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Topic: Port Royal Improvements/2020 Opener Email this topic to a friend | Subscribe to this TopicReport this Topic to Moderator
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SpcJay
November 12, 2019 at 12:45:48 PM
Joined: 01/29/2014
Posts: 430
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2020 SEASON OPENER SET FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 8th:

PORT ROYAL, Pa- As soon as the final laps of 2019 were completed and the victory lane celebrations wrapped up on the front stretch of the Port Royal Speedway, the track team began work on what will be a busy offseason at ‘The Speed Palace’.

While many things will remain the same, several large projects are in the works to ensure the fans and racers will continue to be rewarded for their support throughout the years and allowing the Speedway to further flourish into the future.

When entering the speedway, one of the first Improvements fans will notice will be the addition of a new handicap accessible concrete tunnel that will replace the old outdated tunnel that enters the infield under the speedway entering turn one. Also looking vastly different will be victory lane, as the old raised stage will be torn up, along with the old infield tower and a new victory lane is being built near the middle of the front stretch.

The current infield bathrooms under the old stage and the infield concessions stands are also being removed and will be moved further back and in an area between turn 1 and 2 where new structures are being built.

This is being done to open visibility for fans and will allow for the track to widen the front stretch racing surface by 10 ft. Another big change will be the addition of a time trial staging area, to include a lane for push trucks and for drivers to fire their cars. This is a residual of the new time trial format, where after hot laps cars will remain inside the track in the staging area with their mules/carts.

This will not only improve on safety for time trials, but it will give fans an up-close view of last-minute preparations and adjustments being made to cars prior to heading out for their time trials laps. Lastly, the old flag stand will be torn down and a narrower structure is being built a few feet to the left of the old one to align with the scoring loop and new grandstands are being built inside the pit viewing area.

All projects will be completed in anticipation for the 2020 season opener, where the tentative first laps of 2020 will occur with a Test & Tune session from 1-4 PM on Saturday, March 7th. This will serve as the lead up for the 78th Port Royal Speedway Opening Day the following day on Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 PM.

This will be the second consecutive season that the speedway will attempt a rare Sunday evening opener and will feature the 410 Sprint Cars and the Super Late Model in full programs of racing. Last year Dylan Cisney picked up the win in Sprint Car competition and Jason Covert picked up the Late Model feature.

If the March 8th events are affected by weather and Speedway officials are forced to cancel, we will try again Saturday March 14th.

Several other confirmed dates for the 2020 racing season include a March 21st visit by the ULMS Late Models, three visits by the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series to include Sunday, April 19th and a two-day show August 28-29th with the Saturday night finale paying $50,000 to win. The 53rd annual running of the Tuscarora 50 will also be held September 12th.

We thank you for continuing to support Port Royal Speedway and fans can be on the lookout for a complete schedule and additional information/changes in the coming months via our various social media outlets and website.




beezr2002
November 12, 2019 at 03:09:39 PM
Joined: 04/21/2017
Posts: 1116
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Pretty amazing what Port Royal has done over the last 5 years. 1st class facility.



RodinCanada
MyWebsite
November 12, 2019 at 04:38:36 PM
Joined: 07/24/2016
Posts: 1720
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This seems like a lot of work for one off season. Great to hear a track is investing in more than just upkeep. 


Even though I may not know you, I 
care what most of you think!


dsc1600
November 12, 2019 at 05:38:16 PM
Joined: 05/31/2007
Posts: 4373
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Excited to hear what the Grove has in mind for the offseason, Smile



revjimk
November 12, 2019 at 05:52:58 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7595
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Reply to:
Posted By: dsc1600 on November 12 2019 at 05:38:16 PM

Excited to hear what the Grove has in mind for the offseason, Smile



ah, another wisenheimer wink



Hoosier88
November 12, 2019 at 06:18:11 PM
Joined: 11/30/2017
Posts: 45
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Wish selinsgrove could do better improvements if only the fairboard would sell the track to a good owner 




posselunatic
November 12, 2019 at 06:28:40 PM
Joined: 11/11/2019
Posts: 14
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Reply to:
Posted By: dsc1600 on November 12 2019 at 05:38:16 PM

Excited to hear what the Grove has in mind for the offseason, Smile



probably nothing, wish they would put some money back into the track. most of the other PA tracks have been dumping money into there facilities except for the grove, such a shame



bgtexpress
November 12, 2019 at 06:49:07 PM
Joined: 10/19/2016
Posts: 837
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Reply to:
Posted By: posselunatic on November 12 2019 at 06:28:40 PM

probably nothing, wish they would put some money back into the track. most of the other PA tracks have been dumping money into there facilities except for the grove, such a shame



What upgrades are needed at The Grove? Other than maybe upgrading the lighting on the back stretch to match the current front strech lighting, or maybe new bathrooms on the front strech, otherwise the overall facilities are more than presentable compared to a lot of tracks.



railfan33
November 12, 2019 at 07:03:44 PM
Joined: 07/24/2010
Posts: 637
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Reply to:
Posted By: bgtexpress on November 12 2019 at 06:49:07 PM

What upgrades are needed at The Grove? Other than maybe upgrading the lighting on the back stretch to match the current front strech lighting, or maybe new bathrooms on the front strech, otherwise the overall facilities are more than presentable compared to a lot of tracks.



Upgrade the PA system so fans can hear Bruce from all the speakers. The outside corrugated metal fence  could use a coat of paint. Been going to the Grove since early ’70s and tthe fence looks the same now as it did then! Those would be 2 minimal, easy improvements.




Fordfairlane
November 12, 2019 at 07:13:37 PM
Joined: 01/30/2014
Posts: 51
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Williams Grove is scheduled to put new water in the 55 gallon dums at the back pit exit. Also buying 500 4" grinders to attach to the grader in an effort to improve the racing surface. (Diamond wheels mind you)

Also adding a viewing stage in the infield so select fans can watch the fireworks from there for an added bonus.



cheroger
November 12, 2019 at 09:30:11 PM
Joined: 11/30/2004
Posts: 1022
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The sightlines from the main grandstands at the grove are terrible, unless you buy a reserved seat as high as you can.  The transporters in the infield make it impossible to see the track in turn 3.  One solution would be to raise the grandstands to a height to be able to see over the rigs.

 



LRACE5
November 14, 2019 at 09:48:21 AM
Joined: 07/24/2017
Posts: 32
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I think the backstretch pits need to be expanded and do away with all of the infield pits. The trailers are way too high and then add in the people standing on top and it blocks everyones view. Even when sitting on Beer Hill , you cant see most of the front straight. 




fiXXXer
November 14, 2019 at 11:14:15 AM
Joined: 10/26/2014
Posts: 2475
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Reply to:
Posted By: bgtexpress on November 12 2019 at 06:49:07 PM

What upgrades are needed at The Grove? Other than maybe upgrading the lighting on the back stretch to match the current front strech lighting, or maybe new bathrooms on the front strech, otherwise the overall facilities are more than presentable compared to a lot of tracks.



Exactly. Here we go again with another edition of "Port Royal did it so you should too." Williams Grove is fine just the way it is for the most part. As one other poster said, one thing they should do if possible is to get the pits out of the infield so that the sightlines are better. Other than that, the facility is fine. It's good enough to host the 3rd biggest race in the country so what more can you ask for? A lot of the work Port is doing this offseason is being paid for by grant money. I believe the tunnel and the new restrooms fall into that category. They've benefited from several grants over the years and the track itself is ran by a fairboard so there isn't money coming out of anyone's pocket unlike the other tracks who stand a zero percent chance of obtaining any DOA grants and are privately owned by one or a group of individuals who need to rely on sponsors and/or their own wallets pay for such upgrades. As I've said before, I'm glad Port is doing what they've done regardless of how it's paid for. The track was a shithole for many many years even with the additional unique resources they have so the folks in charge now are doing things the way they should've been done all along. If you have access to grants, it's idiotic not to use them. That said, it's totally unfair to categorize the other tracks with Port because their circumstances are far different. Lincoln & Williams Grove would probably do some of the same things if they could apply for and be awarded grant money.



longtimemitchfan
November 14, 2019 at 02:09:03 PM
Joined: 06/27/2012
Posts: 749
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If it is a new rule that cars have to stay in the infield after warmups for time trials they will have to do something in the pits.

Not sure if its just a Port Royal rule or for all tracks but Port is making a staging area for time trials according to their release,Selinsgrove already did it last year.



behindthescenes
November 14, 2019 at 05:00:23 PM
Joined: 06/21/2016
Posts: 5
Reply

Not every track gets a grant from the state for improvements to a Fairgrounds used by the county.  




revjimk
November 14, 2019 at 07:42:26 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7595
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Reply to:
Posted By: LRACE5 on November 14 2019 at 09:48:21 AM

I think the backstretch pits need to be expanded and do away with all of the infield pits. The trailers are way too high and then add in the people standing on top and it blocks everyones view. Even when sitting on Beer Hill , you cant see most of the front straight. 



That makes sense to me.....



tenter
November 17, 2019 at 02:11:46 AM
Joined: 07/16/2008
Posts: 978
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Reply to:
Posted By: behindthescenes on November 14 2019 at 05:00:23 PM

Not every track gets a grant from the state for improvements to a Fairgrounds used by the county.  



I hear this alot. But the complainers exaggerate the figures.  They do get some grants , but most of the time they are matching grants. Also , they are still putting more money than most tracks do over and above the grant money. 



tenter
November 17, 2019 at 02:13:31 AM
Joined: 07/16/2008
Posts: 978
Reply

One of the BIG advantages Port has over most tracks is the big group of VOLUNTEERS that spend 5-6 days a weeks doing the work for no pay. Maybe other tracks should look into that option?




fiXXXer
November 17, 2019 at 04:28:31 AM
Joined: 10/26/2014
Posts: 2475
Reply
This message was edited on November 17, 2019 at 04:31:29 AM by fiXXXer
Reply to:
Posted By: tenter on November 17 2019 at 02:11:46 AM

I hear this alot. But the complainers exaggerate the figures.  They do get some grants , but most of the time they are matching grants. Also , they are still putting more money than most tracks do over and above the grant money. 



Matching grants are far better than no grants. Lincoln and Williams Grove get none of the above. Don't get me wrong, regardless of where the money comes from, Port has done a phenomenal job elevating the place to its current status. A track can have millions of dollars to play with but if they don't have the vision and ambition to put it to good use, what good does it do? Husets is a prime example of that and for many years, Port was too because the place was a dumpster fire. All I'm saying is, you can't objectively compare Port to the other tracks as if they operate on a level playing field whenever the fact is, they don't. As I've said before, if Port wants to build a new foodstand, that money comes from the fairboard. If Lincoln wants to build a new foodstand, it comes straight from the owners pockets. And if Williams Grove decides to replace the tunnel, there's a zero percent chance that they will get grant money, matching or otherwise, to do it with. Kathy Hughes will be cutting a check from her own account. No one can deny that the game changes dramatically when you're spending someone else's money vs. your own. I appreciate what all of our tracks do to make Central PA what it is. None of them are perfect but they're all pretty awesome. They're rich with history and hopefully they'll still be here for us to enjoy for many years to come.



longtimefan
November 17, 2019 at 06:45:45 AM
Joined: 12/02/2004
Posts: 846
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This message was edited on November 17, 2019 at 06:53:00 AM by longtimefan

And where do you think the Fairboard gets the money? It doesn't grow on trees. I know it is the Juniata County Agricultural Society but I am pretty sure they don't grow money. If they do I wish they would share the secrete. I would switch 120 acres of corn and soybean ground to one hundred dollar bills next year.  In years past when the track wasn't as successful the money did not majectly appear from the Fairboard. I has to made on the track.  . They have no more access to grants than any other active fair in the state and as said the detratctors over estimate how many of the improvements are paid for that way. Also with all government funding they come with strings attached that make the projects cost more so although $100,000 in grant money helps it does not cut the project cost by $100,000 because the contractors for instance for the tunnel project add some to their bid because they know the government inspectors will have them doing some unneccesary things that would not be done on a privately funded job. That's just government. And another thing if another track were to build a handicapped accessible tunnel for instance, I am pretty sure with some ambition they could get some assistance with it. It happen at many public venues.





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