NW200 Keeps Time with New Technical Developments

Plans are underway to enhance, develop and upgrade timing systems and solutions for next year’s International North West 200 which is set to take place on Saturday 19th May.

Organisers Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd are working alongside MCUI Chief Time-keeper Richard Agnew and specialist motorsport company Timing Solutions Ltd, who provide  a range of  timing systems to high profile sporting events including British Touring Cars and British Superbike. Timing Solutions chief executive Graeme Lond recently made his first visit to the 8.9 mile North Coast circuit and met with MCUI time-keepers, local representatives of mobile communications outlet Arqiva, as well as BT Northern Ireland, to review current timing mechanisms in place and discuss and analyse further enhancements and improvements.

“Each year we look at different ways to raise our organisational and professional standards at the International North West 200, ensure we keep up to speed with global developments and deliver a world class sporting event to both fans and competitors.” explained technical director Mervyn Whyte MBE. “We were delighted to welcome timing expert Graeme Lond to Northern Ireland and tap into his broad range of skills and experience. The local time-keeping team explored a range of options and developments which we believe will generate an improved service to team managers, riders and spectators.

“Spanning a three year period we aim to introduce a range of upgrades including live feeds into the paddock and pit lane garages enabling us to highlight retirements, race stoppages and other useful information relevant to teams and competitors. We also plan to increase circuit sector timings to provide teams with more precise information on rider times from one course location to another. We will also examine the possibility of electronic speed trap provision. We hope to finalise our range of new solutions and systems and will announce full details early next year.”

Pictured with NW200 technical director Mervyn Whyte (centre) and Graeme Lond (3rd left)from Timing Solutions Ltd are (from left) NW200 Communications Manager, John Crichton and MCUI time-keepers, Richard Agnew, Jeremy Tidy and Walter Marks.

Visit www.northwest200.org for up to date Race Week information.