USA Luge aiming to develop natural track luge

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) USA Luge and the International Luge Federation are collaborating in an effort to help grow the sport in the United States.

A new strategic plan will focus on building a natural track program. That plan will include recruitment, development, coaching, and equipment needs.

Natural track luge competitions are contested on surfaces similar to a frozen road, or hillside, with no banked turns. The courses are bordered by vertical walls, as opposed to the banking on artificial tracks in World Cup and Olympic events.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula in and around the city of Marquette on Lake Superior has been the sport's seat in the United States, and USA Luge marketing director Gordy Sheer says it likely will figure in future plans. Sheer says other areas also will be explored for growth.