In a continued effort to provide a superior racing product, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino has announced the recent completion of a passing lane to Hoosier Park’s seven-eighths mile racing surface.
Track Superintendent Gary Wolff and his crew, along with the help of renowned track consultants Greg and Dan Coon, have been working diligently, not only to prepare the entire racing surface, but to complete the passing lane before the track opened for training on March 14. Track officials met regularly through the fall and winter with a team of experts to review the layout of the passing lane, identify needed materials, and establish construction timelines.
Hoosier Park’s passing lane is one-eighth of a mile long, begins at the current starting pole, and proceeds just past the finish line. The added area is roughly eight feet wide and will provide drivers a new option when searching for room late in the race.
The track materials that were used in the construction process were the same materials that currently make up the main track surface to make the addition seamless. Along with the materials, the photo finish lights and the finish line sensor had to be relocated to accommodate for the added distance in the stretch. Once construction started, the project took just under two weeks to complete.
“We are committed to making Hoosier Park harness racing one of the most competitive racetracks in the country,” said Jim Brown, Centaur Gaming president and COO. “This enhancement will not only stand as the longest passing lane in North America, but will be sure to bring even more excitement, amplify the driving strategy involved, and ultimately make for an even greater racing product that our fans are sure to enjoy.”
The main track is now open for training from the hours of 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. The paddock and ship-in area are also open for those horsemen wishing to ship in to train. All days of training will be subject to weather permitting. The first round of qualifiers is slated for Wednesday, March 16 with an estimated start time of 10 a.m.
Hoosier Park’s 23rd season of live harness racing will kick-off on Friday, April 1. With a daily post time of 5:45 p.m., the 160-day meet will be conducted through November 12. Live racing will follow a Friday, Saturday schedule the opening week, a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, schedule the second week and then resume a Tuesday through Saturday schedule throughout the remainder of the season. For more information on the upcoming live racing and entertainment schedule, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.
(Hoosier Park)