tlanta Motor Speedway sustained heavy damage from a tornado on Wednesday evening, but officials at the track insist the facility will be ready for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, the last weekend of October.
The tornado caused heavy structural damage to parts of the grandstand, luxury suites, condominiums, corporate offices and the infield area. The tornado was estimated at one-half mile wide with winds of 150 mph. Damage is estimated to be at least $25 million.
"There wasn't really damage to the racing surface," Speedway president Ed Clark said on the facility's website. "We could run a race in a couple days as far as the track is concerned, but the infield, general property and suite areas are the main concern."