Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Former Harley-Davidson factory Superbike rider Fritz Kling set a new motorcycle lap record of 1:07.57 for Nelson Ledges Road Course in Garrettsville, Ohio September 1, according to race officials. Kling set the time on a Suzuki GSX-R1000 on Pirelli DOT-labeled tires while battling with Larry Denning in a WERA Open Superstock race.

The old Nelson Ledges lap record was held by Douglas Duane at 1:08.01.

The new record was partially the result of new pavement in several areas of the two-mile, 13-turn Ohio track. According to FASTTRAX Riding School and Race Series owner Bob Stanley, new pavement has been added on the front straight from turn 13 to the bridge, the entrances of turn three and turn four and through the turn 11 kink. Turn one and turn nine are scheduled to be resurfaced in the Spring of 2003.

“Obviously, it is somewhat faster, but more than that, it is a much safer ride at speed,” Stanley wrote in an e-mail to Roadracingworld.com. “We used a Limestone asphalt from Pennsylvania. That is the same mix that is on the back straight. It will turn almost white when cured and should last much longer than regular stuff.”

Stanley added that a new tower was erected at start/finish, a new pavilion has been built onto the concession stand and a new medical building and other improvements are planned.

For more information contact FASTTRAX at 330-494-8410, go to www.fastone.com/FASTTRAX/fasttrax.html or e-mail Bob Stanley at [email protected].