California Speedway reconfiguration

Buried deep in the release California Speedway sent out to announce the infield RV area has been reconfigured to improve sight lines at the track is the elimination of 157 of 1,800 RV spots.
According to the release, California Speedway president Gillian Zucker called every one of the RV owners who use the spots to let them know the changes that were being made to the track.
“The RV fan represents some of California Speedway’s most loyal, long-standing fan base so I called each guest personally to ensure that they knew that this wasn’t a decision that we came to lightly,� said Zucker. “Even though some of our displaced RV guests have enjoyed racing from their reserved spot ever since the track opened, they showed a clear understanding that we needed to take these steps on behalf of the NASCAR drivers, our safety workers and their extended NASCAR fan family. They are truly the best fans in all of sports.�
The reconfiguration was done to improve the view of the race from the grandstands and for television coverage. It was also done to improve the safety conditions for drivers and safety workers by providing NASCAR officials with a better view of the track’s backstretch from the tower.
“California Speedway has always been a leader in bringing great entertainment value to NASCAR fans, but we all know what brings fans back year after year is exciting racing," said NASCAR president Mike Helton. "This past Labor Day, we saw the best NASCAR race ever at California Speedway that included 43 lead changes around the track among 10 drivers and over 6,000 passes.�
The changes to the track will be made before the NASCAR races in February. The sight lines are supposed to be improved for the 40,000 lower grandstands seats
“With the revised infield RV footprint, fans both in the grandstands and watching at home will notice a dramatic improvement in their ability to see the action on the backstretch,� said Zucker. “The changes deliver what both NASCAR officials and our grandstand fans have asked for from California Speedway.�
NEXTEL Vision screens will be added to the backstretch so that infield RV guests will have an added view of the racing action and will be able to view in full detail all pre-race and on-track entertainment. The screens will be supplemented by FM band radio (104.7) transmitting the audio pulbic address signal and Motor Racing Network broadcast.
The infield RV reconfiguration comes on the heels of a year-long set of improvements at California Speedway that have taken place since Zucker was named track president of the track. In addition to traffic planning efforts that have resulted in quick and easy access in and out of the speedway, the new, multimillion dollar Opportunity, California FanZone featuring the Apex restaurant by Wolfgang Puck, the Impulse retail store, an entertainment stage, the Motorola Town Center and shade features debuted in September.