INDIANAPOLIS (May 30, 2012) – Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc. and Sol, Inc., a world leader in solar and energy efficient grid-connected LED outdoor lighting solutions, have partnered together to lead the way for increased energy conservation in the racing industry by upgrading the team’s outdoor lighting at both their Indianapolis and Concord, NC race shops to much more energy efficient solar and LED lighting.  The solar lights produce no pollution, cause no harmful environmental effects, and require no grid electricity to operate. The grid-connected lights use up to 75% less energy when replacing traditional lighting sources. 

 

By replacing conventional sodium vapor and metal halide light sources with Sol’s high performance 20/20™ solar and grid-tie LED lights, the Chip Ganassi facilities have lights that are much brighter, will last longer, and are providing significant energy savings while improving visibility in the parking lots for visitors and staff.

 

The partnership will see Sol use NASCAR, IndyCar and GRAND-AM races for client entertainment at multiple races while also using the team’s assets to market their products. 

  

• SOL, INC.: Sol, Inc. is a U.S. lighting manufacturer and the world leader in solar LED outdoor lighting solutions with over 50,000 systems installed in more than 60 countries on six continents. Since 1990, Sol has introduced innovative and cost-effective outdoor solar powered lighting systems that provide unsurpassed levels of illumination and reliability. Sol develops, manufactures and markets commercial/industrial-grade solar powered, energy efficient, and custom lighting solutions for a wide range of lighting applications including area and security, street and roadways, signs, billboards, transit and shelter lighting. Sol is committed to superior design, manufacturing, and customer satisfaction.

 

• CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAMS:  Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 25 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world.  Today his teams include four in the IZOD IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and one Daytona Prototype in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.  Overall his teams have 14 championships and 146 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400 and four Rolex 24 At Daytonas.  Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Brownsburg, Ind. and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, Penn.

 

Paul Wickberg, CEO and President, Sol, Inc.: “First I would like to congratulate Chip Ganassi and his teams for the big win this weekend in the Indianapolis 500.  We couldn’t be more proud to be partnering with their organization.  Chip Ganassi Racing, is demonstrating their commitment through the installation of solar technology at their shops and is leading the way in showing visitors and employees how sustainable technologies like Sol’s solar lights can make economic sense while providing equal or superior performance to traditional, energy intensive lighting technologies.  We are also very pleased with the strides the racing industry is making with a more concerted effort on promoting sustainable products.  Both NASCAR and INDYCAR seem to be working hard on green initiatives - whether it’s NASCAR’s new relationship with the EPA or INDYCAR being a long-time advocate of Ethanol in their cars.  Our hope is that the racing industry will see this as an example of technologies that can be used at tracks and other racing facilities around the world.”

 

Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams:  “We are always looking for opportunities to push the envelope on environmental efforts and this partnership with Sol does just that.  Being able to partner with Sol and utilize their expertise in solar lighting technology is something we feel very good about.  We look forward to a long partnership with Sol.”