The Challenge
Worthington Speedway’s racetrack ran on aging 1500W metal halide fixtures that couldn’t keep up with weekly high-speed racing events. Inconsistent light distribution created glare and eye strain for drivers moving between bright and shadowed areas, increasing safety risk at speed. The yellow-toned legacy bulbs made it hard for officials and fans to distinguish cars, flags, and track hazards, and the fixtures required a warm-up period before igniting, causing delays. High energy use and heat output were also driving up costs and accelerating fixture wear.
The Solution
LED Lighting Supply worked with TAM Enterprises LLC to assess lighting needs for the track, targeting the 30-50 fc range typical for a track of this size and competition level. The recommendation was a one-for-one replacement of 41 fixtures with 600W Industrial Marine Grade LED Flood Lights, each fitted with a glare-reducing visor and 45-degree optics per 200-watt module for controlled illumination. Marine-grade construction adds durability against dust, moisture, and harsh weather.
The Results
The upgrade delivered a 65.2% increase in energy savings and extended fixture life expectancy by 5x. Financially, the track saw $24,240 in annual energy savings with a 296% first-year ROI, growing to $173,400 in savings and an 1,880% ROI over five years. Beyond the numbers, the new lighting gives drivers safer, more uniform visibility across the track and improves the experience for officials and spectators alike.
