What Is a Track Map?

There are two common uses of the term "track map." A track map can be a map of an auto racing track, provided by the speedway to the fans so they can see the exact routes taken for different types of races. A track map can also be a map of a railroad track system, particularly as distinguished from subway route maps that do not follow the track layout.

  1. Types of Speedway Track Maps

    • Several different types of track map are available from different speedways, depending on the type of race being portrayed. For example; the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California offers track maps for sports car, interior, D-Oval and motorcycle formats. The Sebring International Raceway in Florida offers only a single, detailed track map showing not only the route of the race, but the layout of the speedway itself, including features such as spectator parking and car corrals. The Road Atlanta Track in Braselton, Georgia provides a track map with a similar format.

    Motor Club Track Maps

    • Private motor clubs are organizations that allow members to drive high-performance cars from a fleet of vehicles provided by the club. Some motor clubs provide track maps to illustrate the private tracks and driving courses owned by the club. For example; the Monticello Motor Club provides track maps of its full course, north and south courses and "mushroom" course. This kind of track map essentially serves the same purpose as a speedway track map, except the members of the club can actually drive on the track, instead of merely watching the race.

    Subway Track Maps

    • Normal subway maps don't show the actual route of the subway tracks, because that isn't relevant to the traveler on the subway, who only needs to know the list of stops and connections along the line. The New York City subway system provides actual track maps that show the physical layout of the tracks themselves. There are track maps for Manhattan Midtown, Manhattan Uptown and Manhattan North, as well as Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

    Railroad Track Maps

    • A number of railroads provide maps of their track systems, including railroads in Australia, Germany, Denmark, Peru and the U.S.A. However, increased concerns about terrorism and security after the September 11 attacks have led some police departments to request the removal of railroad track maps from publicly-available locations such as Internet websites. As a result, all the maps for the Washington D.C. Metro system are unavailable, when it was previously possible to view them online.