Daytona International Speedway will be installing a brand new lighting system, the venue announced on Thursday. The LED lighting system will span the entirety of the 2.5-mile race track.
According to the speedway’s announcement, the project will be carried out by Musco Lighting, an Iowa-based company. Work has apparently already begun, and is expected to be completed in January 2027. That timeline would have the new lighting system ready for action before that month’s Rolex 24 and February’s Daytona 500.
“Daytona International Speedway has long set the standard for motorsports venues, and this project ensures we continue to do so for the next generation of race fans,” said DIS President Frank Kelleher. “From enhanced visibility for drivers to a more immersive atmosphere for fans in the stands and watching at home, we are proud to partner with Musco for this new LED lighting system that will transform the racing experience.”
The LED lighting will be installed around the entire outside perimeter of Daytona International Speedway’s racing surface. Further lighting will be placed along the track’s road course configuration, in the infield, along pit road, and in emergency lighting locations.
Changes to Daytona International Speedway’s Lighting
The system will have LED RGB accent lighting on the light poles, DIS says, allowing for synchronization with the yellow caution lights activated to alert drivers, teams, and fans of an incident on the race track. This technology will also be implemented on the underside of the upper-level grandstands.
“The new LED lighting system at Daytona International Speedway underscores NASCAR’s continued commitment to reinvest in its facilities, enhancing the overall experience for fans attending events at Daytona as well as those watching around the world,” said NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Ben Kennedy. “The project will create new, visually compelling moments that drive fan engagement, elevate partner visibility and generate excitement across the sport.”
The most noticeable change of this new lighting system may be sheer visibility. The speedway says these new lights will be brighter, deliver more consistent illumination, and bring better visibility for both race teams and the fans in attendance. Meanwhile, the speedway says the lights will result in 50 percent lower energy consumption. NASCAR is pursuing a goal of achieving net zero operating emissions by 2035.
Musco Lighting
Musco Lighting was founded in 1976, and has its headquarters in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Their manufacturing is spread between Iowa, South Korea, and China. The company has previously taken on lighting projects for racing facilities such as Daytona, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Globally they’ve worked on Losail International Circuit in Qatar and Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates.
Outside of racing, Musco Lighting has completed projects for several major sports teams in the United States. The company has worked with the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres of the MLB, Houston Texans of the NFL, and the New York Red Bulls of the MLS.
“We’re excited to partner with NASCAR to relight the iconic Daytona International Speedway,” said Musco Lighting CEO Jeff Rogers. “We installed the original system in 1998 and appreciate our long-standing relationship to deliver exciting new LED solutions for drivers, television, and fans.”
Hopefully we won’t hear the drivers complain about the lights being to bright and they can’t see while racing.