By building a solar-panel farm on about 25 acres of wooded land adjacent to the track, Pocono Raceway expects to produce three megawatts of electricity per year - enough to power the speedway and sell off the excess to the local grid. According to Igdalsky, the track's electrical self-reliance will "lower carbon dioxide emissions by 5,100 tons" every year.
"I spent eight months working on this project, so it's something I'm particularly proud of," Igdalsky said. "When it comes to fruition, it will be my first big contribution to this company.The Mattioli clan braved a steady rain to take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking, including "Doc," the 84-year-old patriarch who has been confined to a wheelchair since his near-fatal bout of pneumonia a year and a half ago.
"We think this is a good investment as well as a good legacy for my children and grandchildren," Doc Mattioli said Despite the dreary weather that soaked his blue sport coat, Igdalsky was all smiles.
Twenty years after kick-starting his career at the track by picking up garbage following a race, the 33-year-old was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with energy experts and government officials for a historic photo opportunity.
"I've done it all - worked in every department of this facility, learning everything from the ground up," said Igdalsky, the father of 5-year-old twin girls. "I'm going to roll up my sleeves and do whatever's got to be done.
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