NASCAR fans can sometimes get a bad rap.

According to surveys, NASCAR fans are not redneck conservatives who stand opposed to tree huggers. They may in fact be hugging some trees themselves. Who knew that they recycle and use energy efficient light bulbs?

NASCAR is even trying to encourage this behavior in more ways than one. It is taking steps all over the place to increase its environmental responsibility.

Proof is evident in the recent installation of a 25-acre solar system at NASCAR’s Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. The solar farm sits adjacent to the 2.5 acre racetrack, which is known to NASCAR fans as the “Tricky Triangle” for its unusually shaped layout.

It will eventually create up to 4 million kilowatt hours a year. It will power the track and will also contribute to the local power grid.

Everything to do with the track will be solar powered: lights, water pumps, computers, air conditioners, heaters.

This seems to fall in line with the beliefs of NASCAR fans, according to a recent survey by Experien National Consumer Survey.

The survey showed that 77 percent of fans thought individuals had an obligation to be environmentally responsible. That is 2 percent higher than the country’s general population.

While only 64 percent of the overall U.S. population believes companies should help consumers in becoming more environmentally responsible, 65 percent of NASCAR fans surveyed believe this.

The results of the survey also showed that NASCAR fans use energy-efficient light bulbs (40 percent surveyed) and recycle (80 percent.) Both these figures have risen in the past five years as well.

The Pocono Raceway Solar Project is even visible from outer space. It is home to more than 39,000 solar panels

Along with powering the raceway, which hosts two annual Spring Cup Series, the solar energy generated can power 1,000 homes each year. So while it will provide power to the racetrack, it will also help the community of neighboring homes.

Right now, the racetrack’s electric bill costs several hundred thousand dollars each year.

It is billed as the largest solar project at any type of sports stadium on the planet. It was developed by enXco.

According to a survey by ProGreenSports, 80 percent of professional sports teams in North America plan to tackle some environmentally sound programs.

By installing this solar farm, NASCAR fans show they are on the cutting edge of solar power. It won’t be long before other sports fans get on board. Once that happens, this country will be that much closer to energy independence.

The solar farm cost for more than 18 million to create, but the price is looked at as an investment and possible future money generator. Along with saving the hundreds of thousands of dollars a year the track currently spends on electricity, the solar farm may one day help the racetrack to make money on solar power.

NASCAR is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to encourage fans to become more environmentally responsible. In fact, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon drives a hybrid vehicle.

Author Bio: Frank Yocanis has been writing about solar energy for more than a decade. He is an expert on how solar power will enhance our world and our lives.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: solar farm, NASCAR, solar energy, solar power