2009 ABA Grands Track Taking Shape

One of the most anticipated moments of any ABA Grands is that first time you walk through the pits, past the ABA Trailer, past the bleachers and see, for the first time— as if in a shimmering valley after a long trek through the desert—the track for the first time. This year, BMXNEWS heightens that anticipation by bringing you the actual layout sketch that ABA track builder Billy Allen and his team are using to create the 2009 edition.

Unlike any Grands track we’ve seen, the 2009 model boasts a fresh-in-every-sense-of-the-word config, with a loooonng first straight, and an exciting third straight that looks more like the runway configuration at nearby TUL (Tulsa International Airport) than any BMX track we’ve ever seen. No doubt there will be some serious air time on THESE runways, come next Friday when the first gate drops. This spy photo came in late Tuesday night with limited explanation…but we can surmise that the farthest left straightaways are pro section (whether decision-maker or Male/Female routes, we do not yet know). The “outer drive” then crosses the inner route twice on its approach to the last turn. Here, it seems like a decisionmaker is presented for the final bolt to the finish.

The layout sketch, obviously, shows no obstacles in place, but there is little doubt that Billy and his boys will be bringing the same innovation and freshness to that part of the equation as is evident in the “bones” of the design.

Stay close to BMXNEWS.COM for as-they-happen updates on the ABA Grands Track Progress…and, starting Tuesday, November 24, with our coverage of the 2009 ABA Grand National here on News, with photo coverage on our sister site, BMXNOW.COM…and, as always, the broad-spectrum discussion on VintageBMX.com.

Thanks to Shannon at ABA for smuggling the microfilm out.