Lincoln Speedway was a trailblazer in Central PA, being the first to embrace a Jumbotron, and now that trend has caught on with others, including the World of Outlaws on their tour. Keeping up with their innovative streak, the speedway is introducing another update to enhance track safety. The latest scuttlebutt is that Lincoln Speedway is considering saying goodbye to the old-school flagman system and switching to a high-tech virtual one.

But there is nothing to worry about; they aren’t doing away with the human touch completely. The speedway plans to keep flaggers and safety workers on the ground, stationed around the corners and front straightaway. This blend of technology and tradition aims to make things safer and smoother on the track.

Virtual Flagman on a former NASCAR speedway for the first time

Lincoln Speedway is set to make a splash with a first-of-its-kind move in Central Pennsylvania. Starting with the Ice Breaker weekend on February 24–25, they’re rolling out a virtual flagman system. The high-tech setup, featuring lights and message boards around the track, will keep drivers and fans in the loop about crucial happenings during the race. While this isn’t a brand new concept globally, Lincoln is pioneering it in their neck of the woods.

So, how does this all work? A press release from the track officials sheds some light: this cutting-edge system will be managed by officials from the scoring tower, ensuring everyone’s kept up to speed. Jerry Parrish, a speedway official, put it simply: “The safety of the drivers and officials is our number one priority, and putting this system in place continues our efforts towards that goal.”

To smooth the transition, there’ll still be a traditional flagger in the mix at the start of the season, just in case there are any hiccups with the new system. The change aims to pull two people out of harm’s way – a move that modernizes an existing system. It’s part of the track’s ongoing efforts to bring fresh ideas to a sport that’s often been slow to embrace change.

With a jam-packed schedule ahead, this virtual flagman is set to be a game-changer, making things more efficient and safer at Lincoln Speedway.

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What does Lincoln Speedway’s 2024 look like?

Lincoln Speedway’s 2024 season is on its way to becoming a real barnburner! Things get rolling with the two-day Ice Breaker weekend on February 24–25. Both days are sprinting towards a $5000 prize for the winner, and it’s all about 410 sprint cars. March 2 will introduce the PA Micro midgets, which will share the spotlight with 410 sprint cars. The following weekend, March 16, saw the 358 sprints take their first spin around the track.

Then, in May, the World of Outlaws will make their grand return to Lincoln Speedway with a Gettysburg clash. Then on May 18, the track will honor heroes with the Fallen Fighter’s Night, and then it will gear up for the Kramesh Klash in August. The schedule is jam-packed, featuring 16 different divisions across the season. The 410 sprint cars have snagged 32 dates, while the 358 sprint cars are not far behind with 18.

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The super late models are also set to dazzle the track with two special appearances, including the much-anticipated Appalachian Mountain Speedweek in June. Among the new additions is the Rack Daddies Rumble in August. And then, the season will draw to a close with the Night of Champions in October.