Sportvision and Pi Research Announce Partnership to Develop New Auto Racing Technologies
NEW YORK--March 13, 2001--RACEf/x(tm)Tracking System Launched for Nascar Winston Cup Series is
First Result of New Alliance
Sportvision, Inc., the leader in sports media technology, and Pi Research, the world leader in automotive data acquisition and control systems, today announced a strategic alliance to implement Sportvision's RACEf/x(TM) system throughout the motorsports world.
Introduced during Fox Sports broadcast coverage of the recent Daytona 500, RACEf/x uses advanced satellite technology to track car position and performance data in real time, providing the necessary infrastructure to enable powerful television, Internet, video game, wireless and interactive TV applications.
The most advanced sports tracking system ever created, RACEf/x is a coordinated system of global positioning system (GPS) satellites and receivers, cameras, in-car electronics, computers and skilled operators. RACEf/x tracks and collects real-time location information and car performance data several times per second. The data from an entire field of cars -- often travelling in excess of 190 MPH - is compiled to create a complete digital record of the race and will feature various statistics including acceleration, braking, lap position, throttle, speed, gear position and RPMs.
Under the alliance, Sportvision and Pi will actively seek new partnerships with the world's foremost motorsports organizations. In September of 2000, Sportvision announced a long-term deal with NASCAR to deploy RACEf/x at all Winston Cup series races beginning in 2001. Pi, the world's premier provider of auto racing telemetry and electronics, designs, installs, removes, and maintains equipment within the race cars. Sportvision developed the GPS tracking system which records and compiles the data, and also creates visual effects for broadcast, including many derived from the patented virtual imaging technology used in Sportvision's Emmy Award-winning 1st & Ten(TM) electronic first down line for the NFL and NCAA football.
"Pi is truly a world leader in their field and their in-car technologies are a perfect complement to our tracking and virtual imaging capabilities," said Sportvision CEO Bill Squadron. "RACEf/x demands precise technology, and with the help of Pi's expertise we will deliver exciting new experiences to auto racing fans on every media platform."
"Motorsports needs to put on the best possible show to maintain and grow its TV and new media following," said Pi Research President Tony Purnell. "Sportvision has not just talked about making a better presentation, but has gone ahead and produced a stunning package with the RACEf/x product. We at Pi are proud to be working alongside people who have such a professional approach, know their business and are delivering motorsports with the presentation technology needed for the coming broadband age."
The first RACEf/x consumer applications are already being delivered on-air during Fox Sports NASCAR broadcasts. Other media platforms currently being explored or developed for RACEf/x data delivery and display include the Internet, wireless devices, interactive TV, video games and racing simulation games.
ABOUT SPORTVISION
Sportvision is the leader in sports media technology, developing products and applications that enhance the fan's experience on television, the Internet and convergence platforms. A privately held corporation founded in 1998, Sportvision offers a suite of products, including the Emmy-winning 1st & Ten(TM) electronic first down system, that have enhanced hundreds of NFL, NBA, NASCAR, NHL, PGA Tour, Major League Baseball, NCAA football and basketball, Ironman Triathlon and other sporting events on-air and online. The company's "fan-centric" technology applications allow broadcasters, sports leagues, teams and Internet sites to enrich their content, while also creating new opportunities for advertisers and sponsors. Sportvision is based in New York City, with research and development facilities in Mt. View, CA and a sales and advanced media production office in Kansas City, KS. http://www.sportvision.com/
ABOUT PI RESEARCH
Pi is the lead supplier of on-board instrumentation and controls to the World's Race Car Industry. Whether it be Formula One, NASCAR, CART, IRL, sports cars, dragsters, or even go-karts, where there is professional motor racing the Pi name is the recognized brand name for specialist motorsports electronic and software tools. Traditionally, Pi has sold its products to the race teams and the organizers, but recently has started to offer services to enhance the presentation of the sport to the public. Pi has over 300 employees, the majority of whom work in Cambridge, England but it also has a strong US presence with offices in Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Detroit. Pi was privately owned until 1999 when it was purchased by the Ford Motor Company to enhance Jaguar's Formula One technical base. www.piresearch.com