From a press release issued by Infineon Raceway:

Workers Begin Final Phase of Track Safety Redesign
for AMA Superbikes at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE)–Infineon Raceway has completed the on-track design work for three circuit enhancements, and workers have begun the final phase of the project: placing the asphalt. These changes are designed to increase rider safety at the AMA Supercuts Superbike Challenge, presented by Honda of Milpitas, May 2-4.

The redesigned portions of track at Turns 1, 10 and 11 will be used strictly by the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Series and Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. The traditional road course will be used for all other events at Infineon Raceway, including NASCAR Winston Cup and the American Le Mans Series. The enhancements further demonstrate Infineon Raceway’s goal of becoming one of the safest AMA-sanctioned circuits in the country. A polymer-modified asphalt was used on the three portions of track. It is the same blend of asphalt that covers the entire circuit.

The changes were made with the aid of AMA Superbike riders Eric (Kawasaki) and Ben Bostrom (Honda), Miguel Duhamel (Honda), Aaron Yates (Suzuki), and AMA Road Race Manager Ron Barrick, who visited the track two months ago. The enhancements will be in place for an AMA Superbike test session at Infineon Raceway on March 20.

Turn 1 has been a sweeping left-hander, putting riders at a dangerous angle as they approach a pedestrian bridge at the apex of Turn 1. The track has been extended 50 feet in a straight line before entering Turn 1. Riders will now make a left turn at approximately 90 degrees, which is designed to direct them away from the bridge and up the circuit toward Turn 2.



The entry into Turn 10 has been altered to increase rider safety. As riders crest Turn 8A, they will no longer continue down the famous esses. Instead they will continue down a straight line for 900 feet, parallel with the Hillside Terraces at Turn 9, before making a 90-degree right-hand turn, followed by a sharp left-hand turn, which will blend them back with the original road course just before Turn 10. This alteration will slow the bikes down substantially, lowering the risk entering Turn 10, plus it should also turn into an exciting passing zone in front of the Hillside Terraces.

The final safety enhancement will occur at Turn 11, which will see the entry shortened by approximately 40 feet. The change will direct riders away from the wall as they exit the hairpin turn and direct them toward the start/finish line.

All three changes demonstrate Infineon Raceway’s commitment to rider safety. Increased run-off was added at virtually every turn on the road course during a $50 million Modernization Plan, and the racing surface has also been permanently separated from the slick drag strip.