Ask any biker, the first sport they're watching is, you guessed it: motorsports. For them, it's riveting to attend track days, racing meets, or large-scale festivals. Audiences and bikers enjoy the buzz of engines and thrill of speed felt in the wind as it flicks through your hair. Everyone has a shared passion that is so palpable it can be felt among those who live for life on two wheels. A revolution in technology has begun to change the way bikers view these events. 

Apps Making Race Days Easier

Trackside excitement for fellow bikers have been revolutionised by the introduction of motorsport apps. These apps provide riders with faster access to alarms, race information, and ticket scanning. These apps are currently included in event packages at many racetracks in the UK. They provide more than just racing schedules. They include interactive maps, session notifications, and Bluetooth monitoring for group rides. 

According to Matt Bastock, there is easier access to new betting platforms for UK self excluded players. The platform offers fast payouts, real-time odds tracking, and simpler onboarding processes for fans who still wish to bet within their self-imposed betting limits. They offer easy accessibility with a list of benefits such as welcome bonuses and loyalty rewards while providing secure payment methods and customised wallets. 

These tools simplify group preparations by replacing printed schedules. Riders can also pre-book parking, register for paddock tours, and get directions to their stands. Some apps even suggest routes based on bike type, helping avoid traffic and plan scenic arrivals.

Paymentech Bringing Speed to the Fore

Most large motorsport festivals are already making the switch to contactless payment methods. Bikers who attend events while on the go, carrying cash or standing in queue feel increasingly out of step with their lifestyle. Tap-to-pay wristbands and fast wallet top-ups make it possible to get food, merchandise and ticket upgrades without having to rummage through a backpack or worry about card skimmer. 

Organisers have begun collaborating with financial developers to enable location-based payments. This implies that the same bracelet that allows you to purchase a burger from the food truck can also be used to record your attendance for future discounts or to check you in at a restricted paddock zone.

Onboard Cameras and Live Streaming

The use of compact action cameras is not new in the biking world, but their application at motorsport events is growing in clever ways. Some race organisers have started enabling fans to tune into live feeds not just from professional broadcast cameras but also from cameras mounted on amateur riders during practice laps or track experiences.

These user-controlled feeds provide a more immersive view of the event, creating a perspective closer to that of a rider. Bikers attending events can sync their helmet cams with event apps, upload footage, and even share clips with others on-site. For biker groups, this opens up the option of creating ride-in footage montages or trackside reaction videos.

Smart Wearables for Biker Safety and Feedback

These days, wearable technology is being employed at motorsport events to increase rider awareness and safety. Weariness, heart rate, and crash data are tracked using biometric patches, bright vests, and gloves. To evaluate rider performance, UK circuits offer safety programs. The session ends with feedback on the bikers' speed and safety. 

Community Platforms Strengthening Event Connections

• Traditional motorcycle forums and club meets are being expanded by tech-driven platforms, which also bring real-time interaction to events. 

• Riders can join chat groups, participate in surveys, and access exclusive content from race teams or organisers by wearing app-linked wristbands and QR-code badges. 

• These platforms are the only way to access the post-race Q&A sessions and behind-the-scenes garage visits of several UK venues.

• Riders can check in, earn points, and unlock event privileges by engaging actively, turning spectating into participation.

• These apps, which feature encrypted chat and authenticated access to ensure safety and connectivity, help lone riders find group rides, locate meet-up locations, and adhere to club-specific timetables. 

Onboard Cameras Creating New Fan Perspectives

Onboard cameras and live feeds have completely changed how motorsport fans view events. Viewers may get a close-up look at the action from this footage, and riders can utilise the useful movies to assess and enhance their performance in the future. Riders can now rewatch their runs from multiple different camera angles, whether it's a demo lap or a club competition. 

A few circuits have even begun to charge riders for packages that include individualised video editing and uploading soon after the competition concludes. Fans watching from home now feel more connected to the action than ever, thanks to the move to onboard content. 

Future Procedure, Voice-Activated Help and Augmented Reality 

The integration of augmented reality into motorsports is still relatively new. Information-projecting helmet visors were on display at tech showcases related to significant events. Information that is directly in the rider's field of vision, such as track maps or pit stop information, is being tested.  Additionally, augmented reality overlays that display rider positions, overtaking alerts, or lap times to spectators in the grandstand are being developed.

Voice-activated technologies are becoming increasingly popular among bikers. 

Virtual assistant-connected intercom systems allow riders to receive instructions. They can access safety alerts, and weather updates without removing their hands from the bike's handlebars. This is very helpful to club leaders, volunteers, and marshals who oversee groups during important events. Rather than taking the place of racing, technology is making it more exciting. Every new advancement makes riding more connected and convenient.

 

 

 

 

 

Image - Man riding on motorcycle - Unsplash License, Karthegan Padmanaban

 

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