DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 23, 2017 – SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology), the leading provider of real-time data integration, graphics presentation and video enhancement solutions for live sports and entertainment, is again bringing its RACEf/x tracking system to NASCAR’s broadcast partners, FOX and NBC, enhancing the viewing experience for millions of NASCAR fans worldwide.
Since its debut in 2001, RACEf/x has revolutionized motorsports broadcasting, becoming an integral component of each NASCAR racing series, beginning each season with Speedweeks, the series of racing events that culminates this year on Sunday, Feb. 26, with the DAYTONA 500. SMT will provide RACEf/x for FOX and NBC’s broadcasts of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series.
Using GPS satellites, RACEf/x captures telemetry and positioning data under extreme circumstances, creating a real-time digital record of a race that is translated to 3-D pointers and lower-third graphics. The 3-D pointers, moving in real-time with cars traveling in excess of 180 MPH, include driver IDs, car number, headshot, speed, acceleration/deceleration, time behind leader, exact car position, RPM, brake indicator and throttle percentage. SMT tracks all racing cars on track within 4cm of accuracy providing on-screen graphics displaying location, interval, MPH, RPM, throttle, brake, steering and G-force information, presenting the race’s compelling storylines and exciting details.
In addition to its broadcast services, SMT’s mobile and web app, RaceView, allows fans to become active race participants with the ultimate immersive and interactive second-screen experience. During the race, users can customize their experience with multiple views, camera angles and live race data, follow their favorite driver in 3-D virtual video, and listen to team communications, live radio and NASCAR officials. RaceView users can race a virtual car alongside previous pole winners at each track in the free Time Trial Experience.
RaceView Mobile is available as a free download through the iOS App Store and Android Play Store or as a paid subscription with additional features, RaceView Premium, through NASCAR.com.
“SMT’s RACEf/x system reveals a deeper understanding of racing trends while translating hard data into easily digestible on-screen graphics,” said Paulus Weemaes, SMT’s Senior Director of Motorsports. “SMT telemetry and tracking data takes viewers under the hood and behind the wheel of their favorite drivers, and, paired with SMT’s RaceView app, gives them the chance to virtually compete in historic motorsport races like the Daytona 500.”
“Our cutting-edge solutions for NASCAR date back to 1992, when SMT introduced NASCAR’s first televised live official timing and scoring graphic and race crawl. Together with our upgraded RACEf/x telemetry and tracking system and our RaceView mobile and web app, fans and media have access to unique behind-the-scenes data and video content that before now has never been available,” said SMT founder and CEO Gerard J. Hall. “Broadening our relationship with NASCAR through better fan experiences is our goal and we are proud to partner with NASCAR as we continue to offer products and services unavailable anywhere else.”
A reel of the design and implementation for RaceView can be seen here and a video showcasing telemetry is here.
About SMT
SMT is the leading innovator in real-time data delivery and graphics solutions for the sports and entertainment industries, providing clients with scoring, statistics, virtual insertion and messaging for broadcasts and live events. SMT’s solutions have been used at the world’s most prestigious live events, including the Super Bowl, NBC Sunday Night Football, ESPN Monday Night Football, major golf and tennis events, the Indianapolis 500, the NCAA Tournament, ESPN X Games, NBA on TNT, NASCAR events, MLB games and NHL games. SMT’s clients include major broadcasters as well as regional and specialty networks, organizing bodies, event operators, sponsors and teams. For more information, visit smt.com.