ABB NASCAR Grid Control Gives Fans a Real-Time Peek Into Race Control and Operational Sustainability

ABB, NASCAR’s Official Electrification Partner, launched ABB NASCAR Grid Control, a first-of-its-kind fan experience that gave racegoers an inside look at NASCAR Race Control operations and the organization’s growing sustainability efforts. The technology debuted during NASCAR San Diego Weekend presented by Anduril, held June 19 through June 21 at Naval Base Coronado, where the event operated using a temporary network of microgrids instead of relying on the local utility grid.

Located in the general admission fan zone, ABB NASCAR Grid Control consisted of a 20-by-8-by-18-foot glass pod equipped with 11 live video feeds and interactive data dashboards that provided fans with unprecedented access to the inner workings of a NASCAR race weekend.

The installation served as the visible nerve center for both race operations and energy management, demonstrating how temporary microgrids can provide a blueprint for powering major sporting events, concerts, and festivals without placing additional strain on local utilities and electrical grids.

For the first time in NASCAR history, fans were able to experience many of the same technologies used by NASCAR Race Control. Visitors stepped into the role of NASCAR engineers and officials by viewing cutting-edge telemetry systems, live data streams, advanced analytics, and competition metrics used to analyze races and manage scoring. Although official race monitoring and scoring remained inside NASCAR Race Control, NASCAR engineers were available to engage with visitors and explain how the systems operated.

ABB NASCAR Grid Control also featured real-time energy and carbon performance dashboards powered by ABB’s off-grid energy management technologies. These displays supported NASCAR IMPACT, NASCAR’s sustainability initiative that aims to achieve net-zero operating emissions by 2035.

For the first time, several energy metrics were publicly displayed in real time using ABB CogniEN™ and ABB Sensorfact™ Smart Monitoring Sensors technology. Fans could track total carbon savings generated during the event, zone-specific energy optimizations across key areas including the fan experience, operations compound, grandstands, and hospitality suites, as well as reductions in diesel generator runtime made possible through advanced battery storage utilization.

The event itself operated independently from the local utility grid. Working with ABB, NASCAR built a temporary energy network that powered pit road, fan experiences, hospitality areas, and behind-the-scenes operations.

The system utilized a hybrid microgrid strategy that combined Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with traditional diesel generators. The batteries served as the primary energy source, while diesel generators operated only two to three hours each day to recharge the batteries instead of running continuously for 24 hours. This approach significantly reduced fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Suburban Propane, the official Renewable Propane Partner for NASCAR San Diego Weekend, also contributed to the sustainability efforts by powering concessions and generators used to supply electricity to EV chargers available for attendees.

ABB integrated several technologies throughout the event to monitor and optimize performance in real time. ABB CogniEN™ software enabled NASCAR to compare the energy and carbon performance of various energy strategies, including hybrid BESS systems versus traditional diesel-only operations. ABB Sensorfact™ Smart Monitoring Sensors tracked energy consumption using wireless sensors and cloud-based monitoring that can be deployed for both temporary and permanent applications.

ABB SACE® Tmax XT Circuit Breakers and ReliaGear® OEM neXT Power Panelboards allowed rapid deployment of temporary power distribution systems that helped crews construct the NASCAR San Diego Qualcomm Circuit in just one week. ABB ReliaGear® XFMR, equipped with a new infrared viewing window, enabled energized equipment testing, which was particularly important for systems operating in high-stress and high-vibration environments associated with relocatable power applications.

Zone-specific monitoring throughout the venue provided valuable insights into energy consumption patterns and helped optimize both current and future event operations.

The project demonstrated how intelligent energy management systems could serve as a model for future large-scale events that require reliable power in constrained environments while helping organizations reduce generator fuel consumption and improve operational efficiency.

The event also highlighted the broader ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership that launched in 2024 with the unveiling of the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype. The collaboration explores opportunities to advance electrification throughout motorsports, including race vehicles, event infrastructure, energy education, and future racing technologies.

Attendees were also able to view the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, which was displayed next to ABB NASCAR Grid Control in the fan zone. ABB has been showcasing the vehicle as part of a nationwide tour celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary and demonstrating current and future electrification and automation technologies that could help shape the country’s next generation of transportation.

Cadillac Racing honored with 2026 DHL Sustainable Endurance Award

Cadillac Racing won the 2026 DHL Sustainable Endurance Award in the Hypercar category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, earning recognition from the FIA, ACO, and DHL for its comprehensive sustainability program. The award highlighted measurable efforts across logistics, hospitality, waste reduction, procurement, and community engagement.

Key initiatives included increasing sea freight usage for Cadillac WTR equipment from 70% in 2025 to 90% in 2026, using train travel between Paris and Le Mans for U.S.-based staff, transporting JOTA equipment by road from the UK, and sourcing or storing equipment locally in Europe to reduce emissions.

Cadillac Racing also improved sustainability in its hospitality operations by reusing structures, installing energy metering systems, using LED lighting and efficient appliances, and reducing air conditioning demand. Its catering program lowered the average carbon footprint per meal from 7.13 kg CO2e in 2024 to 6.49 kg CO2e in 2026 through menu changes, increased plant-based options, local sourcing, and food donations.

The team further reduced waste by installing five water stations, distributing 1,000 reusable bottles, eliminating single-use plastics in hospitality areas, and avoiding the use of approximately 4,000 plastic bottles, saving an estimated 114.8 kg of plastic and 319.3 kg of CO2.

The award also recognized Cadillac Racing’s responsible procurement practices, support for women in motorsport and STEAM education, and community outreach efforts with Gaston Bachelard School in Le Mans. Cadillac Racing said the honor reflects a collective effort across the organization, including Wayne Taylor Racing, JOTA, General Motors, suppliers, and partners working to improve both environmental performance and community impact.