With the first Playoff round being just a week out, let’s take a look at the Charlotte layout and how they are using the footprint at ZMAX Dragway. Overall, the track is taking about essentially the same physical space as the last two years, but the layout has changed. There is a split start again this year at ZMAX, but the design of it has changed. The start, rather than going down two of the race lanes it is set off to one of the sides with them going in opposite directions. Each start lane will do a 180 and meet back in the middle crossing to the other side of the field before heading towards the back section outside of the stadium seating portion.
The back section is maybe slightly longer than last year’s layout and has more of a supercross mix with three rhythm sections and three short sand sections. It really offers the best of the SMX blended feel of the track, with most of the other sections having more of a traditional Supercross style. The large and long sand sweeper at the front of the stadium layout is back again, and I’m glad, as it was a personal favorite last year. It provided some great racing in that area with some spectacular views and a few big get-offs.
