NASCAR Gets World's Biggest HDTV
Earlier this year, the idea of a 200-foot wide, 80-foot tall HD video board seemed like one giant pipe dream. Now, Panasonic has announced that the project has come to an end, with the massive screen making its big debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was on hand Tuesday, to unveil what's being called the world's largest high-definition video board. The racing legend then took the screen out for a spin -- literally. He did a few "virtual laps" using the iRacing simulation program.
Marcus Smith, Charlotte Motor Speedway's president and GM, joined Earnhardt Jr. at the event. The two then used an oversized remote to power Panasonic's 200-foot wide, 80-foot tall HD video board, and show a video highlight from past racing action at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"This giant Panasonic HD video board will be a game changer for our fans on race day," said Smith. "It will give them a whole new way to experience a NASCAR event at Charlotte Motor Speedway."
Tuesday's event marked the end of the project, which took up to 57 workers a day, more than 11,000 man hours, and more than four months total. The 332-and-a-half-ton structure contains 158 panels and nine million LED lamps. It will be used during select events at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"Charlotte sets the standard for the rest of the tracks," said Earnhardt Jr. "They always do things first and do things the biggest and look, here we are today with another first from them. Charlotte holds a special place in a lot of drivers' hearts, mine included and the big TV makes this place even more special.
"The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the best events we have all year long. Now fans can get a ticket to the race and have the experience of the live event with the comfort of their own TV at home with this big TV," Earnhardt Jr. continued. "This place just keeps getting better."
Officials say that the 720p HD video board will make its public debut on May 21 at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The screen is located along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Getting seats throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will get you the best view. Those tickets start at $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.
For More Information and Tickets:
