The initial cost of GPlus Polytrack (including the specialized shock pad) is typically 20–30% higher than standard non-draining turf ($6–$10 USD per square foot installed vs. $4–$7 for basic turf).
However, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 10 years tells a different story:
Most facilities recoup the premium within 36 months through increased rental hours. You can rent a GPlus Polytrack pitch in the rain (booking it for 15 minutes after the storm passes), whereas a standard turf would be unusable for two hours.
A dirt track can be "fixed" with a harrow and a water truck in 20 minutes. Gplus Polytrack requires daily science experiments.
The primary selling point of GPlus Polytrack is its drainage capability. Unlike porous turf or conventional dirt, the surface is designed to be permeable, allowing water to pass through the cushion and drain laterally. This significantly reduces the number of race meetings lost to waterlogging (soft ground).
Gplus Polytrack represents the latest evolution of the original Polytrack synthetic surface, developed by Martin Collins Racing (now part of the Ecotrack group under Racecourse Management Services). Designed to address limitations of earlier synthetic tracks (e.g., cushion depth variability, drainage issues, and false favoritism of front-runners), Gplus introduces advanced polymer coating, fiber technology, and a consistent wax layer. The surface aims to provide superior safety, durability, and uniformity across all weather conditions.