I understand the many reasons why they don't, but it would be nice if the bridge was glass. Walking over the old bridge from the garage back to the RV made me sad hearing cars go under and not knowing what's going on!
Photograph courtesy Sebring International Raceway
Racers blasting down Sebring’s Ullman Straight will have a new bridge–and new sponsors–to drive under before diving into the track’s (in)famous Turn 17.
Featuring branding from Tire Rack and Michelin, the new bridge links the paddock and the area south of the Ullman Straight.
“The addition of the new TireRack.com/Michelin Bridge is a tremendous enhancement for everyone who comes to Sebring,” said Sebring International Raceway President and General Manager Matt Muha. “This bridge will provide fans and participants with greatly improved access to the parking areas and amenities along the Ulmann Straight, making it easier than ever to move around the facility on our busiest weekends given the ongoing growth of our marquee event.”
Likewise, Muha adds that the bridge “opens the door to brand‑new vantage points–such as a new viewing mound at Turn 16, new camping opportunities, and fresh perspectives of the on‑track action that we know our fans are going to love.”
Increased access for fans is great, but, as the press release notes, the location was also chosen to optimize the bridge’s visibility during race broadcasts.
The Tire Rack/Michelin Bridge will officially open to the public during the upcoming 12 Hours of Sebring, March 18-21.
I understand the many reasons why they don't, but it would be nice if the bridge was glass. Walking over the old bridge from the garage back to the RV made me sad hearing cars go under and not knowing what's going on!
In reply to buzzboy :
It is a bit trippy going across those track bridges and not know what's going on below you.
In reply to J.A. Ackley :
Indeed. The Arlington GP last weekend had several pedestrian bridges over the track, and hearing/feeling an Indycar pass under you at full throttle while not being able to see it is an interesting experience.
The view is probably blocked to keep the crowds from gathering on it and overloading the structure. It would also become a bottleneck.
Toyman! said:The view is probably blocked to keep the crowds from gathering on it and overloading the structure. It would also become a bottleneck.
Yep, an hour before the race starts, it would become a grandstand and nobody would get through until at least 30 minutes after the start.
J.A. Ackley said:In reply to buzzboy :
It is a bit trippy going across those track bridges and not know what's going on below you.
Having seen two really bad accidents at the 12 hour happen at the walk-over bridge at the exit of T17, and two bad accidents at the walk-over bridge before T7, one in a SCCA Vintage run group and one in Champcar, it’s probably better you don’t see.
That very bridge was discussed at the photo meeting for this weekend’s 12 Hours. (The TL;DR: After you park, you get to walk over the bridge.)
David S. Wallens said:(The TL;DR: After you park, you get to walk over the bridge.)
That shouldn't be as exciting as I first thought it was, though I do love a race track that's easy to get around.
(Daytona and its trams have it pretty much perfected for the Rolex 24.)
In reply to Colin Wood :
Yup, Daytona is good at moving people about.
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