The New Carlisle skid pad provides a variety of low coefficient surfaces as well as a high-coefficient asphalt area suitable for "braking in a curve" maneuvers, J-Turns, figure-8s, and tight-radius lateral-acceleration tests. The pad is roughly trapezoidal shaped with an overall length of 1,400 feet and major width of 300 feet.  A turnaround is provided on the end of the pad with direct access from the three mile oval track to allow speed stabilization and acceleration flexibility. Built into the edge of the skid pad are automatic sprinklers designed to flood the low coefficient surface for a length of 600 feet.

The entire pad has a 0.5% slope to facilitate rapid water drainage and evaporation. Should water coverage be required in areas not covered by sprinklers, a tanker truck and driver can be provided. A fully instrumented skid trailer ensures paved surfaces are of known friction coefficients. Speed limits for vehicle testing are a function of test surface, vehicle type, and test type. The following test surfaces are present on the large pad: asphalt, jennite, tile, and urethane.