Real-time running order display engages fans

Via IndyCar.com

If Verizon IndyCar Series rookie Gabby Chaves overtakes three cars on a lap during the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, spectators and TV viewers will see each position gained and lost throughout the field.

INDYCAR this week is validating new technology that will track each car’s position on the racetrack and display it in real time via a light emitting diode panel on each side of the chassis.

The May 9 race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course is targeted for implementation of the track positioning system and display of when a driver triggers the push-to-pass feature.

“This project started over a year ago in concept and it really is about how we can get fans more engaged, allow them to see more of what’s going on,” INDYCAR president of competition and operations Derrick Walker said. “If you’re not in line of sight of a video screen or a scoring pylon, it’s hard to know who’s doing what. It was a natural to do the numbering system.”

The 8-inch-wide by 7-inch-tall LED panels, which are only 3 millimeters thick, will be attached to either side of the airbox (below the cockpit camera mount) on each entry.

Running order will be updated as the car crosses each of the multiple INDYCAR Timing & Scoring timelines around a racetrack. Track position in other motorsports series that employ a similar system is updated only at the start/finish line.

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