Lots of buzz at country's first electronically controlled race track

The high-tech race control centre at Highlands Motorsport Park. Photo supplied
The high-tech race control centre at Highlands Motorsport Park. Photo supplied
New Zealand's newest motorsport park, Highlands, near Cromwell, will be thoroughly scrutinised by everyone from world-class racing drivers to first-time spectators this weekend, but there is something few will get to see.

High above the action, in the new control tower, is a room park manager Mike Sentch describes as a cross between a television producer's suite and an airport control tower.

It is the nerve centre of the country's first electronically controlled racetrack.

''A wall of television monitors is connected to 11 cameras around the circuit, providing a complete and uninterrupted view of the entire circuit,'' Mr Sentch said.

''Then 17 light stations match the cameras to replace the flag marshal and flag system that are traditionally used at other circuits around New Zealand.''

The light stations carry coloured lights for every situation - red, green, blue, yellow and white - which can be used either singly, or in combination to replicate the traditional marshals' flags. Timing and lap-scoring are also managed from the control room through a

high-speed, automatic timing system, with 10 scoring sensor-loops around the track that respond to car transponders. From the control room, race officials, headed by clerk of the course Roger Laird, will have everything at their fingertips, Mr Sentch said.

However, because it is all so new, the national governing body, MotorSport New Zealand, has requested traditional flag marshals and traditional flags in case there are any issues.

Together, they will be armed with 170 flags.

There was a flurry of activity in the room yesterday, and as electricians and other experts completed the finishing touches, park owner Tony Quinn showed it off like a proud father.

''Just look at that,'' he said, waving his arm around the room. Despite people seemingly rushing to get the park race-ready, Mr Quinn was not worried.

''I'm not nervous; it's not in my DNA.''

Over the past couple of weeks he has been ''just cruising - fishing, drinking, playing golf ... but I do lie, too'', Mr Quinn said.

Despite the $20 million-plus park being funded by Mr Quinn, he was reluctant to take credit for it.

''From the guy that's graded the track, Jed, right up to me, and everybody in between has delivered a sensational product.

''Everyone's done a great job and it's now up to the drivers and teams to deliver a great show.''

- sarah.marquet@odt.co.nz

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