Should be interesting at the very least.

[fixxervi6]

Good, cause last time I was there on the corner the track was so bad I said I'd never go back.

[dufremle]

I thought ECR was originally set up as two configurations. Maybe they weren't designed to run concurrently. I don't remember now.

[Striple]

I was riding at ECR this weekend, and the track administration confirmed that they are shutting down to have the track redone. They did not mention to what extend they are going to repair and customize the track, but it is planned. If the work is done properly, then ECR could become an awesome track.

That said, I'll believe it when I see it.

[DarcShadow]

I thought ECR was originally set up as two configurations. Maybe they weren't designed to run concurrently. I don't remember now.

Yeah, they have two track configuration options now, but it's still just a single track. The guy on MotoDFW got the impression that they are going to make it so they have two individual tracks that can be joined so just like Cresson there could be two events running at the same time.

Also looks like RS will be the first open event on the new setup.

[Firewa11]

That said, I'll believe it when I see it.

Same here. I got to ride on the track when it was brand spanking new and it was amazing. Went back 2-3 months later, and it was already in rough shape. I haven't ridden on that track now since 2008, and even back then it was shit. I can't imagine the last 7 years have been kind to it.

[Firewa11]

https://goo.gl/maps/MdMC1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you look at a satellite map, you can see the cutover where they had originally designed the track to be shortened to cut out the long back straights, but it wasn't designed to run as two separate tracks like Cresson was. Either way, 3 months is not going to be enough time for them to resurface and fix the track. The only way they are going to salvage ECR is to rebuild the corners by ripping them up, putting down concrete, then paving on top of that. Unless they are dumping in several million to expedite the work on top of the actual cost of doing so, there just won't be enough time. I would say expect more patch work and a redesigned crossover.

[Firewa11]

Holy crap, just watched this vid from February. Damn, I cannot believe how much patchwork they have done out there, and how bouncy it is. Nasty!

[youtubell]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kZh0SrHAww[/youtubell]

[fixxervi6]

It seriously reminds me of a FM road

I joked that they need to just chip seal it so we feel at home.

[Striple]

It definitely feels like an FM road. The bumps are only one part of the problem, the water seepage is actually the bigger issue. I didn't see any weeping spots this weekend, but there was water that had collected in the usual spots (T2 & T5). T6 is bumpy on the outside, but at least the weepers that usually show up in that turn were entirely absent. The back straight is bumpy and wavy, but at least you're straight and up and down at that point. The weeper in T8 was also absent, although I was told that it still rears its ugly head from time to time. The entry to T9 is bumpy as it has always been, and T11 was wet until the afternoon. The track is definitely rideable, although I would not be excited about racing on it in its current condition.

[El Diabro]

That said, I'll believe it when I see it.

Same here. I got to ride on the track when it was brand spanking new and it was amazing. Went back 2-3 months later, and it was already in rough shape. I haven't ridden on that track now since 2008, and even back then it was shit. I can't imagine the last 7 years have been kind to it.

Agree 110% Everytime I've been at ECR, I've been super uncomfortable at the condition of the track and have refused to go back until it's fixed, or that I become half the rider that Striple is!

[LonestarCBR]

...or that I become half the rider that Striple is!

Yes, seeing that first-hand is rather sobering, and impressive.

[Striple]

It only seems that way when you're still new to the track. You should have seen Fixxer, Rhino, and myself on our first track day! We were having a slowest-rider contest, and we were all winning!

[LonestarCBR]

Got video?

[Striple]

Thankfully not!! LOL!!

[LonestarCBR]

I got to ride on the track when it was brand spanking new and it was amazing. Went back 2-3 months later, and it was already in rough shape.

Cars! What are you gonna do. Just get rid of the friggin' cars. Off the highway, off the track. Life is then better...or at least safer.

[Rhino]

It only seems that way when you're still new to the track. You should have seen Fixxer, Rhino, and myself on our first track day! We were having a slowest-rider contest, and we were all winning!

I'm pretty sure I out-slowed you guys. I passed exactly one bike that whole day.

[DarcShadow]

Was that the one stuck in the mud?

[LonestarCBR]

I've got the Striple truck tour video of ECR done to post, but apparently not enough bandwidth where I am to upload it. Maybe tonight. I'm sure it will bring back some kind of memories for someone.

FYI, he's slow as Christmas in the truck, go figure.

[Striple]

FYI, he's slow as Christmas in the truck, go figure.

Even worse--I tend to park it in the turns!

[Firewa11]

It only seems that way when you're still new to the track. You should have seen Fixxer, Rhino, and myself on our first track day! We were having a slowest-rider contest, and we were all winning!

Heh, I remember back in those days, now you're all faster than me. Well except Dave, but that's because he rides a couch now. And Will rides his old couch.

[WillK675]

It only seems that way when you're still new to the track. You should have seen Fixxer, Rhino, and myself on our first track day! We were having a slowest-rider contest, and we were all winning!

Heh, I remember back in those days, now you're all faster than me. Well except Dave, but that's because he rides a couch now. And Will rides his old couch.

It's better than a litercouch.

[LonestarCBR]

That was just wrong.

But funny as hell.

[Dragonfly]

Got video?

Thankfully not!! LOL!!

Don't speak so soon! I think I may have some footage of you guys. I remember sitting at Grinners afterwards and watching it on his big screen. I need to see if I can find it.

[Rhino]

Was that the one stuck in the mud?

I can neither confirm nor deny whether he had a mechanical...