Converting Temporary to Permanent Lighting
For the first two seasons, Quiroz rented nine diesel-fueled generator light stands. “We were spending $1,800 a month not including the work load to move them around and fuel them. It was totally inefficient,” said Quiroz, co-owner of the Southern Arizona Kart Club, which operates Musselman Honda Circuit. “It’s what inspired me to go to Musco,” he added.

Hoping to expand operating hours to diversify services, but lacking the capital, Quiroz and his partner explored the option of converting their rental resources into a lease-purchase program available from Musco Finance™. Familiar with previous Musco lighting systems installed at two nearby motorsports parks in Pima County, the owners chose a lease-purchase tool that allowed them to invest in a turnkey project consisting of Musco’s Light-Structure Green™ system with Control-Link® and the Constant 25™ product assurance and warranty program.

“Their biggest factor was not necessarily the number of fixtures but the number of poles, because it’s a grand-prix-style track that needs lighting on multiple turns,” said Bob Drost, manager of business development for Musco Finance. Musco provided planning assistance by engineering a design that placed 19 poles around the circuit and adjacent parking lot to mount 81 fixtures.

The finance strategy is paying dividends. Musco’s Green Generation Lighting® has resulted in more racing hours, increased operational efficiencies, and the approval of local environmental interests. The facility now offers more than a dozen racing events and leagues, corporate/group outings, kart rentals, racing school programs, repair services, and a retail shop. Added Quiroz, “We even have a 72-year-old who comes out and races motorcycles because he can see with the new light.”

Observatory-friendly Solution
Musselman Honda Circuit is located in one of the world’s major astronomical centers, where light trespass is a serious concern. Musco’s innovative luminaires help avoid light trespass on nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory and observations on Mt Hopkins and Mt Lemmon. “We were concerned, too, and we like to do what we can to improve the environment,” said

Quiroz. “When we made the decision to go with Musco, the parks and recreation department of Pima County Natural Resources gave us a thumbs up and said it wouldn’t interfere with the observatories."

Control-Link Packages Energy Savings and Security
According to Musco representative Rick Sneed, since the fixtures are engineered to direct up to 50 percent more light onto the track pavement, they will also help drive energy and labor savings. The 25-year energy savings of track lights based on 100 hours of use is projected to be over $24,000 compared to previous technology.Plus, Musco’s Green Generation products are backed by the Constant 25 product assurance and warranty program that eliminates maintenance costs.

The Control-Link Control and Monitoring System generates more savings and enhances customer and staff safety with automated on/off capabilities that can be activated by phone or online from any remote location. “This ability to call in has helped us from a security standpoint,” Quiroz said. “I’m able to see any rattlesnakes underfoot as I lock the last gate. I call Musco, and while I’m driving away, the lights snap off. It also gives us a report of our usage.”

As Quiroz works toward future plans for a vehicle dynamics pad and a 3.1-mile road course, he knows he has a business partner and a template for a successful expansion. “Musco was very supportive and one of the most professional on the business side I’ve ever dealt with. We have the best lights of any kart track in the country, bar none,” Quiroz concluded.