Atlanta Motor Speedway to delay repave

Atlanta Motor Speedway has announced it will not repave its 20-year-old surface for at least one more year.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke the news on Twitter Tuesday morning, with the track confirmng the news soon afterward saying officials have decided to re-evaluate after the 2018 race. The decision was credited to "an in-depth review and exhaustive consultations with NASCAR, Goodyear, race teams and drivers."

The March 5 race was scheduled to be the final race on a surface that was last repaved in 1997. But that weekend produced numerous pleas from fans, drivers, and media to try and hold off, leaving Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) president and CEO Marcus Smith admitting plans might be put on hold.

"We appreciate all of the input we have received from key individuals in the NASCAR industry, as well as our customers," said Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway president. "The overwhelming majority have urged us to hold off on paving so that we can enjoy at least one more weekend of high-speed slipping and sliding in 2018 before the new surface is installed."

NASCAR drivers and teams were quick to react.

AMS will continue with a meticulous maintenance program to maintain the surface and further prevent deterioration. Patchwork will also be completed where necessary.