The Bright Lights of Marysville Raceway
The Bright Lights of Marysville
By: Dennis Gage
(Marysville, CA 2/6/22) The test of a modern new lighting system has been linked to a pre-season test and tune session at Marysville Raceway last night on February 5th. Originally scheduled as a daytime practice it had been moved from the afternoon to start at 4 pm and going to 8 pm. The lights were bright and magnificent. Racers were aware of the new lights shining down upon them. This new system will enhance both the fans and drivers experience at Marysville.
Thirty-eight 500 watt LED stadium lights have replaced the former 34-1500 watt
metal halide fixtures that formerly lit the raceway. “This began as a quest to save
save utility costs, but later became a safety concern as we studied the dark areas
and shadows on the racing surface, explained track manager Dennis Gage.
When the utility people abandoned attempts to assist we contracted with
independents who developed the plan,” he continued. Studies showed that the
lights selected would produce 23% more output and use approximately one of
third power. The added 4 lights, the increase in output, plus some light relocation
is expected to yield a 30% overall increase in lighting. “We got them installed
walked the track and aligned everything accordingly, but the real test is race cars
on the ¼ mile clay oval,” Gage concluded.
The next test and tune session is slated for February 19th which will return to the daytime format. 2022 racing begins at Marysville Raceway on February 26 with the annual Sherm and Loree Toller Memorial race for Sprint cars. The Tollers were both Raceway employees for years supporting the Marysville speedplant.
Information and the 2022 schedule is available at 530-350-7275 or www.marysvilleraceway.com. (END)
