Rumor

Are lights being considered for Indy?

Rumor mill about lights for night racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is making the rounds again during the weekend of the NASCAR events at the famous Brickyard.

Whenever a major race weekend unfolds at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the rumor-mill fires up that the installation of lighting may well be in the future for the famed track. And it could happen as officials indicated that studies are underway in search of ways to boost attendance and to enrich the overall experience for fans and competitors.

Track management is working with a consulting firm on a myriad of topics, and they hope to have a plan drafted within next six weeks. Regarding lighting, Doug Boles, IMS president, said a lighting investment could cost in the neighborhood of $20 million and before it would be initiated, they must be convinced that it would have long-term benefits, not just provide a “bump” in attendance.

The Brickyard 400 is celebrating its 20th anniversary at IMS this year, and with attendance lagging in recent years, Sunday’s turnout may help sway a decision.

The sun rises over Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day

Photo by: Kenneth May

There’s also speculation whether the 2014 United SportsCar Racing (merger between GRAND-AM and ALMS) will continue to be part of NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 weekend, be a stand-alone event or even more tasty to be a companion event for an IndyCar Series race on the road course.

Logistics of converting the track from an oval to road course configuration and back again are said not to be an issue. According to Boles, Friday’s conversion from road course to oval took only 40 minutes and tearing down the road course after the Brickyard Grand Prix consumed just about four hours or work.

Until decisions are made, the rumors will continue, at least until the next major news item grabs the headlines.