POCONO RACEWAY SOLAR PROJECT
EXCELLENCE IN RENEWABLE ENERGY WINNER
Long Pond, PA (March 8, 2011) ― The Pocono Raceway Solar Project has been recognized as the winner of the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award. Of the hundreds of nominees, The Pocono Raceway Solar Project was one of four finalists selected by the Renewable Energy World Network of Editors. Pocono Raceway’s Solar Project was recognized for its achievements in developing the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. The award was announced at the Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida on March 8, 2011.
The Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo has been a leading event in the renewable industry for eight years. Jim Callihan, President of RenewableEnergyWorld.com, said of the winner, “Pocono Raceway exemplifies the kind of company that will lead our economy to the next generation of energy excellence and make our planet a safer, cleaner place for the future.”
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project, developed by enXco and Evolution Energies, and owned by Pocono Raceway is located along Long Pond Road adjacent to the storied Raceway. The installation consists of nearly 40,000 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,100 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
“This is an important milestone for Pocono Raceway and our sport,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President of Pocono Raceway. “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the NASCAR industry’s commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to go green can do it.”
“The Tricky Triangle” is host to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards races each year and added a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2010. Pocono Raceway’s 2.5-mile triangular design makes it truly unique. Pocono is the only track on the NASCAR circuit with three turns, three different radii and three variant degrees of banking. All that ensures our fans will enjoy some serious action, meanwhile presenting a competitive challenge to the world’s best drivers and their crew chiefs. Pocono strives to create a family atmosphere with increased focus on the Fan Experience. We are Pocono Raceway and this is “The Tricky Triangle.”
In business for over 50 years, Pocono Raceway is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We are located within 300 miles of one-third of the U.S. population and within 90 miles of New York City and Philadelphia. Pocono Raceway is and always will be an attractive option for NASCAR and race fans alike.
Pocono Raceway is the world’s largest solar powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25 acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid.
