Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/669769
FENCE MAY 2016 • BE SURE TO VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.WORLDFENCENEWS.COM Ladies and gentlemen – Start your engines! Viewing the Indianap- olis 500 just got safer and easier with the addition of a custom designed black vinyl coated chain link fence manufactured by Merchants Metals. The Indianapolis Motor Speed- way has undergone a major capital improvement project to prepare for the 100th running of the hallowed Indianapolis 500 this month – "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Under the "Project 100" upgrade, $90 million in improvements have been made to seating, technology, gates and entryways, and concession areas; but perhaps most important is re- placement of approximately 350,000 square feet of black vinyl "catch fence" designed to shield spectators from flying debris. The new catch fence covers about three-quarters of the 2.5 mile outside oval, the entire stretch along pit lane, and other viewing areas on the inside of the track, making it an integral part of the IMS renovation. In addi- tion to its safety function, the black continued on page 6 vinyl coated mesh is designed to be easier to maintain and offers better visibility for spectators. It also looks a lot nicer than the old wire fence, which was showing its age. (Historical footnote: As widely reported, IMS officials are taking great care to modernize the track, but retain its many historical attri- butes. As one example, IMS president Doug Boles had a section of the fence retained that Brazilian driver Helio Castroneves climbed onto after each of his three Indy 500 victories. Tony Stewart also climbed that same fence after his first Brickyard 400 win in 2005, a move that mimicked and paid tribute to his Indy Car counterpart.) A ceremony was held at the track in early February during which Boles presented Castroneves with the commemorative fence piece, which had been framed along with photos of his Indy 500 wins. "This is such a special gift. This is where it all start- ed for me, Indianapolis. This is cool, it's incredible. I so appreciate this. It's In advance of 100th running of iconic race Merchants Metals plays key role in project to beautify and improve safety at famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway Shown above and below are portions of the 350,000 square feet of black vinyl "catch fence" which shields spectators from flying debris. The mesh was woven at the Merchants Metals New Paris, Indiana plant, about 145 miles from Indianapolis. The fence is quite transparent, as per the design intent, to allow better visibility of the track by race fans and television cameras. The inset photo shows three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, left, helping Ed Sturgeon of FasTrac Solutions finalize the installation of the new catch fence. (Photos courtesy IMS) Manufactured In-House! Ship Anywhere in USA! & Industrial Fencing Solutions Residential, Commercial IRON WORLD'S STEEL BOARD PRIVACY PANELS PROVIDE BEST OF CLASS, PRIVACY, PROTECTION AND HIGH SECURITY! 90 MPH WIND LOAD, PRE GALV G90, 6" INTERLOCKING BOARD SYSTEM WITH EMBOSSED WOOD GRAIN FINISH! Galvanized Pipe Polyester Pipe Truckloads of Pipe! Steel privacy panels! CALL 1-888-487-3448 OR VISIT IRONWORLDFENCING.COM MORE ON BACK... Manufactured In-House! Ship Anywhere in USA! & Industrial Fencing Solutions Residential, Commercial IRON WORLD'S STEEL BOARD PRIVACY PANELS PROVIDE BEST OF CLASS, PRIVACY, PROTECTION AND HIGH SECURITY! 90 MPH WIND LOAD, PRE GALV G90, 6" INTERLOCKING BOARD SYSTEM WITH EMBOSSED WOOD GRAIN FINISH! Galvanized Pipe Polyester Pipe Truckloads of Pipe! Steel privacy panels! CALL 1-888-487-3448 OR VISIT IRONWORLDFENCING.COM