Electronic Timing And Scoring System - Timing is Everything

Racers are seldom inclined to forkover a couple hundred bucks for something that won't make the car anyfaster. For exactly the same reasons outlined for the promoter--increasedaccuracy, more timely information, and elimination of timing-relateddisputes--the racer can realize the benefit. After-the-race availabilityof lap times, lap charts, average speeds, and position data atwww.mylaps.com is an added bonus.

Since AMB is the most common system,the racer doesn't have to worry about the possibility of differenttracks using different systems requiring different transponders. Infact, quite the opposite has become the norm. Once one track puts in anAMB system, drivers start to install AMB transponders and encourageother tracks in the area to jump on the bandwagon and put in their ownAMB electronic timing systems. Most weekend racers with $10,000 or moreinvested in their race cars have no qualms about investing another $300to assure accurate scoring and additional data via the Internet.

NASCAR,one of AMB's most notable clients, has been instrumental in mandatingstandardized transponder mounting in order to forestall any advantage,as well as to assure the continued functioning of the transponder incase of vehicle damage. All Nextel Cup cars must carry the transpondermounted on the right-rear of the fuel cell, exactly 13.6 feet back fromthe frontmost part of the car, and this position is verified at tech.Interestingly, ChampCar requires transponder mounting in the left-handside pod behind the driver, along with other on-board electronics. IRLspecifies that AMB transponders be mounted in a Kevlar pocket on thebody near the front suspension.

"The future is here," says Ryan Kramer,marketing coordinator with AMB. "Just like engineering features andsafety equipment, electronic timing and scoring systems have proventhemselves at the highest and most demanding levels of competition. Andnow, economies of scale and technological advances have made thesesystems effective and affordable for amateur racing, as well. Just asfuel cells, restraint systems, and aerodynamics have been developed byprofessionals and, ultimately, have become useful and affordable for'Weekend Warriors,' electronic timing systems are now a technology thatmore and more drivers and track owners want. They're a great advancethat increases the fun factor for drivers, spectators, and, of course,the track owners who help make it all possible."