Posts
15
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Edited Date/Time
1/24/2012 11:39am
Before the start of the 450 main, Erin Bates said that there were tornado warnings outside and it was too dangerous to even send cameramen outside. What if a transformer blew and the lights went out during a race? Imagine skimming the whoops 4th gear pinned and then everything goes black. I'm no electrical engineer, but what steps were taken to make sure this didn't happen? I imagine generators were used and whatnot, but it seems those huge lights would require some damn big generators...
I am not an electrician but if you are using generators close to the lights then there wouldn't be any transformers because there would be no need to use them for distance transmission.
There are most likely multiple generators, each running a portion of the lights so even if one went out there would still be plenty of lights for riders to at least come to a safe stop.
There is so much overlap to eliminate shadows for the primadonna stick and ball players it might not even be noticable for a racer.
But if you want to worry about it, go ahead.
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Yes, slightly over 10 years ago I believe. '95 maybe (just a guess).
That's something to think about, imagine taking off on a triple as the lights go out at an indoor arena. Do these places have backup lighting of any kind that will stay on?
Yes, slightly over 10 years ago I believe. '95 maybe (just a guess).[/quote:10bqvv39]
yup. It has always been referred to as "The night the lights went out". That night McGrath decided it was not safe to race as well as a few other riders, Emig on the other hand decided to race and i think he picked up the win. There was a petition going around at that time as well, where riders were trying to demand what they deserved from the promoters, some people pointed fingers at MC for starting it, although he didn't. (The petition also had nothing to do with the lights going out, just a coincidence). MC talks about this in his book, there is a lot more details i'm leaving out but i have the book so if anyone wants me to post up more info about it, let me know and i'll scan through the book and post up the info here.
I watched a few transformers blow out over by the pit area. It was very scary outside. The stadium was shaking during the first little hit. I was surprised wind could move that much pavement, i guess its designed to do that. It couldn't have happened at a worst place because the pits are so far away from the track. I give the mechanics alot of credit man.. Its a bummer for the teams that lost equipment.. Its anaheim 1 all over again for those guys to try and rebuild the awnings etc. Glad no one got hurt in the process of it all.. I would be confident in that stadium that everything would stay on but a place say like dallas, that would be scary. Reliant Stadium is probably one of the nicest ones the series will see. Maybe the toronto one is a close 2nd.
The lights were fixed and 30 minutes later, we were racing!!!
even if Reliant has a decent contingency/DRP it's doubtful it would power anything but emergency lights and other "deemed" critical things. cant say i've seen generators there but didnt look either. and there would be no lag if done properly, i.e. UPS's are there for a reason and it's all about the $$$.
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