Should I build the track with concrete or asphault?
At first glance, asphalt would appear to be the best surface, but again the years have proven concrete to be the surface of choice. “Why?” Concrete lasts longer, will not break up in the turns and is white instead of black — making it 40 degrees cooler in the sun. The extra heat and rough surface of asphalt can wear out a set of tires in 2 weeks during the peak of the season. Also, to be considered is that asphalt must be laid in two “pulls”. It must be laid in 25-foot width and the base gravel must be at least 6 inches thick. The surface must be sealed to protect it from damage by gasoline and oil. In addition, the safety rail shoe tends to sink into the asphalt and it becomes impossible to maintain a consistent rail height. The consensus: Asphalt is not cost effective over the long term. The concrete track should be finished as smoothly as possible with as few cold joints as possible and no fiber expansion joints. One of our consultants recommends the use of air-entrained concrete w
