Road America Race Track Case Study

Project Overview

Client: Road America
Location: Plymouth, Wisconsin
Project Type: Commercial
Timeline: Annually, one day before IndyCar and NASCAR races
Scope: Painting two metal crash walls

Project Background

Road America, a renowned motorsport road course in Plymouth, Wisconsin, hosts major racing events like IndyCar and NASCAR. To ensure the track maintains its professional appearance and safety standards, CertaPro Painters® of East Central Washington is contracted annually to repaint the two metal crash walls before these high-profile events.

Project Details

Start Date: Annually, one day before the races
Duration: 1 day
Tasks Involved: Painting

Challenges and Solutions

Special Challenges:

• Weather Dependence: Given the project is scheduled for a single day, any unexpected weather conditions could pose significant delays.
• Complexity of Metal Surfaces: Metal surfaces require specific preparation and painting techniques to ensure durability and adherence.

Special Equipment and Techniques:

• Generator for Spraying: The project necessitates a generator to power the spray equipment due to the remote location of the crash walls on the track.
• Preparation Techniques: Special care is taken to properly prepare the metal surfaces to ensure optimal paint adhesion and longevity. This includes thorough cleaning and priming before applying the final coats of paint.

Execution

On the designated day, the CertaPro Painters® team arrives early at Road America. The team sets up the generator and prepares the spray equipment. They begin by meticulously cleaning the metal crash walls to remove any dirt, debris, or previous paint residues. Once cleaned, a primer is applied to create a smooth base for the new paint. The final step involves spraying multiple coats of high-quality, weather-resistant paint to ensure the crash walls not only look great but also withstand the elements and the impact of racing activities.

Results

The project is completed efficiently within the one-day timeframe, ensuring the crash walls are ready for the influx of motorsport fans and the intense activity of the races. The fresh paint enhances the professional look of the track, contributing to the overall aesthetics and safety of Road America.

Conclusion

The annual painting of the crash walls at Road America by CertaPro Painters® of East Central Washington exemplifies the company’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By overcoming the unique challenges presented by the project and utilizing specialized equipment and techniques, CertaPro Painters® ensures that Road America is race-ready each year.