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Tracks: State-of-the-art AMB System to handle timing and scoring at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

15 September 1999

INDIANAPOLIS- A state-of-the-art AMB TranX Pro timing and scoring system will be permanently installed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and in use before the Indianapolis 500 in May 2000.

The fully digital system uses multiple detection points around the historic 2.5-mile oval to track time, speed and scoring data of multiple cars. The installation of the system is an important part of the massive renovation project underway at the Speedway.

"Were extremely excited because its the most advanced system on the market today," said Harry van Dooren, president of AMB i.t., the Netherlands-based parent company of AMB i.t. U.S. Inc. in Atlanta. "Theres a lot of history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and its a thrill to become a part of that."

The "multi-loop" system allows data to be tracked at various points around the track. Data such as turn speed, straightaway speed, pit-road speed and time intervals at various points on the racecourse can be tracked. This data can be processed and displayed through various channels, including scoring monitors, track scoreboards, track video monitors and television feeds. The data can be customized to fit the needs of the various channels.

Timing in the new system is accurate to 3/10,000ths of a second, van Dooren said.

"IMS is recognized as the leader in motorsports," said Chuck Whetsel, Indy Racing League manager of timing & scoring. "The acquisition of this new timing-and-scoring system ensures that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains a leader in all aspects of motor racing. The AMB TranX Pro contains state-of-the-art technology at both the hardware and software level."

The new system will be tested during Pep Boys Indy Racing League offseason testing in December at Walt Disney World Speedway at Orlando, Fla. It then will be installed at IMS in time for the Indianapolis 500 in May.

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