Crews make sure lights stay on the Southern 500

Lights at Darlington Raceway

By: Kelly Gillespie | SCNow
Published: May 09, 2009

While thousands of fans gather inside the Darlington Racetrack for the Southern 500, they’re all joined under the lights.

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Along with that, several workers are there with them behind the scenes making sure that's possible, and that the lights stay on at all times.

"I think for four years now they've gone under the lights, and since they've gone under the lights we want to make sure the lights stay on during the race," said Anthony Ward, a senior engineer for Progress Energy.

Progress Energy workers have been preparing for months for this race weekend.

“There's a lot of planning that takes place, and it's not one individual that does it,” Ward said. “We have several different work groups here."

Outside the track, trees near power lines have been trimmed, substations are set up. Inside, crews are constantly monitoring the area during the race.

“Even though they do have back-up generators too in case of an event has to occur, they have lights to get the cars to a safe stop," Ward said.

No matter what strikes, Progress Energy officials said the lights at the Darlington Raceway will never go out.

But in the event of an emergency they will also be prepared.

Crews from Progress Energy said they have about 50 to 75 employees working behind the scenes for this event.

Crews will continue to stay there this weekend until the final race.