Race Track & Sports Arena Lighting Techniques

Motor sports are increasing in popularity across the United States. NASCAR, which was once the favored spectator sport of the South has now spread to every corner of the nation. Its fans are always looking for other motor sports to enjoy when NASCAR is not in its racing season. In many cases, this means that fans are building their own lighted race tracks to race at on the weekends and during the evenings. These home grown tracks harken back to the origins of NASCAR racing when men would get together and race their specialized cars down Daytona Beach in Florida, or along the rural roads of the South. If you are creating your own track, you will likely want to be able to race at night, and with the proper race track sport lighting, you will be able to do just that.

Most people who have their own tracks work during the day. This means that the only available time for them to race is either in the evenings or on the weekends. If you are racing during the summer, there is not much of a problem because in many parts of the United States it can stay light until after nine o’clock at night, but for other times of the year, the days are much shorter. Some people even find themselves leaving for work before dawn and returning home after dark in the wintertime. Unless you have race track lighting, your hobby will be pushed back to the shorter winter weekend days. Additionally, if you are in the middle of a race, without lights at the track, you will have to stop due to fading sunlight. This is a great disappointment for many race fans who believe that the only way to end a race is with a checkered flag.

It is not difficult to choose your own race track lighting. In fact, it is very similar to horse arena lighting on a larger scale.You do need to be aware though, that for the optimal lighting capabilities, you will probably need high voltage lights. These require a professional electrician to install them. This is due to the dangers of working with such high levels of electricity. The electrician will also know about any permits that must be gotten or restrictions on times when the lights can be on due to local municipal laws. It is his job to be aware of the governmental red tape that accompanies the installation of high voltage race track lighting.

Your electrical contractor will install the 1500 watt metal halide sports lighting fixtures, but you might be able to save some money by installing the light poles on your own. Consult with the electrician for the best choices for your race track lighting package he is to install. The size of your track will determine the number and spacing of the poles. These will also be dictated by the brightness of the lights you put in. If you are installing simple wooden poles you will likely be advised the following: that for 250 watt lights use 20 foot or shorter poles; 400 watt lights need to be mounted 20 to 30 feet high; and 1000 watt lights must be placed at least 30 feet off the ground. For larger tracks, or for a more permanent, professional look, consider installing steel or fiberglass poles.

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If you still have questions about what to choose for your race track lighting arena, ask an expert or give us a call  toll free at (281) 972-5006 and we will try to find an answer to your question. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New Orleans, La., Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Mo., Mesa, Arizona, Virginia Beach, Va., Omaha, Nebraska, Oakland, California, Miami, Florida, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Arlington, Texas, Beaumont, Texas, Denton, TX, McKinney, Texas, Midland, TX, Killeen, Texas.