Just 2 days after the Carfax 400, demolition has begun at Michigan International Speedway.

Where the pit road suites now still somewhat stand, a solar-powered, glass and steel, two-story building will be placed to accommodate corporate suites and a new, state-of-the-art media center. The $17 million dollar renovation project will also include rebuilding the Americrown kitchen, relocating gasoline alley and extending the pedestrian tunnel, commonly referred to as “the gopher hole”.

Photos are courtesy of Michigan International Speedway.

You can click pictures for an enlarged view.

“It’s very exciting to see a building fall, but to know that this is the beginning of eventually redesigning our entire infield and being able to touch so many different aspects of our sport — fans, drivers, crews, media and corporate partners — makes this project truly special,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “We are also directly contributing to the local economy by using Michigan-based businesses.”

The renovations are expected to be completed three weeks before the track’s next NASCAR race weekend from June 11-13, 2010.