RFID chips have been successfully used for the first time in world motorsport, in a development between Dunlop and the BTCC.
All tyres used in the British Touring Car Championship are now automatically scanned as they enter the pitlane – with readers detecting a tag from Datalinx.
The RFID tag is used to transmit information on which batch of tyres are being used, to ensure only allocated tyres are fitted.
It’s one of the most challenging applications yet for RFID technology – but Datalinx claims a 100 percent detection rate, despite the wheels’ high rate of rotation, plus the risk of drivers locking up as they pass the scanners.
Tyre allocation logging has long been a logistical problem for the BTCC, which has relied on an army of assistants scanning each tyre manually. With the RFID solution, the system is now virtually unbeatable.
There are also further opportunities too, though. The racing series is one that prides itself on its open nature for race fans. With this potential link to the web, why not allow transmission of information such as:
• Tyre type
• Tyre temperature
• Tyre ‘laps covered’
This could provide a real-time feed for race fans, who would immediately be able to understand why a driver was slowing, or why their car was starting to handle oddly. TV viewers could even predict likely targets for other drivers, according to the rates of wear and variations in tyre temperature.
Think of F1, and Jensen Button’s much-publicised tyre temperature problems affecting his pace during races. This information could be relayed live to TV viewers, so all would immediately understand why he was struggling.
It opens a fascinating potential extra dimension for the spectacle of motor racing on the television…
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