by Larry Eder
University of Oregon, Hayward Field, courtesy of University of Oregon website
The University of Oregon’s Hayward Field is hallowed ground. Exciting meets, great athletes and knowlegable fans have filled the stands to overflow, for many an historic event. In April 2008, Nike gave a tour to media of the new facility. Vinn Lananna, the Oregon Track & Field Director, gave us about thirty minutes to speak on the meet we would see at the Olympic Trials, and also the new facility. He spoke very highly about Beynon Sports Surfaces, and that put them on my list to interview.
In American Track & Field magazine, we have worked with the ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) on columns for the past several years. We worked with the former trade group for the better part of a decade. Beynon Sports Surfaces is a member of the ASBA.
We interviewed Drew Beynon, VP of Beynon Sports Surfaces on a variety of subjects: the University of Oregon track, green surfacing and general questions on resurfacing. We thank Drew for his time and his observations.
Rebuilding a track facility is no mean task. We suggest that, before you take on such a feat, get information. We have listed some resources at the end of the interview. We hope that you find the interview helpful!
RBR, #1: Beynon has been one of the key players in the performance track industry; give us a quick synopsis of your history?
Drew Beynon: Beynon Sports Surfaces was founded in 2001 by John Beynon. We have been a leader in the outdoor track and field and field house athletic surfacing market through our relentless pursuit of providing the safest, most environmentally-friendly athletic surfaces designed for speed, resiliency and daily use.
RBR, #2:You were purchased by Tarkett Sports about two years ago, can you tell us about that?
Drew Beynon: In April 2008, we divested Beynon Sports Surfaces and Beynon Enterprises to Tarkett Sports. This merger created a synergistic powerhouse in the arena of synthetic turf and running tracks that allows clients to have the “total package†of superior products, amazing performance, exemplary customer service and an excellent warranty.
RBR, #3: One of the prize sites was your installation at the University of Oregon. Vin Lananna, the Oregon T&F Director, told us that Beynon lived up to all its promises and expectations. Tell us a little about the unique challenges with the Eugene job?
Drew Beynon: As the site for the 2008 Olympic Trials, Prefontaine Classic, 2009 USA Track and Field Championships and countless other high-profile meets, the University of Oregon and the selection committee did a tremendous amount of due diligence to find the perfect surface that provides the resiliency and return of energy to produce superior times, but also offers the shock absorption necessary to allow athletes to train daily without injuries. Our BSS 2000 Track and Field surface fits that precise profile, and with the ability to TUNEâ„¢ or customize the durometer of the track within IAAF specifications coupled with value of having the option to resurface after 15-20 years it made their decision easy.
RBR, #4: Beynon has made history with its new green surfacing product, Beypur 160, can you tell us a little about the product?
Drew Beynon: One of the challenges of the traditional structural spray track and field system offered by some of our competition is the odor associated with the application of the standard single-component structural spray. Beynon Sports Surfaces’ BEYPUR 160 Waterbased Structural Spray contains no odor producing chemicals, has superb color retention, outstanding feel under foot, and zero VOCs. This is an excellent option for customers that have selected our BSS 100 track and field system, the site in adjacent to homes or businesses and the community desires a more environmentally-friendly approach to facility development.
RBR, #5: Why is it easier to install?
Drew Beynon: BEYPUR 160 is easier to install because the product curing agent, which is water, evaporates upon application. It is also a heavier product so overspray is minimized and clean up is accomplished with soap and water.
RBR, #6: Are you recommending it only for resurfacing jobs, or can it be used on a new facility?
Drew Beynon: BEYPUR 160 can be utilized for both resurfacing projects as well as new construction.
RBR, #7: What are issues that come up when one resurfaces? Are there special rules about disposing of old surfaces and bases?
Drew Beynon: One of the benefits of Beynon Sports Surfaces full pour track and field systems is that a customer has the ability to resurface the track after 15-20 years extending the lifecycle of the track to 30 years! This is by far the longest in the industry. When considering whether to resurface or budget for new construction the key consideration is the stability of asphalt sub base and the type of track and field system that is currently in use. Full pour polyurethane surfaces bond chemically to the asphalt so as long as the sub base is intact and stable. Our BSS Resurfacing Systems can correct any deviations in the surface as well as allow the customer to customize the durometer of the new track surface.
RBR, #8: On the average, a thoughtful school or university team, deciding on a new facility or resurface, what is average time from seeing your reps to having a site completed?
Drew Beynon: That depends on a number of factors such as the scope of the project, and whether it is a resurfacing or new construction, but we can generally accomplish the track surface in 4-5 weeks after the curing of the new asphalt.
RBR, #9: As many tracks are supported by bond issues, has the economic slowdown affected track facilities? We hear of them all over the country?
Drew Beynon: Track and field development, like all construction projects are under significant fiscal pressure during this economic crisis. Fortunately, Beynon Sports Surfaces offers over 11 types of track and field surfaces to meet all customer profiles and demand characteristics. With our superior financial strength and unmatched warranty, clients know that contracting for a BSS track and field system ensures that the company providing this specialized will indeed be there through the warranty period and beyond.
RBR, #10: Can you give us five key points to look for to determine if one’s track needs to be resurfaced?
Drew Beynon: First, what existing type of track and field surface does the customer have? Second, what is the condition of the asphalt and sub base – is the track holding water – is Lane One severely worn when compared to the balance of the surface? Third, what is the budget for the resurfacing project as this will dictate the types of resurfacing systems to be considered? Fourth, is the customer happy with feel under foot of the existing track and field surface? Only Beynon Sports Surfaces has the unique ability to customize the durometer of the resurfacing system so we can make a hard sheet good product more training-friendly. Finally, you want to make sure the contractor is experienced with this specialized scope of work and they have the financial fortitude to survive this economic crisis and be around to service your project.
For more on Beynon sports surfacing, please check out http://www.beynonsports.com
To learn more about Sports Surfacing and the ASBA, please check out http://sportsbuilders.org/
To learn more about our sport, please click on http://www.runningnetwork.com
