Fresno Police Training Facility - Sept 2010!

[JFine]

Here is am email I got today along with one I got before::eek:

As Sgt. Hahn mentions in his email, there are a number of issues we're working on and we are rather shorthanded. That being said, I apologize for not getting back in touch with you sooner. I would like to meet with you, probably towards the end of this month.



Joshua,

Things are progressing along fine. Attached are a few images of the completed driving track and facility. The anticipated date of completion is still September of 2010. Although the track is completed we are not using or allowing anyone to use the driving portion of the track until after the facility is completed.

I have forwarded your information to the Training Bureau so they have your contact number. As we get closer to the completion date I am sure that the personnel from the Training Bureau will get in touch with you. There are still a number of legal issues that need to be resolved by our Risk Management office and our City Attorney's office not to mention a number of policies and issues that must be worked out before we can offer anything to outside organizations.

Sorry I can't be of much more help but the Police Department has been hampered by the layoff of over 100 personnel in our organization. This will slow the progress of organizing some of the intricacies necessary to run a facility of this magnitude.

Sgt. Timothy Hahn


I sent a reply saying the club would be interested in conducting a charity event for the opening of the facility with the proceeds going to either PAL or another charity that both the club and FPD could agree on. Also that a meeting on a Monday or Friday works best for me.

[SmokeyBear]

Really, really good news Josh. I thought I'd never see it and now it really looks possible.

[bgriggs]

An update to the Fresno Police Training Facility. Joshua Fine, Corky Schroeder, Gary Lieb and I met with Sgt Biggs of the Fresno PD out at the site today. What a GREAT site! We are looking at a site that is ~900x600ft. In addition to this area, there is a separate skidpad that has built in flooding capabilities, a small "road course" including a banked 180 degree turn, and a dedicated parking lot for paddock usage that is ~800x150ft.

This is a top notch facility that we should feel very lucky to have the opportunity to use. Expect further details to be discussed at the meeting.

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_001.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_002.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_003.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_004.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_005.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_006.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_007.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_008.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_009.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_010.jpg

[bgriggs]

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_011.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_012.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_013.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_014.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_015.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_016.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_017.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_018.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_019.jpg

http://fresnoscca.com/images/fresno_pd/fresno_pd_020.jpg

[2159ClassicRed]

The world of autocross has made a complete 180 this past week.

[dbratten]

The world of autocross has made a complete 180 this past week.
So very true. We are, for whatever reasons, becoming blessed with sites. Let us all hope they come together.

Looking at these pictures shows potentially an incredible site to use for our autox events and opens up possibilities to do so much more in the way of training for the community. I am also happy to see the banking as it is an interesting element to run on as is the street circuit -- especially one without curbs. Using both in addition to the flat pad would be wonderful if we're allowed to as it would greatly enhance all-around driving skills.

The dimensions of just the primary FPD pad being 600'x900' yields an area of 540k square feet (sf).

An approximate comparison of competition surfaces (C = Concrete) in our area not counting parking/paddock/grid (sf):

Fresno Fairgrounds - 210k
Solano College - 234k
Castle Small Lot (C) - 250k
Stockton Fairgrounds - 266k
Mather Field (C) - 322k
Marina Air Field (C) - 352k
Great America - 360k
Golden Gate Fields - 410k
Lemoore NAS (C) - 411k
Oakland Coliseum - 430k
FPD (pad only) - 540k
Castle Winton Ramp (C) - 750k

And just for reference -
Lincoln Field (site of Solo Nationals) (C) - 3,500k available

Again, positive thoughts everyone.

[bgriggs]

So very true. We are, for whatever reasons, becoming blessed with sites. Let us all hope they come together.

Looking at these pictures shows potentially an incredible site to use for our autox events and opens up possibilities to do so much more in the way of training for the community. I am also happy to see the banking as it is an interesting element to run on as is the street circuit -- especially one without curbs. Using both in addition to the flat pad would be wonderful if we're allowed to as it would greatly enhance all-around driving skills.

The dimensions of just the primary FPD pad being 600'x900' yields an area of 540k square feet (sf).

An approximate comparison of competition surfaces (C = Concrete) in our area not counting parking/paddock/grid (sf):

Fresno Fairgrounds - 210k
Solano College - 234k
Castle Small Lot (C) - 250k
Stockton Fairgrounds - 266k
Mather Field (C) - 322k
Marina Air Field (C) - 352k
Great America - 360k
Golden Gate Fields - 410k
Lemoore NAS (C) - 411k
Oakland Coliseum - 430k
FPD (pad only) - 540k
Castle Winton Ramp (C) - 750k

And just for reference -
Lincoln Field (site of Solo Nationals) (C) - 3,500k available

Again, positive thoughts everyone.

Those are very interesting numbers. It seems like just yesterday that we were thinking we might not have a single site to run on locally. I don't know what we did to appease the autocross gods but we need to keep it up!

Regarding the skidpad and banked turn. The site is going to be available to be rented in sections. They told us there would be a "menu" to order from. I did ask specifically if we would be able to use the flooded skid pad and the street course... neither were any issues at all.

Dan, with all these larger sites coming into play, are you sure the car is built to take it??? :D

[dbratten]

Those are very interesting numbers. It seems like just yesterday that we were thinking we might not have a single site to run on locally. I don't know what we did to appease the autocross gods but we need to keep it up!
I know, right! I'll go out on a limb here and attribute the positive change to our Presidents -- all three of you; Brandon, Josh, & Barrack -- not necessarily in that order. ;)


Regarding the skidpad and banked turn. The site is going to be available to be rented in sections. They told us there would be a "menu" to order from. I did ask specifically if we would be able to use the flooded skid pad and the street course... neither were any issues at all. Excellent. The banked course with street circuit would allow us to experience a mini HPDE in a safer, lower-speed environment.


Dan, with all these larger sites coming into play, are you sure the car is built to take it??? :D It's making me moist to think about. :D

[Justin]

Regarding the skidpad and banked turn. The site is going to be available to be rented in sections. They told us there would be a "menu" to order from. I did ask specifically if we would be able to use the flooded skid pad and the street course... neither were any issues at all.


The flooded skid pad sounds AMAZING to autocross on!

[2159ClassicRed]

Can't argue with numbers, nice calc's Dan.

[JFine]

FYI all of the narrowest roads measured about 30' wide, plenty to autocross on.
Here are some more pictures and some video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFAKtorA_E4

[JFine]

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac63/SCCA_Racer/Fresno%20Police%20Training%20Facility/TrainingVillage4-21-10058.jpg?t=1278999978http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac63/SCCA_Racer/Fresno%20Police%20Training%20Facility/TrainingVillage4-21-10024.jpg?t=1279000011http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac63/SCCA_Racer/Fresno%20Police%20Training%20Facility/TrainingVillage4-21-10010.jpg?t=1279000028

[SmokeyBear]

Those are some very fine stats you put together Dan. Great to note that 3 of the top 4 (excluding Lincoln) are in our area, no more than a mile from Fresno. Sorry Turlock folks, further for you to two of the sites. We appreciate you guys from up north, we really do.

Oh, Dan, getting 2 out of 3 right on the presidents ain't bad. You almost got it right. Better luck next time.

[solo2_z06]

Absolutely beautiful facility with so many options for courses. Where is this actually located?

[thad]

Absolutely beautiful facility with so many options for courses. Where is this actually located?

Central and Hayes IIRC, SW fresno toward kerman.

Btw I'm really excited about the possibility of a street course.

[black_em2]

http://www.asdb.net/public/Graphics/Posters/LoveThisThread.jpg

its true! It looks like an amazing place to run, can't wait!

[bgriggs]

Central and Hayes IIRC, SW fresno toward kerman.

Btw I'm really excited about the possibility of a street course.

Correct, here's a link to the site.

http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=36.675048,-119.905&spn=0.00703,0.013937&z=17

[cap49]

Those are some very fine stats you put together Dan. Great to note that 3 of the top 4 (excluding Lincoln) are in our area, no more than a mile from Fresno. Sorry Turlock folks, further for you to two of the sites. We appreciate you guys from up north, we really do.

Oh, Dan, getting 2 out of 3 right on the presidents ain't bad. You almost got it right. Better luck next time.

You're absolutely right Ron Josh was last years president but he did set-up the police site acquisition for this year. Thanks for being a bull dog Josh this site has been on the radar for a long time and you finally got it.:cool:

[SteveC]

Wow..... this looks like an amazing site - capable of much much higher speeds.

Similar to Lone Pine but without the broken asphalt! I would suggest we approach higher

speed events with caution. The last thing we need is someone to wreck a car and put

the whole thing in danger. This is a great opportunity! And it's LOCAL!!!

[dbratten]

Wow..... this looks like an amazing site - capable of much much higher speeds.

Similar to Lone Pine but without the broken asphalt! I would suggest we approach higher

speed events with caution. The last thing we need is someone to wreck a car and put

the whole thing in danger.

Agreed! But I know we can design a safe, faster course on the pad surface without problem. However, utilizing the street circuit's possible configurations may require a stricter tech or some training element for anyone not having prior experience as going off into the dirt can present complications and almost enters the realm of HPDE.


This is a great opportunity! And it's LOCAL!!!
Local is relative. Castle is local. :p

[SteveC]

Hey Dan.....

You're right...... speaking as one (maybe the only) person who has totaled a car in

a local autocross in the past 20 years..... it's worth considering.

Not something I recommend (spent my entire summer building the car).

But what an awesome site! Our ability to manage the speed will determine if we keep

it. Hope we do....

[JFine]

Just using the pad without the street course section we will get plenty of speed.

[bgriggs]

Just using the pad without the street course section we will get plenty of speed.

Without a doubt. To me the place reminded me of the runway that AAS ran on in alameda. The place is MUCH bigger than the pictures portray.

[thad]

blah blah blah pad, its not the pad that gives me a raging clue, If we got the pad but not the street course it would almost be worse IMO than no site at all, it would be like dating a girl with a great *** who won't show you her boobs.

[BryanH]

Without a doubt. To me the place reminded me of the runway that AAS ran on in alameda. The place is MUCH bigger than the pictures portray.

It does seem to look small from the photos/video for some reason. It's a bit of a shame the main pad isn't a bit wider (square areas give much more freedom for course design) but it's still great that we have a new, decent size lot to play on. Thanks to those who made this happen!

I doubt we could run the street course area due to the grass/dirt being too close in proximity to the course. The banked turn with the guardrail is definitely out.

[JFine]

As far as I know there is no rule on running courses next to a dirt edge. The rule state to avoid camber changes and uneven surfaces.

[2159ClassicRed]

I'm sure the narrow pad won't be a problem to us. There have been some killer course designs within the tight confines of the Fresno Fairgrounds and the Castle small lot.

[psychostang]

THIS IS NOT A NARROW PAD!!!!! It is just not square.

[dbratten]

As far as I know there is no rule on running courses next to a dirt edge. The rule state to avoid camber changes and uneven surfaces.

And even that would rule out running at Great America, Candlestick and Golden Gate Fields (site of the Divisional) -- not to mention Stockton Fairgrounds, Fresno Fairgrounds, and Castle Small Lot -- all containing surface changes or moguls/off camber sections. Lemoore NAS and Marina are the only two local venues meeting that rule.

I agree that a dirt edge isn't an obstacle requiring a setback. I find myself running on the street every day along the dirt -- often times at speed.

[dbratten]

THIS IS NOT A NARROW PAD!!!!! It is just not square.

Correct! 600' isn't narrow. It's just less than 900'.

FYI -- Castle Small Lot is 625' -- LONG. Winton Ramp at it's widest is 700'.

[2159ClassicRed]

I should rephrase it to a BIG narrow lot instead.

[rhdxsi]

What happened with this site???

[SmokeyBear]

It seems that when they got approval to build it, they neglected to get approval for outsiders (non-PD) to use it. Supposedly they are going through that process now but the wheels turn very, very slowly. Especially since there's no hurry on the city's part. That's the way I understand it. Somebody else may have more to say.

[Jst4Fun]

Ric-

Can you find out where it is with the city/county? I am willing to write a letter/proposal in support (ie getting teens off the street etc) and maybe even attend a city counsel meeting.

There also is a big asphalt pad at Clovis and 168. The company uses it for trailer parking (some sort of ag business). I have not been able to track down a number to ask if it would be available or not.

[racinric95]

James,
I believe Josh's dad was working on contacting the correct people. If you would like to
work with Wayne, I'm sure that would be a big help.

Ric

[solo2_z06]

Driving to the fairgrounds, I often wonder about the old hospital parking lot. It looks easily doable even with the tree planters.

[SteveC]

"Old hospital parking lot"??????? Where is that? Which hospital??

[solo2_z06]

It's on the NE corner of Cedar and Kings Canyon.