Five things you might not know about racing asphalt
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 15, 2004
1. In 1995, Michigan International Speedway became the first track to pave with polymer-enhanced asphalt. Richmond International Raceway was the most recent, prompting drivers to predict the smooth surface will produce record-breaking speeds in tonight's 400-mile Nextel Cup race.
2. Polymer-enhanced asphalt is less prone to cracking under adverse weather and to sagging, which makes it preferable on banked tracks because it develops high racing lines. It also dries more quickly.
3. Homestead-Miami Speedway was repaved last year with a mixture of limestone, Georgia granite and a high-grade polymer asphalt that took one week - instead of the typical month - to cure.
4. Though costs vary, a standard repaving at a medium-sized track will cost $500,000 and last about 15 years.
5. Contractors had to develop special equipment to pave Daytona and Talladega speedways because their normal pavers would topple down the 30-plus-degree-banked turns.
