To ianb. It's not tracks can't afford sawdust, it does grow on trees you know, but they're not allowed to. Thanks to the enviornmentalists for that, same with dropping oil onto the track.
I would think, hope, that the finished article will look better. the girl who designed it probably isn't an artist and it would be just be a rough sketch.
When Blantyre 2 was built the starting gate was at the halway line on the straight. When Ivan Mauger visited pre-season he advised that the gate be moved back nearer turn four for the exact reasons you stated and also saving a long run to the line.