Golden Gate

[steveb73]

Hi folks.

I am an amateur track maker for a PC game called Nascar Racing 2003 Season. Some of you may play the game; I know some regulars here (or regulars who were here) do; Jimmy McKinley for one. The group I work with has made several florida tracks including Citrus, Sunshine, Hialeah, Ocala, Five Flags, Orlando, South Alabama, and one called "Coronado" etc.

Anyway, our little group got a request today from a local Tampa native who'd like to see us tackle Golden Gate Speedway. He says he has lots of pix and info, but any additional information would be greatly appreciated (banking, width, etc). But, if anyone knows of a "satellite" or "helicopter" overhead view (I mean STRAIGHT overhead or nearly STRAIGHT), that would be the biggest help of all.

Looking at some of the photos I can find on the web already tell me we will have to deviate from "reality" to make it work within the confines of the game. But, we'll give it a shot, if we can get enough information.

[ronabneysr]

golden gate speedway

get in touch with don nerone he should have ever thing you need if he don't i have some aerial shots and lot of pictures i mean a lot but i got to find them we got four five houses and there is no telling were my wife has my racing stuff packed up at also buzzie and wayne in zepherhills might can help see you

[ancrdave]

This is one from my website www.floridaracinghistory.com... You may find other shots on there that could be helpful...

[Old Sunshine Fan]

Wow Dave

Just imagine that pic with an overlay of the Florida 200. You'd not be able to see any grass or anything else.

Those were the days for sure.. I looked at that pic for quite a few minutes just remembering how great the times were.

I have a nephew who says he was born too late because of all the great racing I speak of from the Gate in addition to Sunshine (of course). He sure did miss the good days.

OSF:

[steveb73]

yeah, we have that picture posted above and another from an even older period (ca. 62, when the fig 8 wasn't there).

Unfortunately, to make a track in the tool we use for the game, and to really get the track configuration correct, we need a "helicopter" shot...... or something like you'd get off Google Earth. and of course, those don't exist.

My partner has manipulated that photo above in photoshop to a point its ALMOST perpendicular. Fortunately, I have a friend in Largo who also helps us make game stuff and who used to race there, and he says we have it close.......

but any info you guys can provide on banking, track width, etc. would be really helpful. Some folks suggested contacting certain people. If you have contact info, it would be greatly appreciated.

many thanks!

PS: old sunshine fan: I miss that place. Saw a new satellite picture the other day; looks like they've turned it into a driving school or something.

[Old Sunshine Fan]

Sunshine N O W

Florida Dept of Transportation has the property and uses it for testing Toll Plaza Gates/Money Receivers etc.

Its a shame to see it. But life goes on. There will never be another one like that one.

OSF:

(I wonder if that friend in Largo is Jim Fenton)

[Jimmy McKinley]

Steve, good to see ya on here, buddy! I sure miss my NR2003/N3/N2/N1 sim racing days...don't have any of the sims any more :-( I might have them all except NR2003 (which I sold because I needed the money...) packed away in storage somewheres. After my divorce, I had to give up on the sim racing stuff (sold my TSW wheel/pedals)...

The SEMI-ORIGINAL sim racing short track series...The United Shorttrack Alliance!

Golden Gate would be awesome with the '80s Late Model mod! Be even better if there was a '70s Late Model mod out there floating around, with the Chevelles, Camaros, Novas, and Mustangs!

[Bobby Diehl]

Steve call me about Charlotte County.

Steve call me 813-817-7223. Wondering if you have done Charlotte County Speedway (CCMP)?
Thanks Bobby Diehl

[steveb73]

Jimmy, great to hear from you. Hope all is well.

Bobby, Charlotte County was completed by another group of trackmakers. Its very well done. If you have the NR2003 game, you can add the track. Check the paved short track list at nr2k3tracks.com for the download location.