Dunlop extends RFID tire intelligence to MotoGP racing events
26 March, 2013
category: RFID
Dunlop Motorsport is gearing up for the trial of a new RFID-based electronic tire solution at one of the world’s premier motorcycle racing events – MotoGP.
A tiny RFID chip is built and embedded into the tire on the assembly line at Dunlop and is programmed with a unique code that identifies the tire’s type and size. This technology ensures no tire is missed when bikes return from the track, providing MotoGP organizers with a 100 percent accurate log of each tire’s activity throughout the entire event.
While the RFID chips only currently carry identifying data, it may be possible in the future to make them dynamic so that real-time monitoring of various criteria is possible offering a range of opportunities from a rider intelligence point of view.
Dunlop has teamed with MotoGP organizers Dorna Sports and IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) with the aim of introducing its new RFID technology at the start of the 2014 season.
The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in the UK and Dunlop Motorsport Europe featured a similar technology with tires – exclusively supplied by Dunlop – that were automatically scanned as the cars drive into the pit lane. This ensured each car was using the correct and allocated tires at all times.
Also, in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship all Goodyear 315/70R22.5 truck race tires were built with RFID. The system was used by the company for tire management purposes at races and FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) officials use it for regulatory purposes.
