When One Raceway opens to the public later this year, customers at the venue will enjoy a range of technological innovations aimed at creating the most seamless and streamlined experience at any motor racing facility in Australia.
Steve Shelley's Background in Technology and Efficiency
Considering the circuit is owned by Steve Shelley – founder of the Deputy.com personnel management software suite – that shouldn’t come as a surprise, because Steve is well-versed in identifying areas of inefficiency, and using technology to reduce those inefficiencies.
Challenges in Motorsport Administration
“When my son Jake and I started racing, one of the things that used to frustrate us was the amount of time we would spend on administrative tasks, whether that was manually filling out entry forms, ringing up the office to book garages or lining up at the track to sign on and get a wristband,” Steve said.
“While proper processes are essential from a safety perspective, a lot of the admin tasks can be automated or happen before you arrive, maximising the time you get to actually utilise and enjoy the facility.”
Automation and Streamlining of Processes
Therefore, customers can expect a large amount of automation, and streamlining of processes that require competitors to enter information such as their vehicle or race licence details.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency with Technology
The technological innovations do not end there, and will also be used to maximise safety and efficiency of event operations.
Modernising Marshalling and Safety Measures
“Wakefield Park used to have a lot of infield marshal’s posts that needed to be manned by officials, and there were safety concerns ranging from cars crashing into the posts, to venomous snakes living in them,” Steve said.
“Volunteer officials are essential at race meetings, and it’s imperative that we provide them a comfortable and safe environment so they continue to support our events. So we’ve introduced some developments such as LED light panels that can be used to provide flag signals around the circuit, and can be operated from a central position."
LED Panels and Fibre Optic Communication
“These LED panels receive their signals via a fibre optic cable network, and that same network can be used to allow broadcasting providers – such as Blend Line TV who provide valuable coverage for a lot of grass roots motorsport – to transmit signals from their cameras back to their OB hub.”
MyLaps Timing System and Pit Lane Safety
The One Raceway circuit will use the MyLaps timing system, which allows tracking of vehicles through GPS as well as including sector timing loops in the circuit. The pit lane speed limit will be enforced via radar units at both ends of lane.
Noise Emission Control and Broadcast Innovations
To minimise noise emission, the plan is for event commentary to be broadcast via an FM frequency and also live streamed via the One Raceway app. As well as providing a method for trackside spectators to listen to on-track coverage, it will allow people away from the venue to remotely tune in to race broadcasts.
Steve and Jake Shelley's Passion for Technology
“I’ve always been passionate about technology and my son Jake is following in my footsteps with his Jiffi.co business, so we’re using that passion to treat competitors and race fans to some new ways of experiencing the sport,” Steve concluded.
