Karting to go digital in Bahrain, safer with Digi flags system

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

It is good tiding for karting enthusiasts, as the tracks here in Bahrain are getting more advanced and safer. Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) said it is upgrading its old traffic lights system with a new Digital Flags system.

With the new system, one doesn’t have to wait for a marshal to take a flag out, as the system is good enough to inform the drivers of slippery surfaces or send individual warnings, if necessary.

The systems available in the market are good enough to provide a proper visual indication of circuit conditions, driver warnings, and instructions instantly.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) says, “The information displayed on the Digital Flag panels shall be to supplement traditional circuit marshal flags, and shall consist of static or waved coloured signals.” The system BIC intends to deploy will have two outdoor GPS LED Digital clocks, an information light panel and a live kart positioning system, two intermediate detection loops and connections to the timing IP network.

Currently, the BIKC track has seven traffic lights - integrated and controlled by the race timing system SMS-Timing to display red, yellow and green lights. The track also has one abort start light controlled by the Abort Start System to display flashing orange lights. A tender launched calls on contractors to make their bids before the 11th of next month.