All remains on schedule as Towcester reveal their new racing circuit for the first time – writes Floyd Amphlett.
The much narrow first bend is no wider than 5.2m at its peak
The change in the track is immediately obvious following the decision to move the inside running rail outwards. The track looks instantly bigger and the straights are clearly longer.
The whole project has been meticulously planned with lasers sighting used to attain the correct levels. In fact there is exactly a one metre incline between the fourth and first bend leading to an imperceptive uphill run to the bend. There is now a significant back straight where once there was very little. This will undoubtedly prove a very tough test.
The 1,000 tons of new sand will be laid over the weekend and one set of the refurbished starting traps – the eight dog-traps have been cut down – will be in situ for Tuesday awaiting the visit of the GBGB stewards. If all goes to plan, the track expect a two week delay to be granted their licence.
SIS and former Ladbrokes men Gordon Bissett and Richard Brankley both inspected the circuit and gave it a massive thumbs-up.
The circuit will be formally measured on Tuesday, and the old 480 metre traps will be adjusted to determine a 500m standard distance. The sprint is expect to be around 300 metres.
The longer backstraight
The old first bend was designed to accommodate eight runners Photo: Steve Nash
