The first of 132 light towers has been installed at the Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), making it the first Australian track capable of hosting capable of operating day and night.
The light tower was craned in and installed in front of representatives from the New South Wales government, Supercars and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC).
State deputy premier John Barilaro said the multi-million-dollar investment could not come at a better time: “We know that COVID-19 is taking its toll on this state, and racing can be a real morale boost for those isolating at home, so it will be fantastic when motor racing gets back on track.”
The project aims to make SMSP the ‘Silverstone of the southern hemisphere’, not only opening up access for motorsport but opportunities for local tourism, investment, employment and developing existing on-site programs targeting performance engineering, education and training.
Sean Seamer, CEO of Supercars, welcomed the move, and said, “To be able to race at night under permanent lights here at SMSP is something we’ve been working towards for a long time. We look forward to getting on track as soon as possible.”
Andrew Leithhead, ARDC president, added, “This lighting project will enable Sydney Motorsport Park to become a 24/7 home for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in motorsport, driver training, tourism, entertainment and manufacturing in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing urban area.”
The 2020 Lighting Project will see 132 light towers with 864 individual light fittings placed around the four circuits and training skidpan.
Advanced technology has allowed a minimum 400LUX lighting for all circuit configurations and 800LUX on the main Brabham Straight, with the circuits running independently to save power.
The COVID-19 outbreak temporarily shut the Eastern Creek track but allowed the lighting project to move ahead while maintaining 100 jobs on-site.
