Question about Google Earth & Michigan Racetracks.

[stumanfu55]

I have a few questions pertaining to what I see aroundDetroit, maybe you can help.
1. The first spot I ask about is located @ 42°50'40" N 83°04'37'W, is this Ford or GMproving grounds? This one has a 5-mile oval.
2. Or maybe this? Is this Ford or GM Proving Grounds? 42°34'27" N 83°42'03" W. This one has a 4.5 mile circle
3. I think this one is Chryslers, it's right next to I-94. 42°15'57" N 84°04'44" W. Am I right? This one has a 4.65 mileoval.

[BluCamaro]

If you check the "Google Earth Community" check box it'll tell you that #2 is GM, #3 is Chrysler but it doesn't label #1.
There is another old "Ford Test Track" in Windsor as well @ 42 deg, 18' 37" N, 82 deg 59' 13"W
Google Earth is coooool.

[groggerbug]

I don't know for sure... but I looked up the second one and it is labeled "GM Proving Grounds".

Greg

[Playz with Carz]

I use different arial sites than Google Earth ( Live Search and Terraserver ) and
couldn't search via your measurements. I know the areas anyway, so I knew
where to look - see if these match what you've found ....

GM Test Track Milford Michigan ....



Ford Test Track Dearborn Michigan ....



Chrysler Test Track Chelsea Michigan ....



Mark.

[stumanfu55]

Ok, my # 2 is GM. I had not even seen either of the Dearborn or Windsor Fords until now, and those look pretty cool too! But my #1 is still unanswered,it's just North of Romeo, MI.

[Playz with Carz]

The track just north of Romeo is Ford's Durability Test Track Facility ....



Mark.

[stumanfu55]

Thanks Mark!

[BluCamaro]

The one in Windsor hasn't been used by Ford since the 60's or 70's (I think). It was abandoned and the City of Windsor bought it off Ford andturned it into a park in the early 80's. Now it's used for soccer games etc.

[Sticker Ninja]

Living in Michigan and being a car nut, I'm well aware of all of the above test tracks. Years ago I was in Milford and stopped on a road next to the track,got out and stood on top of the work van I was driving and looked over the fence. I was watching them test a few protoype cars for maybe 5 minutes when 3unmarked cars came up and severely threatened me with legal action if I didn't move along.
I constantly see cars that are masked with full body bras because the auto companies don't want you to see the new bodies.
Another story I'd like to pass along. The GM proving ground is in Milford, and I live about 5 miles from Hell, MI. I heard a story from a GM engineer thatI couldn't begin to confirm, but have no reason to not believe. Evidently, whenever they tested a new Corvette, they would drive from Milford, throughHell, then back to Milford. That way the could honestly say that before being released, every new Corvette had been "through Hell and back."
Whether it's true or not I can't honestly say, but it's an absolutely beautiful drive with a wide variety of freeway and 2 lane roads that varyfrom smooth to, let's just say "Textured."
Also, that Ford Dearborn track was maybe a mile from last April's Dearborn convention.
OK, I'm done.
Sticker Ninja