NASCAR: Martinsville set to add lights fo 2017

NASCAR will have another night racing option next year as historic Martinsvile Speedway is set to add lights for 2017. Track owner International Speedway Corporation announced that it will commit $5 million to equip the track with LED lighting, making it the first major motorsports facility to do so.

The lights, which will begin installation following this month's Sprint Cup race weekend and are scheduled to be in place by January 2017, represent the largest capital investment by ISC into Martinsville to date.

"Bringing lights to Martinsville Speedway is something that has been a priority for us," said ISC President John Saunders. "But just like Martinsville, we wanted the lights for this project to be unique. They had to be of the highest-quality for both the competitors and the fans."

The project, dubbed "Light Up Martinsville," will see the installation of an industry-leading LED lighting solution, which ISC says will provide better illumination, greater flexibility and more efficiency than traditional metal halide lights. In addition to enhancing trackside viewing, ISC said it anticipates the LED lighting will also improve the quality of the lighing for TV broadcasts. The lighting solution will consist of multiple structures located around the perimeter of the facility and the infield of the track.

"To be able to light this track up when the sun goes down, that's going to be something truly special," said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. "Our fans have told us that they want lighting. We're pleased to provide them with another amenity which will ensure Martinsville continues to be one of the premier destinations in motorsports."