Pittsburgh International Race Complex

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Pittsburgh International Race Complex
Pittsburgh International Raceway Track Map
Location201 Pendale Road
Wampum, Pennsylvania
Time zoneUTC-5 (UTC-4 DST)
Coordinates40°50′56.314″N 80°20′31.772″W / 40.84897611°N 80.34215889°W / 40.84897611; -80.34215889Coordinates: 40°50′56.314″N 80°20′31.772″W / 40.84897611°N 80.34215889°W / 40.84897611; -80.34215889
Opened2002
ArchitectAlan Wilson
Former namesBeaveRun
Major events
MotoAmerica
(2017–present)
ChampCar Endurance Series
(2014–present)
"PVGP Historics at Pitt Race"
(2004–present)
North Track
Length1.6 mi (2.57 km)
Turns12
South Track
Length1.2 mi (1.93 km)
Turns8
Full Track
Length2.78 mi (4.47 km)
Turns19
Race lap record1:31.03
Websitepittrace.com

Pittsburgh International Race Complex (commonly known as Pitt Race) is an auto racing road course located in Wampum, Pennsylvania. Pitt Race hosts amateur and professional automobile, motorcycle, and karting events.

The track[]

Aerial photo of the Pitt Race facility, including the South Track addition

Pittsburgh International Race Complex offers three track configurations. The North track configuration is 1.6 miles and the South track covers 1.2 miles. The full course is 2.78 miles in length and combines both the North and South track. All tracks feature significant elevation change throughout and were designed to follow the natural terrain. Pitt Race hosts many different sports car series such as SCCA and NASA, as well as holding track days and open tests for both cars and motorcycles.[1] Since 2017 the track has been host of the MotoAmerica Championship[2] The Tracks hosts a FIM Grade 1 License.

The track also runs a program called Total Vehicle Control (TVC). It provides instruction in situational awareness, driving dynamics, skid control, emergency braking, and accident avoidance techniques. The program is targeted at commercial and emergency vehicle drivers as well as individuals.[3]

C5 Corvette at NASA Event

The 0.82 mile kart track was designed by Alan Wilson. It plays host to several major kart series including WKA and USPKS as well as featuring 9.5 hp rental karts.[4]

History[]

The idea for the track came from two area attorneys, who attracted local investors to assist in the funding for the facility.[5] The track broke ground in December 2001. It officially opened on July 1, 2002 as BeaveRun Motorsports Complex.[4] It included a 1.6 mile road course, a 0.82 mile kart track, and a six-acre skidpad used for driver training and autocross.[4] In 2004, work began on a one-mile addition to the main track with trees being cleared and plans drawn up, but the project was put on hold in 2006.[6] A 12,000 square-foot event center overlooking the North Track was also constructed at this time.[7]

In 2011 the track was bought by Jim and Kathy Stout, and re-branded as "Pittsburgh International Race Complex." A three-stage renovation of the facility began soon after. The South Track addition, which added 1.2 miles of track, was the largest update to the facility and was completed in 2015. It can be run as its own circuit or run combined with the North Track. An expanded Vehicle Dynamics Area was also part of the facility renovations. Both the North and South Tracks were repaved in 2017. A new timing and scoring building, located on pit lane of the north track, was also completed in 2017.[1]

Gallery[]

  • Datsun 240Z at Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

  • WKA Race on the Wilson Circuit

  • Detailed Geometry Track Map of Pitt Race

  • Steel City AutoX at Pitt Race

References[]

  1. ^ a b Ledger, Louise Carroll For The. "Transformation continues at former BeaveRun". Ellwood City Ledger. Retrieved 2017-06-14.
  2. ^ "Championship of Pittsburgh". MotoAmerica. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  3. ^ "Beaver County's Pitt Race 'is like driving school on steroids'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
  4. ^ a b c Editor, Chuck Curti, Assistant Sports. "Motorsports facility promises to stimulate area driving enthusiasts and local economy". Timesonline.com. Retrieved 2017-06-20.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Tracks For The Little Guy: Designer Alan Wilson Focuses On The Club Level". Autoweek. Retrieved 2017-06-15.
  6. ^ "Road course expansion in works at BeaveRun". Timesonline.com. Retrieved 2017-08-03.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "BeaveRun racetrack ready to proceed with expansion". Timesonline.com. Retrieved 2017-08-03.[permanent dead link]

External links[]

  • PittRace.com - Official site of Pittsburgh International Race Complex
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