|
ABC Raceway To Introduce Electronic Scoring System In ‘07
by Nick Gima
Ashland, WI, May 5 -- In a move designed to help drivers and simplify
raceday procedures, the ABC Raceway’s Board of Directors recently voted to
purchase and implement an electronic scoring system, to be used beginning with
the 2007 racing season.
The AMB TransX timing and scoring system uses an electronic signal-receiving
wire buried beneath the racing surface. Digital transponders attached to the
race cars trigger signals to the wire identifying which cars are passing over
the line and in what order.
The signals sent by the transponders are sent to a computer in the track’s
scoring tower, which then calculates and displays information to the track
officials such as the race’s running order and lap counts, and each
driver’s lap times. The running order can also be displayed on the
Raceway’s scoreboard for the fans to see.
“This system has so many benefits for the drivers, the fans, and our track
officials,” stated ABC Board member Eric Erickson. “Each race’s
information can be sent on-line to a website, where drivers can access their
lap times to help with race-car set-up. They can also see their standing on
the track during every race they run here.
“Fans will be kept informed with accurate information, and we think
they’ll appreciate the improved quickness of the race program, because the
races won’t be delayed near as much while running orders for restarts are
figured out.
“And that is a big benefit for our lap counters as well. Fewer delays and
less confusion means a better show all around.”
The Raceway Board has researched the project diligently and has invested a
considerable amount of money in the system. The cost to the drivers for the
transponder units is $240 each, and drivers can purchase them directly from
the track, either in full or on a payment plan. The units come with a
three-year warranty.
Drivers who are not frequent visitors of the Ashland track can also rent the
units, but it is expected most will purchase them because they can also be
used at other tracks using the AMB system, including many in the WISSOTA
circuit.
Although installation of the major components of the project has already
begun, the implementation of this new system will be phased in gradually, to
allow both drivers and track officials to learn to use the system.
“At tracks already using the AMB system it took a week or two to learn the
program and iron out some kinks,” Erickson said. “But once everyone is
familiar and comfortable, it works very smoothly. Tracks that are currently
using the system have reported a savings of up to 30 minutes for a full
program.”
The track’s six-cylinder division will be the first to run competely with
the new system, with all drivers in the division required to purchase the
transponders and have them installed on their race cars by June 9. Nearly all
of the six-cylinder racers live within a very reasonable distance of Ashland,
so monitoring the drivers’ questions and input will be simplified.
Erickson hopes that the majority of the six-cylinder drivers will have the
units installed before the June 9 deadline, to allow a few “dry runs” with
the system.
The WISSOTA super stock competitors at Ashland will be expected to have their
transponder units installed by July 7, and the WISSOTA modifieds will go
on-line with the system on July 28. Drivers in these divisions will also
benefit from the use of this system when they travel for special events to
other tracks that have the AMB program in place.
“Once the drivers purchase the transponders, they are theirs to keep,”
explained Erickson. “They merely have to register their unit ID numbers at
the draw window of any track they go to that uses the AMB system, and their
efforts will automatically be recorded in that track’s computer as well.”
The WISSOTA steet stock and ABC pure stock racers will be required to install
their transponders for the 2008 season, but they are encouraged to purchase
them ahead of time.
Erickson says the Raceway Board expects to use the system during some of the
track’s special events in 2007, including the 32nd Red Clay Classic
September 28-29, but most likely only for the feature races.
“We will be very deliberate about installing this system,” he said. “We
don’t want to take drastic steps and alienate drivers and fans with
mistakes, so this will be a work in progress during the entire season.
“But we expect this (system) is the next step in creating a more fair,
enjoyable and exciting race program for our fans and drivers. You’ll see a
lot of tracks install this system over the next couple of years.”
The 2007 ABC Raceway stock car racing season begins Saturday, May 12, with
WISSOTA-sanctioned modifieds, super stocks and street stocks joined by the
track’s own six-cylinders and pure stocks in a five-division show presented
by Northern State Bank. Hot laps start at 6:15 pm, while green-flag racing
begins at 7. “Racenight Live” will air Saturday from 4:30-6 pm on WJJH,
96.7 & 102.3 FM, with up-to-date track news and weather information.
The ABC Raceway is located 3-1/2 miles south of Ashland on State Highway 13
and one mile west on Butterworth Road. For more information on the transponder
system, contact Erickson at (715) 682-5351 at 5:30 pm weekdays. For raceday
information, call (715) 682-4990, or log on to the track’s website, www.abcraceway.com.
|
|
|
