(KENT, Wash) — Racers and high-performance sport driving enthusiasts will find a half mile of new barrier on the lower section of Pacific Raceways’ road course when they come out this season. The improvements are part of a multi-year upgrade to the iconic racetrack.
The three-high W rail was installed on driver’s left by Petersen Brothers of Sumner with prep work performed by McKee Enterprises of Enumclaw. The Hydroseeder of Covington and Assure Painting from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho also provided assistance. The new guardrail starts at Turn 4 and carries all the way up to Turn 7.
“It’s exciting to close in the final significant portion of barrier on the racetrack,” said John Ramsey, general manager. “The guardrail is a significant improvement that will provide added safety for drivers while not impacting any of the viewing areas for fans.”
The guardrail closes in the road course on some of the fastest sections of the track keeping cars from climbing berms or hitting trees when an off-track excursion occurs.
Pacific Raceways’ road racing season begins this month with the 24-Hours of Lemons followed by a packed month of May, which includes the Sovren Spring Sprints (May 2-4); IRDC Conference racing (May 16-18); and NWR Pacific Grand Prix SCCA Majors (May 23-26).
The raceway has a number of high performance sport driving dates with ProFormance Racing School and car club and motorcycle track dates from spring through fall. The state’s leading motorcycle racing organization — Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association — will have race weekends in August and September.