Light tower installation begins at SMP

Work has begun at Sydney Motorsport Park to erect permanent lighting towers around the circuit.

Last week the first tower was installed on the front straight, with more then placed back towards the final corner.

A total of 132 towers will be installed, along with 864 light fittings.

Brabham Straight will be bathed in 800lux of light, and 400lux everywhere else; including all four variations of the circuit and the skid pan.

The investment comes as part of a $33 million investment package by the New South Wales state government for the venue.

Musco Lighting has been engaged in the project, the company having also been responsible for the light installations at the Bahrain International Circuit, and Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.

Also being installed is a 10 kilometre fibre optic network, and a new kerb to drivers’ right at Turn 18, the final corner.

The Australian Racing Drivers Club, which manages Sydney Motorsport Park, often spends time during the summer to perform maintenance and upgrades on the venue.

In recent years that has seen parts of the circuit resurfaced, with the front straight having been replaced heading into the 2019 season and the first turn the year before.

The Supercars Championship will return for another Sydney SuperNight in August after missing a slot last year.

Night racing is also being investigated for the Sydney Master Blast, with LMP3 Cup Australia organisers looking at racing under lights at the event.

The first national level event of the year will be the Australian Production Car Series on March 6-8, with the Motorsport Australia Championships set to visit on March 27-29 for its first event of the season.