By SMT staff
Indianapolis, Ind., May 20, 2025 – SMT, the leading innovator in real-time data integration and broadcast graphics solutions, debuted GhostCarLive 2.0 during qualifying coverage of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Making its first-ever appearance, SMT’s GhostCarLive 2.0 aired during the May 18 IndyCar qualifying session on FOX Sports, setting a new standard in motorsports storytelling. GhostCarLive 2.0 builds upon SMT’s proven GhostCar platform—originally adopted by NASCAR in 2019—and introduces real-time virtual car comparisons overlaid directly into live in-car video. During the final six qualifying runs, FOX inserted a live comparison between Scott Dixon’s in-car camera and Takuma Sato’s pole-setting lap—a first in motorsports broadcast history.
“We’ve been providing FOX with a great tool called GhostCar in combination with the HUD graphic that allows lap comparisons in a video-game-like format,” said Hans Weber, SMT’s Corporate VP of R&D. “This year, the FOX team challenged us to take it further—integrating it in real time during an in-car shot. After an extreme effort by both FOX and our internal creative and R&D teams, GhostCarLive 2.0 was born.”
In addition to GhostCarLive 2.0, SMT delivered a comprehensive package of services for FOX Sports and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), enriching both the broadcast and on-site fan experience:
Broadcast Enhancements
- GhostCar: A staple of SMT’s Broadcast Analytics platform, GhostCar provided lap comparisons throughout all qualifying sessions, using SMT’s “Sync Point” technology to maintain data alignment across four-lap runs.
- HUD (Heads-Up Display) 3D Virtual Dashboards: Overlays on the car’s Halo including live data such as battery power, throttle, speed, gear shifting, turn degrees and distance, giving viewers real-time telemetry insights.
- Lower Telemetry Graphics: Redesigned to accommodate FOX’s pylon poster graphics, showing RPM, throttle, gear data and battery power in a compact format.
- Wind & Trackmap Graphics: Live wind speed and directional overlays for each track corner, with real-time car position badges.
- Pointer Graphics: 3D pointers and aerial ISO Track pointers via SMT’s CARf/x platform to emphasize key race moments.
Data Services
- Data Provisioning for FOX: SMT tailored data processing specifically for Indy 500 qualifying rules—a complex and unique challenge compared to regular-season IndyCar events.
- Broadcast Analytics (BA): Delivered powerful storytelling tools leveraging 3D visualization and real-time comparison capabilities for FOX’s live production.
In-Venue Enhancements
SMT also supported venue operations and fan engagement across Indianapolis Motor Speedway with advanced display and telemetry integrations:
- Live Timing & Scoring: Shown across all major venue screens including the Pagoda board, large screen video display boards and the main scoring pylon.
- Pagoda Board: SMT Creative Studio designed the real-time graphics shown on the Pagoda board. Designed to mirror the modern HUD of an open-wheel race car, giving fans at the IMS a driver’s-eye view of car performance. Positioned next to the in-car camera feed, the display featured throttle/brake balance, speed, RPM and hybrid battery.
- Stats Prompters: Provided to production personnel and announcers for seamless coordination and storytelling.
This year marks a new chapter for IndyCar, now under a multiyear broadcast partnership with FOX Sports following decades of NBC coverage. With all 17 races airing live on FOX and complementary coverage on FS1, FS2 and FOX Deportes, IndyCar becomes the only premier U.S. motorsports series with full network exposure.
SMT has become an essential partner in FOX’s new era of IndyCar coverage following a successful debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
With a legacy of innovation dating back to 1995, SMT continues to deliver next-gen solutions for the world’s most iconic open-wheel race. Whether through data visualization, explainer graphics or immersive fan experiences, SMT’s mission is to deepen viewer engagement and empower broadcasters with unparalleled tools.