FIELDS, a sports general contractor based in Canton, GA, has developed the first synthetic turf ever to be installed at a NASCAR track infield. It has now completed its first successful use during the Bank of America 500 and Drive for the Cure 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this past weekend.

This proprietary synthetic turf was developed by FIELDS in conjunction with TenCate, the world's leading fiber producer. It was created to improve driver safety and save cars from sustaining substantial damage when leaving the track surface, while also reducing the risk of injury to the driver. 42,000 square feet was installed at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Former NASCAR driver and current TV analyst Jeff Burton said, "The problem is cars are getting into the grass and tearing their splitters apart. It's ending people's days. So this is the first attempt at a solution. It's a really good idea. It's very innovative. In my mind, it's groundbreaking, because you don't lose that traditional look."

"....we believe this revolutionary new use of synthetic turf was the perfect fit for our world-class racing venue," said Marcus Smith, the president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. He continued, "The turf is more manageable than grass, resistant to heat and it provides a smooth, speed-scrubbing surface should a car spin through it."

In addition to improving the safety for drivers, this proprietary synthetic turf is more environmentally friendly than using natural grass. It doesn't require watering, there are no chemicals or fertilizers necessary to keep it green, and a limited amount of maintenance is needed, which reduces emissions.

President & CEO of FIELDS, Brian Storm, added "We're excited for the future of this proprietary turf, and were thrilled to be able to collaborate with Speedway Motorsports, Inc. to introduce it at Charlotte Motor Speedway for race weekend."