The Track
Reno-Fernley is the newest track in the western region (see their official site). The track is located on the south side of Fernley, Nevada, which is 30 miles east of Reno. Approximate driving distance is 145 miles from Sacramento, which is just a bit farther than Thunderhill.
As of March 2004, the track is up and running with a 1.2-mile segment which is roughly oval, though it really consists of 12 turns and in no way drives like an oval track. This initial section is now well-groomed with clear runoff areas and berms at all appropriate spots. Three flag stations, and the start/finish line monitor the whole track. Facilities include a decent pit area from which you can see the majority of the track surface, and there are temporary buildings, food service, rest rooms, fuel, all in place. This is very much a "field of dreams" track though, with big plans for the future and probable construction for several more years to come. Eventually, the track should consist of a 3.1 mile road course in a small valley with a pleasing variety of small hills and turns.
In April 2004, Phase 2, a 1.3 mile addition will be complete and paved, extending the track and the main straight up to 1/2-mile (defining one of the faster track sections in our region), with two banked turns in the low hills. This should be an exciting section of track, and is really the first time NCRC will consider it reasonable for road cars. The paddock area will double in size as well. The cleanup of the off-track sections in this new area will follow, and may not be complete by our first event there.
In 2005, another 1/2-mile section of track will be added that loops up around a hill, completing the full 3.1 miles to be paved. This will be a tight technical section including a sharp uphill hair pin and a down-hill esse-type corner like Laguna's corkscrew. Rich Cable, the owner, is very keen on building a first class track with a strong emphasis on safety. The run-off areas are expected to be excellent and ample, when complete, with safety in mind. As a side note there's a skate-board park, clay circle track, paintball area, and shooting range which surround the road course.
Report as of early March 2004: The 1.2-mile section of track is complete with good clean runoff areas, some appear to be 30-40 feet wide. The center of the track has been largely filled in, eliminating the dangerous drop-offs, and rocks that previously existed. The additional 1.3 mile fast section is scheduled to be built in April, providing a 2.3-2.4 mile total track length. The pit areas have been extended, and are certainly adequate for groups the size of NCRC. More pits are being added at this time. Facilities consist of several trailers that have been set up, but not all are open for use by anyone other than staff. Food is provided by several different local caterers. The new unbuilt track sections are graded through the hills so you can see where the track will eventually be.
Late 2005, the complete track was paved, and now consists of over four miles. It should be a wonderful track!
Corners
Fernley has a whole slew of corners. We're not sure what the numbers are at this point. Here's the map:
Accommodations
We recommend staying in Sparks/Reno, and enjoying the off-track time in the evening.
John Ascuaga's Nugget
1100 Nugget Avenue
Sparks, Nevada 89431
(775) 356-3300, (800) 648-1177
Getting There
Take Highway 80 East about 30 miles past Reno. Take the first Fernley Exit #46, following the main road to the first stop light and turn right on Hwy 95A. After about 5 miles you'll see the entrance to the track on your right.