Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, Calif.
Retrofit Team
Railing Installer: Steven Schneider Construction, San Rafael, Calif.
Materials
To provide race-goers with a better viewing experience, Feeney’s CableRail was implemented in two areas: a corporate hospitality area overlooking the track and corporate hospitality section located alongside the track. Both locations were completed just prior to the 2015 Sprint NASCAR race, which took place in June.
The primary driver for this project was to create areas with high visibility while also ensuring the safety of race-goers. The VIP viewing platform, which is situated just above the main grandstand, was designed with vital sightlines in mind.
“The stadium-style seats in this section offer a great view that we did not want compromised by a traditional guardrail with vertical pickets,” says Jere Starks, vice president of facilities and operations at Sonoma Raceway. “While conducting our initial research on railing options, we discovered that CableRail catered toward our needs for maximum viewing capabilities while offering a stylish appearance that complemented the existing architecture.”
Like the viewing platform, the 400-foot lawn area, which is used for VIP sponsors’ tents and race-day parties, required a railing system that would enable guests to enjoy the full Sonoma Raceway experience without having their views obstructed. In addition, the lawn location also needed to incorporate a safety-barrier system to protect attendees from standing too close to the track.
Railing Manufacturer: Feeney Inc.
The Retrofit
When planning the project’s design, Starks and his team at the Sonoma Raceway wanted to incorporate building materials sourced from the region as a means to support local businesses. As a result, the CableRail assemblies were paired with posts and top rails constructed from redwood trees, which are native to northern California.
PHOTOS: Feeney Inc.