When Yonkers Raceway begins its 238-program, 2017 season this Sunday (January 8, first post 11:30 a.m.), it shall do so with a view of the races never seen before at the track.

During the three-week, end-of-year hiatus, Yonkers’ broadcast control room was completely overhauled and upgraded to accommodate high-definition transmission. All cameras involved in the broadcast are now HD, including those used to shoot the races as well as winner’s circle, paddock, drivers’ building and the eye-in-the-sky drone.

Yonkers is also offering an innovative graphics package, from post parade/statistical information to prices to driver head shots. The long-awaited movement of the finish line is scheduled to be finalized early in the 2017 season, which will lead to other upgrades.

“We’re very excited to complete this project,” said Mike Rooney, Yonkers’ director of media convergence. “It was time, since much of the equipment has been in use since we reopened in 2006.

“The new equipment and technology allows us to offer the best video product available, and I’m sure our fans are going to notice a big difference.”

Yonkers’ January schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (first post 7:10 p.m.), with the two other Sundays (15 and 29) currently as to be announced.

(Yonkers Raceway)