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IRL/NASCAR: More fan friendly large video screens on the way at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

28 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- For the first time in the storied history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fans seated along the outside of the main straightaway of the 2.5-mile oval will have the opportunity to watch racing action in every corner of the track.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation and video screen producer Daktronics, Inc., have signed an agreement for six additional ProStar large screen video displays, plus additional advertising and display equipment, to be placed on the east side of the historic 2.5-mile ovals main straightaway.

The screens will be operational in time for the 84th Indianapolis 500 on May 28.

The latest order of display units is phase two of a multi-phase project, and brings the total number of high-quality video screens at the track to 13. According to Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the project represents the largest permanent installation of video screens at a sports facility worldwide.

"The success of the first phase of the project was reflected in the rave reviews heard from our fans, and we are very pleased to continue this project for their benefit," said George. "Our mission is to be the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment, and part of that effort is to make the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as fan-friendly as possible.

"As we bring the third world-class racing event to IMS, we are pleased to add these for our guests enjoyment."

Two of the screens will be affixed above the Tower Terrace seating at the north end of the track, one will sit atop the new media center building (located just north of the new pagoda control tower), and two will be located along the Formula One garages. The sixth unit will be located on the infield side of the control tower.

Seven screens, including four ProStar "Video Plus" units and three ProStar units, were placed on the Speedways four turns and backstretch in 1999, providing fans seated from Turn 1 all the way around to the Turn 4 grandstands to follow action around the track.

Installation of the main straightaway screens will take place while the massive facilities improvements project at the Speedway continues this spring. The project has included the construction of a new pagoda-style Master Control Tower, Formula One circuit and garages, and media center.

Text provided by IMS

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.