The transformation of city streets to a racetrack is underway in St. Petersburg, as the track build for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg started Monday, March 29. Concrete: 18,000 feet (3.4 miles) of steel-reinforced concrete block (each 12 feet long) resulting in 20 million pounds of concrete being moved and 1,500 blocks placed into position, with four concrete blocks per load. Fencing: 22,000 feet (4.17 miles) of chain-link spectator fencing lining the track; 18,000 feet (3.4 miles) of panel fencing (1,500 total panels) securing the steel-reinforced concrete barrier blocks. Tire Wall: More than 12,000 tires are used to build the track’s tire wall safety system.

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