Why racing at night feels like 'a million miles an hour'

When night racing returned to Sydney after a two-decade hiatus in 2018, the sensation was described as driving at "a million miles an hour."

So, what does that actually mean?

Night racing is commonplace in world motorsport; notably, NASCAR races run into darkness, MotoGP has long opened seasons at night in Qatar, while six of 24 races on the 2024 Formula 1 calendar will be held under lights. And, of course, 24-hour endurance races obviously run into the night.

There have been 19 night races in Supercars history, with the very first coming at Calder Park way back in 1980. Sydney Motorsport Park has recently emerged as the premier location for night racing, making for an epic spectacle for modern-day cars.

While race cars are fast, there is a heightened sense of speed at night, as drivers literally race into darkness, making split-second decisions.

In his upcoming column for Supercars.com, Craig Lowndes, who won the very first night race in Sydney, explained that drivers are constantly adjusting as they fling their 600 horsepower cars around an already daunting circuit.

"It does feel a lot faster at night, because you can’t gauge depth perception around you clearly like you can during the day. So, everything does seem to go past you at a million miles an hour,” Lowndes said.

"And then of course, things seem to approach you a lot quicker, like corners, braking markers, kerbs. You have to get used to it as quickly as possible.

"Personally, I love night racing. I really enjoyed racing under lights because of the other challenges that you don't have during the day."

Drivers have a 90-minute practice session under lights on Friday, which will be crucial as they adapt to floodlit driving.

Critically, drivers will be able to get an early read into how certain corners behave, such as the key overtaking areas at Turn 2, Turn 4 and Turn 8.

As for fans, the enhanced spectacle of cars breathing flames and super-hot brakes is unrivalled, something the drivers also enjoy.

"You need confidence and belief that you'd be able to still be able to make a pass into Turn 2, somewhat down into Turn 4, into the Turn 8 hairpin. They’re great passing opportunity corners that drivers will need to get on top of for the race,” Lowndes said.

“Night racing is great for spectators too, the big thing they’ll notice is obviously the front brake discs glowing, and the flames shooting out the exhaust. They’re elements that you don't see during the day because they’re somewhat hidden.”

Catch more in Supercars legend Lowndes' exclusive column, Craig's Corner, later this week on Supercars.com. Sydney action will commence on Friday, with 200km races to be held on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale now. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.

ATCC/Supercars Championship night races