Wake County racetrack gets face lift ahead of '13 season

After the Simpkins family leased the track to new owner Adam Resnick in January, the Racing Operations president teamed up with Charlie Hansen to give the iconic raceway a much-needed face lift. 

There are new bleachers, paint, lights and track surface, all things organizers hope will bring big-time racing back to Raleigh. 

Hansen, who is now the track's promoter and general manager, said the improvements help add to the history of the track. 

"We're just trying to make it a family-oriented place to come on Friday nights," he said. "There is so much history here."

Driver Lawson Flood, 12, said track improvements will make a big difference. 

"It's a lot better," Flood, who has been coming to the speedway for seven years, said. "The track is smoother, and overall the track is a lot nicer."

Flood's mother, Jennifer, said it's important to keep the hometown track up and running. Despite that, she admits to being nervous when her son hits the track. 

"He's been racing mini cup truck for a few years now, but this is his first year in a legend car," she said. "I'm scared to death, I want to smile and throw up at the same time. He lights up. He loves it."

The 2013 season, which kicks off April 5, will include close to 20 weeks of scheduled racing.