Background of the Invention

Much motorsport racing is conducted on closed-loop racetracks which define a continuous loop to and from a starting line. Such closed-loop racing provides several benefits. In addition to being spectator friendly, race personnel and equipment can be maintained stationary. In contrast, non-closed-loop racing, such as road rallying, includes single passage over a racecourse which may extend over lengthy distances.

A downside to closed-loop racing is repetitive racing over the same course. Certain racetrack configurations may have limited passing opportunities. As such, there may be limited passing over the course of the race (with multiple traversals across the closed-loop track). In addition, with highly developed aerodynamically designed racecars, such as Formula 1 racecars, passing is made difficult due to pressure changes resulting from moving in and out of the air slip of a leading car. "Dirty air" leads to not only erratic airflow but possible detrimental effects on fuel efficiency, leading possibly to passive driving to avoid too-close approach to a competitive car. Between racetrack configurations and aerodynamic sensitivities of the racecars, passing may be limited over the course of a race.

Different closed-loop motorsport race courses have been developed in the prior art. U.S. Patent No. 809,588 discloses a clover-leaf configuration with different levels. This race course allows for racecars to circulate about a limited distance from spectators with good viewing. U.S. Patent No. 877,993 discloses a figure-eight configuration for adding distance to an inside lane racer to equal out distance traversed to an outside lane racer.

The prior art also includes parallel race course configurations. In U.S. Patent No. 2,146,631, a double-oval design is provided in which two standard oval courses are superimposed. Racers are assigned an oval to race resulting in overlapping racing on the straights but separated racing on the curves. U.S. Patent No. 5,941, 173 discloses side-by-side symmetrical courses.

Racing series, such as the Global Rallycross series, have utilized a "joker lap" where, during the course of a multi-lap closed-loop race, each driver is allowed to take a legal shortcut to shorten the length of one lap (Figure 1). The decision when to take the "joker lap" is a strategic decision left to each driver. With each driver being allowed a "joker lap", the ultimate race distance is the same for all racers.

Summary of the Invention

A closed-loop motorsport race course is provided herein including: a first roadway portion; a second roadway portion; an entry transition section extending from the first roadway portion, the entry transition section including a first entry transition roadway and a second entry transition roadway, the first entry transition roadway extending from the first roadway portion and defining a first race line of first length about a first arcuate path, the second entry transition roadway extending from the first roadway portion and defining a second race line of second length about a second arcuate path, the first length being greater than the second length; a drag racing section including a first drag racing roadway and a second drag racing roadway, the first drag racing roadway and the second drag racing roadway defining generally parallel race lines of generally equal length, the first drag racing roadway extending from the first entry transition roadway, the second drag racing roadway extending from the second entry transition roadway; and, an exit transition section including a first exit transition roadway and a second exit transition roadway, the first exit transition roadway extending from the first drag racing roadway to the second roadway portion, the first exit transition roadway defining a third race line with a length generally equal to the second length and about an arcuate path generally the same as the second arcuate path, the second exit transition roadway extending from the second drag racing roadway to the second roadway portion, the second exit transition roadway defining a fourth race line with a length generally equal to the first length and about an arcuate path generally the same as the first arcuate path. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a closed-loop motorsport race course is provided which allows side-by-side racing with a limited drag racing section, of even length race lines, separating drivers. This allows for passing without detrimental aerodynamic effects. A closed-loop motorsport race course is provided which allows for wheel-to-wheel racing and flat-out drag racing.

These and other features will be better understood through a study of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a prior art closed-loop motorsport race course which includes a "joker" short-cut; and,

Figures 2-4 show features of a closed-loop motorsport race course in accordance with the subject invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to Figure 2, the subject invention provides a closed-loop motorsport race course 10 which defines a continuous loop to and from a starting line 12. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, the continuous loop can be of any shape which allows for traversal along a roadway to and from the starting line 12. The race course 10 includes a main race roadway 14 and, optionally, one or more run-off roadway(s ) 16, and/or one or more pit lanes 18 which extend from, and across portions of, the main race roadway 14. The run-off roadway(s) 16 and the pit lane(s) 18 may provide significant utility in support of the race course 10 for safety and mechanical necessity, yet do not constitute the main race roadway 14. The length or duration of a race will be defined by traversal by time or laps of the main race roadway 14. Flow of traffic will be preferably one directional along the main race roadway 14, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

The main race roadway 14 may be generally considered to include at least three sections: a first roadway portion 20; a second roadway portion 22; and, a side-by-side racing portion 24. In one embodiment, one side-by-side racing portion 24 is provided with the first and second roadway portions 20, 22 being joined at one end and each terminating at opposite ends of the side-by-side racing portion 24 at the respective other ends. In further

embodiments, more than one side-by-side racing portion 24 may be utilized along the main race roadway 14 with various roadways extending therebetween.

With reference to Figure 3, the side-by-side racing portion 24 may include an entry transition section 26, a drag racing section 28, and an exit transition section 30. These sections are defined in terms of "race lines" or "racing lines". As used herein, a "race line" or "racing line" may be used interchangeably and are defined to mean an imaginary path along a roadway section defining the projected path of a racecar along a section of roadway considered the most optimal path that a racecar may take in minimizing time (i.e., maximizing speed) to traverse that roadway section. For example, the distance with the smallest radius about a curve may define the shortest distance about the curve. However, the smallest radius path may cause a relatively great reduction in speed. In contrast, traversing the curve along a larger radius may allow for higher speed to be maintained, thus, more than compensating for the extra distance travelled. The "race line" or "racing line" herein is the optimal path for minimizing time through the respective roadway section, which is not necessarily the shortest path through the respective section. The race line also may be influenced by directional and/or elevational changes in a roadway. It is to be understood that a section of roadway may be wider than the width of a racecar along the racing line.

With reference to Figure 3, the entry transition section 26 includes a first entry transition roadway 32 and a second entry transition roadway 34. The first entry transition roadway 32 extends from the first roadway portion 20. The first entry transition roadway 32 defines a first race line 36 of first length LI about a first arcuate path Rl. The second entry transition roadway 34 extends from the first roadway portion 20. The second entry transition roadway 34 defines a second race line 38 of second length L2 about a second arcuate path R2. The first length LI is greater than the second length L2. As used herein, an "arcuate path" is a non-straight path which has a gradual change in direction. An "arcuate path" may be defined about a single radius, as shown in Figure 3, or over a series of intersecting curves). The intersecting curves may be defined over multiple radii, e.g., with the radii being distributed over a line or curve.

The first and second entry transition roadways 32, 34 may overlap where transitioning from the first roadway portion 20. In extending from the first roadway portion 20, the first and second entry transition roadways 32, 34 are at least partially separated, such as, by physical barrier(s), curbing and/or painted markings (such as cross-hatching).

The drag racing section 28 includes a first drag racing roadway 40 and a second drag racing roadway 42. The first drag racing roadway 40 extends from the first entry transition roadway 32, and the second drag racing roadway 42 extends from the second entry transition roadway 34. The first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42 preferably define generally parallel racing lines RLl, RL2 of equal length. It is preferred that the racing lines of the first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42 are spaced apart enough to minimize, and, preferably, altogether avoid, detrimental aerodynamic effects on racecars racing in parallel along the first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42, particularly along the racing lines RL1, RL2. The first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42 are preferably separated by physical barrier(s), curbing and/or painted markings (such as cross-hatching).

The exit transition section 30 includes a first exit transition roadway 44 and a second exit transition roadway 46. The first exit transition roadway 44 extends from the first drag racing roadway 40 to the second roadway portion 22. The first exit transition roadway 44 defines a third racing line 48 having a third length L3 generally equal to the second length L2 and a third arcuate path R3 generally the same as the second arcuate path R2. The second exit transition roadway 46 defines a fourth racing line 50 having a fourth length L4 generally equal to the first length LI and a fourth arcuate path R4 generally the same as the first arcuate path Rl. The first and second exit transition roadways 44, 46 may overlap where transitioning into the second roadway portion 22. In extending from the drag racing section 28, the first and second exit transition roadways 44, 46 are at least partially separated, such as, by physical barrier(s), curbing and/or painted markings (such as cross-hatching).

With the subject invention, a driver approaching the side-by-side racing portion 24 must decide which roadway to take, either the inner or outer roadway. Ultimately, there is no advantage in either selection in that the same distance is travelled with the same amount of necessary braking. Along the drag racing section 28, racecars may race in side-by-side fashion without detrimental aerodynamic effects. The drag racing section 28 provides for open-throttle racing without blocking or other maneuvering by a lead car. Although passing along the drag racing section 28 does not depend purely on a driver's passing skills, the drag racing section 28 adds excitement in allowing the pure speed of a racecar to be on display. The drag racing section 28 in combination with traditional passing along the main road raceway 14 collectively adds to a racecar's and spectators' experiences.

One or more cross-overs 52 may be provided between the first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42. The cross-over(s) 52 may be openings through physical barriers, if provided between the first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42. Alternatively, the crossovers) 52 may be painted lanes (as shown in Figure 3) between the first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42. The cross-over(s) 52 allow for a racecar to shift between the first and second drag racing roadways 40, 42. This allows for a racecar, such as a lead racecar, to change roadways if race control determines such is permissible. Also, the cross-over(s) 52 allow for bypassing an accident or broken down racecar. Flags and/or signal lights may be provided to indicate when the cross-over(s) 52 may be utilized. In addition, a signal light or other signal, including audio, may be utilized to provide an "all clear" in allowing for crossing-over between the drag racing roadways 40, 42.

As appreciated by those skilled in the art, the race course 10 may be provided with two or more side-by-side racing portions 24. Figure 4 shows the race course 10 with two of the side-by-side racing portions 24A, 24B (extending, respectively, between first and second roadway portions 20A, 20B and 22A, 22B (the second roadway portion (22A) for one side- by-side racing portion (24A) may be considered the first roadway portion (20B) for another side-by-side racing portion (24B))). Additional side-by-side racing portions 24, beyond two, may be utilized.