• Longest race track in America
  • 24 corners in 7.3 kilometres
  • Long straight and many 180-degree hairpins
ALMS 2006
Emanuele Pirro crossing the finish line at Salt Lake City in 2006

With a length of 4.486 miles (7.3 kilometres) the circuit in Miller Motorsports Park close to Salt Lake City is the longest on the American Le Mans Series calendar and the longest in America. The facility was opened in 2006. Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro won the inaugural race with the Audi R10 TDI last July. The American Le Mans Series heads to Salt Lake City for the second time this coming weekend. Audi driver Emanuele Pirro talks about the 24-turn circuit in the desert of Utah.

Are you looking forward to the race close to Salt Lake City?
“Yes. Very much so! We’ve driven long enough between walls lining street circuits. It’s time for a real race track. The Miller Motorsports Park close to Salt Lake City is a fantastic facility. The circuit is demanding, brand new and very long. Our Audi was quite good there last year. I’m really looking forward to driving the R10 TDI through fast corners and at higher speeds again. It was designed and built for this.”

How does Salt Lake City differ from other race tracks?
“The biggest difference is that the more traditional US circuits follow the landscape – which is why they are so fascinating. You race between trees, in the middle of the countryside, over hills. Obviously, a completely new circuit like the one close to Salt Lake City doesn’t have the same flair. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t challenging. It has a very long straight which you don’t usually find in the American Le Mans Series. The track has many 180-degree bends, and all of which are slightly different. You never get bored there. The track also has plenty of overtaking areas.”

What memories do you have of last year’s race?
“The race was decided at the very end. After the final safety car period I had my hands full keeping the LM P2 Porsche behind me because my tyres were covered with pick-up and I couldn’t get then up to temperature. It was incredibly close at the chequered flag. The taste of victory was even sweeter since it was our first race in America after winning at Le Mans. Frank (Biela) took pole position for us in qualifying. So, I only have good memories of Salt Lake City and look forward to going back.”