About the Track

Currently, all of the ECTA events are held on a runway at the Laurinburg/Maxton Airport not used for aviation. Parts of the airport are still in active use, so it is important that you stay within the confines of the race course and designated pit areas.

The main racing surface is approximately 1.9 miles long, which allows for a full one-mile measured race surface and approximately 0.9 miles for shut-down. The race course surface is primarily concrete, but it does have some asphalt patches. Because the surface is old, it is rough in a few places, so, if you are unfamiliar with the track surface, you should ride the track during your rookie orientation or walk the track before the meet begins. The event staff or other racers with experience will be glad to talk to you about the conditions.

The course set out on the track is about 60 feet wide, and edges are marked with orange cones. There is a white line painted down the center as a guide. The ¼-, ½-, and ¾-mile points are marked with large cones and signs. Times are measured electronically in two 66-foot long timing “traps” in the 132 feet immediately before the end of the measured mile. The positions of the timing traps are marked with large painted orange squares on the pavement.

The track has a slight bend shorty following the start and a more defined bend in the run-off area at the end of the short shutdown. There is less than a mile to shut down so brakes and/or parachutes are critical.

There are several turn-out roads along the race course to the right, for racers who want or need to leave the course before completing their run. There are two turn-outs in the shut-down area. The first is approximately ½ mile after the finish line, and the second at the end of the paved track. Most cars running without parachutes (i.e., under 175 MPH) and most of the motorcycles are able to safely leave the course at the “short” shut-down. But if you need the additional distance to safely slow down, by all means, use it. (There need be no heroes here.)

The pits are located at approximately the end of the measured mile course alongside an access road running parallel with the race course. The access road runs from the pits to the starting line, and also from the other direction from the end of the long shut down area back to the pits.

Here is an aerial image of the track layout.

Click image for larger view