It was today (8 February) announced that all circuits on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship calendar will be installing FIA High-Tech Light Panels this year after the confirmation of an agreement between Motorsport UK, the British Motor Sport Training Trust (BMSTT) and UK circuit owners.
Thanks to this safety initiative, all UK race circuits that have FIA International Grade 3 status and above will have the panels, from leading motorsport safety solutions provider EM Motorsport, installed as soon as possible.
Competitors and marshals will be able to participate in events safe in the knowledge that the most up to date and internationally recognised technology will be fully visible, regardless of weather conditions, to augment the traditional flag signals that marshals use to relay critical safety messages to competitors.
The news follows the announcement that the BTCC would be running an onboard visual signalling system from the 2022 campaign onwards, with drivers immediately informed of yellow flag zones, red flag stoppages and a number of other important safety messages via their in-car dashboards. For more information on this significantly enhanced safety system, click here.
Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, added: “Providing a safe environment for our sport to thrive is at the heart of Motorsport UK. It is essential we provide safety for competitors and volunteers alike who deliver the sport every weekend throughout the UK.
“The rollout of FIA High-Tech Light Panels represents a significant step forward in modernising UK race circuits by adopting the latest and most advanced technology.
“Motorsport UK is committed to improving safety and we thank BARC, MSV, Knockhill Racing Circuit, the British Motor Sports Training Trust and EM Motorsport for their engagement and commitment.”
Rod Parkin, Chair of the BSMTT, commented: “The British Motor Sports Training Trust (BMSTT) was formed as a UK Registered Charity in 1977 with the aim of supporting the training of volunteer motorsport officials and further enhancing medical and safety aspects of our sport.
"Since that time the Trust has regularly committed significant funds annually towards such initiatives. This new partnership support for the funding of light panels provides an ideal opportunity for the Trust to continue delivering its objectives in respect of both marshals and race circuit safety, promote our activities and raise awareness of the Trust.”
After the installation at these initial venues, it is intended, where practical, to extend the project so that all 17 Motorsport UK licenced race circuits will benefit from the increased safety the FIA High-Tech Light Panels provide.
