Repaving at Watkins Glen on schedule

Harvick leads at Watkins Glen last month

With few delays, the massive repaving project at Watkins Glen International is moving along at or ahead of schedule. Top coat layers from general contractor Ajax Paving Industries Inc., were being put down on some areas of the 3.4-mile circuit this week, while a base coat was still being laid down in other areas. The work is expected to be completed by Nov. 1.

The $12 million project is one of the most ambitious endeavors in the 59-year history of the historic track. The entire 3.4-mile configuration, including the 2.45-mile section used by NASCAR, will be repaved in time for the 2016 season. The pit lane is also being repaved. According to a WGI statement, the project is the equivalent of paving a 22-mile, two-lane highway at a thickness of 1.5 inches. It is the first repave of the track since 1989.

The pavement from that project began to break up during its first pro race weekend, which led to concrete patches being added that remained through the 2015 season. While the entire track will now be asphalt, the pit lane boxes will remain concrete. The original pit boxes were broken up and new ones were being poured for the first time Wednesday. Elmira Star-Gazette