Officials Talk With Drivers - During the Race!
Karting has used flag signals as the primary means of communication from race stewards to drivers since the sport was invented. More recently, flags have been supplemented with, and in some cases replaced by, coloured lights.
However, the International Karting Federation (IKF) in America is using a device that allows race officials to talk to the drivers during the course of a race!
The IKF 2-Cycle Grand Nationals later this month will utilise 'RACEceivers' technology to enable one-way communication for all adult drivers during the competition.
"These RACEceivers will enable one official to communicate directly with the adult drivers during competition" the IKF said in a statement.
"Communication is held to a minimum, but is used to alert drivers during starts, possible hazards ahead and equipment failure as well as on track penalties."
The devices were used at the IKF's 4-Cycle Speedway Grand Nationals and were, apparently, well received by the karters. They comprise a receiver and headset which is provided at no cost to the competitor and is returned after the event.
So, how long before Mondsy, Robbo and the rest are in your ear, telling you to form up before a race start?
