Major Safety Upgrades at Mid-Ohio Include China Beach Elimination
The historic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has undergone three major safety and infrastructure upgrades, with the most significant change being the complete redesign of the notorious "China Beach" section at Turn 4.
The modifications at Turn 4 include:
- Filling the deep gravel trap with 16,000 cubic yards of material
- Reducing the banking from 4 degrees to less than 2 degrees
- Installing a 100-foot concrete rumble strip
- Adding a 10-foot grass band before the gravel trap
- New curbing implementation
Palou racing Honda at Mid-Ohio
Additional facility improvements include:
- Replacement of old concrete barriers with steel I-beams and W-rails
- Installation of heavier gauge fence posts and fencing (5,400 feet)
- Repaving of major access roads from Gate 3 through the middle and upper paddocks
These changes, implemented by Green Savoree Race Promotions (GSRP), were developed in consultation with engineering firm Arcadia and racing specialists Tony Cotman and Dallara. The modifications aim to enhance safety while preserving the track's challenging character that has defined it for over 60 years.
The renovations follow Simon Pagenaud's dramatic crash in 2023, where brake failure led to a barrel roll through the former recessed gravel trap. The updated layout maintains the track's competitive nature while significantly improving safety standards for all racing events.
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