NASCAR: Four More Tracks That Need To Add Lights

Talladega Superspeedway

As if 2016’s races at Talladega were not wild enough, could you imagine what it would have been like if the race were run under the lights? The shootout vibe of the last five laps would have been greatly enhanced. Lights at Talladega is not a new idea, but it would be a welcome addition to the 2.66 mile facility.

If you look closely at that photo, it appears that at least half of the seats in the picture are empty. This is an unfortunate trend in NASCAR, especially seeing as how the racing product in 2016 has been superb in comparison to recent years. Many fans missed out on one of the wildest races we have seen in many years, and ranks right up there with the craziness of last year’s Coke Zero 400 (which was run under the lights, coincidentally because of rain).

If you recall in 2013, the race was pushed back several hours because of rain, and then there was a delay after the green flag as well. When the race was restarted, it was close to sunset, and the final laps pushed the limits of darkness effects. This would have been cured by the addition of lights to the facility, as would races at other tracks where lights have not been present and rain has affected the race.

Why it would work: Talladega racing is already intense and wild, so imagine it under the lights. Racing would be amplified similar to what we saw in last year’s Coke Zero 400. Weather would not be a factor, as temperatures are often in the 70s in the night time in Alabama this time of year. This seems like a no-brainer, because of the excitement that Talladega and night racing bring respectively, what a relationship those two could have.

Why it wouldn’t work: Cost. The price of adding light fixtures around the massive property would cost several tens of millions of dollars. This is not a simple undertaking, especially for a track that has been beginning to suffer the attendance curse plaguing NASCAR lately.

Installing lights would be a long-lasting investment for the track which would add an exciting element to the races in Talladega, so the track executives should explore the option. A Chase race under the lights at Talladega, for all the marbles of elimination, would be quite a spectacle. Fans would be excited and many more would hopefully flock to the wild superseedway action under the lights.

Next: Watkins Glen