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Track designer says lay of the land should lead to 'an exciting course' at High Rock Raceway


Aerial photograph show the Yadkin River as it curves past the former NC Finishing Company that was demolished to make way for the proposed High Rock Speedway. The Interstate 85 Bridge (left) and a railway bridge and two bridges that carry US 29 traffic are on the right. Rowan County is in the top of the image and Davidson County is on the other side of the river. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.



25 June 2008: High Rock Raceway track designer Elliott Forbes-Robinson speaks about the new racetrack Wednesday June 25, 2008 in Spencer. Photo Credit: Sean Meyers



25 June 2008: High Rock Raceway track designer Elliott Forbes-Robinson speaks about the new racetrack Wednesday June 25, 2008 in Spencer. Photo Credit: Sean Meyers



25 June 2008: High Rock Raceway track designed by Elliott Forbes-Robinson. Photo Credit: Sean Meyers


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By Steve Huffman

shuffman@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — Elliott Forbes-Robinson paused a second when asked how many tracks he's designed during his 40-year racing career.

He pretended to do some fast multiplying.

"Counting this one," Forbes-Robinson finally announced, "it's my first."

Then he grinned.

Forbes-Robinson has designed the track for the proposed High Rock Raceway. He visited the site recently, taking a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle for a ride around the land, much of which is in the process of being graded.

More work is taking place at the track than is evident to motorists passing along U.S. 70/29 or Interstate 85.

Forbes-Robinson is gray and trim. Think of a stereotypical aging race car driver and he's the kind of guy most would envision.

In a racing uniform, Forbes-Robinson doesn't look unlike actor and racing buff Paul Newman, a man with whom he's friends.

"I love the lay of the land," Forbes-Robinson said of the site of High Rock Raceway. "It has tremendous elevation changes. It's going to be an exciting course."

While Forbes-Robinson has never before designed a track, he's done a little bit of everything else when it comes to racing. He's claimed victories in seven different series and championships and was once part of Evel Knievel's race team.

Forbes-Robinson was a 2006 inductee into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, having started his career in 1968 with the Sports Car Club of America. Since then, he's competed in a variety of racing series — Formula 5000, second generation Can-Am, World Sports Cars, NASCAR and Rolex Sports Car Series, included.

Despite his age, Forbes-Robinson remains active in the sport, having raced at New York's famed Watkins Glen International as recently as two weeks ago.

"I'm 64 and dumb enough to keep racing," he said, laughing.

Forbes-Robinson was born in southern California, his father a sports car racer. Forbes-Robinson was raised primarily in California though the family also lived in Australia (his father's birthplace) for five years.

He moved to Lake Norman 28 years ago.

Across U.S. 29/70 from the site of the proposed High Rock Raceway is a single building from which course officials operate. Inside the building is a huge map that details the layout for the High Rock Raceway.

Forbes-Robinson pointed to the map, describing the track that he envisions.

"We're going to have an 80-foot rise in a 300-foot stretch right here," he said, motioning with his right hand, the pitch of his voice seeming to increase with excitement as he spoke. "It's all coming together, just wait and see."

Forbes-Robinson said High Rock Raceway will feature S-curves that resemble those at Watkins Glen. A straightaway will measure just a hair under a half-mile, allowing drivers to put the pedal to the metal and accelerate to their heart's content.

Forbes-Robinson said the track will be functional for everything from sports cars to motorcycles and said even NASCAR drivers will use it on occasion to practice emergency handling.

High Rock officials said plans are for the track to be used for teen driving courses and said the 2.5-mile layout might even be used for some of the local bicycle races that are staged annually in Salisbury.

"We want to use the track as many days of the year as we can," Forbes-Robinson said. "We want to be a contributing member of the community."


Related
Dismissing naysayers: President of High Rock Raceway confident project will happen



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Forget Daytona : Wednesday, July 09, 2008 3:18 AM

With existing dirt tracks and a paved oval at Lowe's Motor Speedway and the projected drag strip, the opening of High Rock should make this area the real center of American racing. Look at the variety it offers: IRL, both sports car series,NASCAR, the NHRA. The sky would be the limit.
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My name's,,,,Uhmmm
Ref; Don't Forget : : Monday, July 07, 2008 2:24 PM

Forget what? And who was the last racetrack designer?
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developer
plans and permits : Monday, July 07, 2008 7:06 AM

There are still alot of plans and permits to get before this project can move forward, sewer and water is one in itself that will take at least a year, so don't look for alot of progress on the surface, there's much work to be done behind the scenes and I beleive these guys don't have a clue.
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BSC
This is the Yadkin Community : Sunday, July 06, 2008 3:56 PM

The factory someone spoke of is not located in East Spencer or as far as I am concenered Spencer. I was raised in this community of Yadkin and we raced many go carts and dirt bikes in these areas I think it is only fitting for a race track to be placed here. Looking forward to the advancement of this track. My Mother and Father worked more than 50 years at the NC Finishing Co and they both would be proud of what is replacing the mill. I hope the Spencer area will see many profits from the track we need this for our county. See ya at the track. BSC
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Last designer paid? : Sunday, July 06, 2008 3:53 PM

Did the last racetrack designer ever get paid?
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Exciting Project for the Community : Sunday, July 06, 2008 1:58 PM

I'm glad to read this story about this exciting project for the community and am glad to hear it's coming along. Even though we haven't seen progress from the road, it looks like there's a lot going on behind the scenes. I hope to keep reading stories about this great project. It's going to be such a positive thing for Spencer and for Rowan County.
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Don't Forget : Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:50 AM

I hope that David Risdon doesn't forget about the pay he still owes the ex-workers of NC Finishing/Color-Tex!!!!!
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JR LAMBERT IS DEAD ON! : Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:38 AM

The county did nothing, NOTHING to help in this business development project. How come we haven't read about any other fine the county has levied? I can tell you why, it's because when the King don't like a person, a project, a program, a committee, you can bet there will be retribution! Why dosn't the paper get all the businesses that have been fined and put their names in the paper and you know why? Because the only project to get a fine has been this one!
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: Sunday, July 06, 2008 11:02 AM

Fuel prices are high. The last thing we need are more cars going in circles burning fuel.
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JR Lambert
When do they start?? : Sunday, July 06, 2008 8:46 AM

I drive past this site every day while commuting to Lexington for work. I have seen some work done to demolish the old NC Finishing Co., but I havent seen anything done across the street in months. I dont understand what the holdup is here. The county and Ann Brownlee have held up progress enough on this site. I see there is a nice website for this proposed track and they even had a vehicle in the Faith Independance Day parade promoting the new High Rock Raceway. I just don't see anything being done on this site.
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Doug
: Sunday, July 06, 2008 8:05 AM

Can't wait for it to open - the local economy needs it as much as racing enthusiasts. And... how much nicer East Spencer will be without the rat infested abandoned factory!
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interested : Sunday, July 06, 2008 8:00 AM

looks cool- I wonder about the proposed completion date & rail crossing . Call me just nosy.
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Hopeful Spencer Resident
Keep your fingers crossed : Sunday, July 06, 2008 7:23 AM

As a resident of Spencer, I really hope this takes off like they say it will. I will believe it when I see it. This could really be what Spencer needs. I just hope that town board doesn't run these people off.
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