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Manchester Ship Canal - Karting

We follow two aspects on race day - the computer technology used by the timing steward, and technology used by an individual racer.

Run by Bob Wilson, Hooton Park Circuit was constructed in 2006 on the site of the old Hooton Airfield near Ellesmere Port and holds regular race meetings for enthusiasts and future generations of Formula 1 racers.

We follow Isobel Randell, a 15-year-old karter and Jon Oillier, the track's timing official. Isobel is 15 years old and over the last three years has become an avid karter. Her dad, Tony takes care of the mechanics and together they use a device called the Mychron to provide data that can help them beat off the competition. Information can be uploaded from the device onto a computer after each race where race data can be analysed, giving them the opportunity to correct any racing errors or mechanical problems. In this, the last race of the season, Isobel is looking for a good finish to guarantee her a 5th placed position in her class this year.

It's Jon's job to ensure each racer is given a transponder and race timings plus final finishing orders are accurately recorded. It's a job that can see the likes of Jon officiate at motor sport events across the country. During the race each transponder sends data via electronic timing equipment to the steward's computer, logging race time and order. At the end of the race this information is typically printed out for the racing teams to see.

Release date:

Duration:

5 minutes

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