Datron Technology
Posted:
High tech support set to save jobs.
A new high tech training facility is to help motor sport engineers learn skills needed for the international racing industry.
Currently few British engineers have access to training on specialist motor sport data recording equipment, unlike their European competitors and, as a result, struggle to get jobs with the major racing teams.
Datron Technology has teamed up with East Midlands New Technology Initiative (NTI) High Performance Engineering Network (HPE) to provide state of the art equipment for a specialist course being developed to train young technicians in the use of Data recording systems.
Data recording systems are attached to the vehicle to record its total performance and record everything from speed, suspension, gear use, and breaks during the race. The data is then assessed by the race team engineers to determine how to enhance future performance.
Datron Technology UK General Manager John Grist said: “Very few British engineers have the training to use data recording, compared to those trained in the rest of Europe. Consequently, our youngsters are losing out in the tough competition for jobs, and the lack of skills is eroding Britain’s strength in motor sport. All the top international bike and car racing teams use 2D systems and the principles can be transferred to other makes.”
John added: “During the race the driver is too busy concentrating on his ride to accurately assess what the bike or car components are doing. The collected data can be correlated to his lap times, providing the team of specialist engineers with the information they need to fine tune the vehicle’s performance.”
The “2D” components have been fitted to a Formula Renault racing car and to a Honda 600 Supersport bike both funded by NTI and housed at the National College for Motorsport facility at Silverstone where the new course is earmarked to take place.
Datron Technology is also donating additional “2D” equipment including vital connectivity looms and additional sensors free of charge.
Tresham Institute based HPE Network project manager, James Powell said: “This particular data recording package was chosen for its lightweight, compact size and specification. It was also a cost effective option which was important to us.
“It’s great to have support from experts who supply many top motor sport teams. We are delighted that John views our work as an activity that promotes understanding of technology. Embracing advanced technology to its full potential is the surest way for race teams to get ahead on the grid. Working with Datron is an example of what can be achieved through focused collaboration between industry and education”.
Datron Technology have invited the NTI and the National College for Motorsport to jointly exhibit at their annual industry technology week that takes place later this year at the Motor.