Using GPS Technology to Improve the Auto Racing Fan Experience

Combining high-speed data communications, global-positioning technology, and real-time camera control, the Racef/x system from Sportvision provides graphical enhancements for live television coverage of racing events. The system allows the announcer to activate on-screen pointers to identify selected cars in the race along with an optional virtual dashboard showing vital statistics, such as speed and position in real time. The system employs an onboard telemetry system to send sensor and GPS (global-positioning-system) data to a network of receivers in strategic positions around the track. Differential-GPS techniques determine each car's position, comparing satellite-position signals to known fixed positions. Several of the broadcast cameras include remotely controlled pan and tilt heads, enabling them to automatically follow the position data from the selected car. Updated several times per second, custom software synchronizes transmissions and collects statistics from as many as 55 cars racing around the track at more than 200 mph. Sportvision introduced its Racef/x system during the 2006 Indy Racing League season, and NASCAR is now also using the system in its 2007 Busch series season. This type of tracking system also allows sanctioning organizations to capture additional revenue with subscription-based data it delivers over the Internet so that users can follow their favorite competitors.

Flavio Briatore calls Formula One "very boring"

Here is an excerpt from the story reported on Bloomberg.com.

Flavio Briatore, who led Renault SA to the past two Formula One titles, said races should be shortened from their current 1 1/2 hours because his French team and Ferrari dominate the motor sport.

"The last 30 minutes are very boring,'' Briatore said in an interview in London. Formula One has to "improve our performance for TV because the income comes from TV.''

"If the race is normal the way we operate, the two quick cars are in front and it's not so exciting,'' he said. "It is good only if something unexpected happens, or if it's raining.''

source: Alex Duff and Marco Langmann (Bloomberg)

Read the full story: Briatore, After Title Wins, Says Formula One Is `Very Boring'

March 2007 -- Auto Racing Schedule of Events

For most open-wheel auto racing, the season begins in March. Formula One, IndyCar, and the Indy Pro Series kickoff their seasons. Champ car and Atlantic series finish testing. The schedule also includes other racing series and related events. Formula One, IndyCar, and Champ Car races are in bold.


March 4 -- Busch Series -- Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez , Mexico City -- 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- ESPN2
March 7 -- Atlantic Series -- Spring Training -- Laguna Seca
March 10 -- Champ Car -- Spring Training -- Laguna Seca
March 10 -- Busch series -- Las Vegas motor Speedway -- 2:30 p.m. Eastern -- ABC
March 11 -- NASCAR -- Las Vegas Motor Speedway -- 4 p.m. Eastern -- FOX
March 16 -- NASCAR trucks -- Atlanta motor Speedway -- 8:30 p.m. Eastern -- SPEED
March 17 -- Busch series -- Atlanta motor Speedway -- 2:30 p.m. Eastern -- ABC
March 18 -- Formula 1 -- Australian Grand Prix -- 10 p.m. Eastern -- SPEED
March 18 -- NASCAR -- Atlanta Motor Speedway -- 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- FOX
March 24 -- Indy Pro Series -- Homestead Miami Speedway -- 5 p.m. Eastern -- ESPN2
March 24 -- IndyCar -- Homestead Miami Speedway -- 8 p.m. Eastern -- ESPN2
March 24 -- Busch series -- Bristol motor Speedway -- 2:30 p.m. Eastern -- ABC
March 25 -- NASCAR -- Bristol Motor Speedway -- 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- FOX
March 31 -- NASCAR trucks -- Martinsville Speedway -- 3 p.m. Eastern -- FOX