Kart GPS For Race Control & Live Dash Data


  3 October 2016

A kart mounted GPS system has been trialled in Germany to assist race control monitor kart positions during events.

Developed by MYLAPS Sports Timing and ADAC Rotax Max Challenge, the X2 Link GPS devices were fitted to all the Mini MAX class karts at the German Rotax MAX Challenge round at Wackersdorf last weekend.

It allowed race control to watch and replay the positions of all vehicles and, according to organisers, "improve regulation decisions".


Above: Live on-track kart indentification

In time, the system could be developed to manage marshalling lights that could also be sent direct to each competitor's dash. It could also allow race control to monitor kart speed of specific vehicles, plus provide real-time data to each competitor's dash regarding race position, lap number, lap time and even gap to the leader and the following kart, enabling drivers to better mange their race strategy.

Developers say the X2 Link is compatible with a number of AiM systems (such as MyChron 5) and Unipro dashes, but will only work at circuits equipped with the X2 BaseLink antenna.

 

 

 

press release

X2 Link: Vital race data from racer to race control and vice versa

This pilot in Wackersdorf was part of the new X2 Link system, which is an add-on to the existing X2 timing and data system. X2 Link offers a wireless 2-way data stream between race control and the racer. With this system MYLAPS fully empowers the goal to enhance track safety and to increase race experience for racers, pit crew and spectators. In the near future vital race data flow from the racer to race control and vice versa. The benefits of X2 Link will be available for all racing levels.


Above: X2 Link antenna

'Great tool for Race Control to analyze incidents on the track'

The pilot resulted in some very useful insights. 'The map with moving GPS positions was really useful for our race control', says Meik Wagner, organizer of the Rotax Max Challenge Germany. 'After incidents race control used the computer to replay the situation and analyze what karts were involved. And as the RaceLink contains more sensors, we can think of many more new possibilities.' Head of Race Control Thomas Lainer also experienced the benefits: 'Together with our camera system, X2 Link helped us analyzing complex situations on the track, which resulted in better and faster regulation decisions.'

Endless possibilities for events, timers, racers, pit crew and spectators

X2 Link will be further improved for race events, timers, racers, pit crew and spectators. Think of possibilities for race control to manage marshalling lights alongside the track and send in-car flag signals to racers directly. Race control could zoom-in on specific racers to see live speed and vehicle performance to help scrutineering and ensure fair-play. And racers can benefit from real-time information (position, # laps, transponder based lap times, gap to front, gap to back, etc.) on their own on-board dashboard while racing.

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