Motocross riders on the RES Axel circuit will soon be introduced to new digital LED panels displaying safety warnings such as a yellow flag. In January, the circuit will start a trial to enhance riders’ safety in cooperation with MYLAPS, manufacturer of X2 Race Control.
Safety in motorsport is an important issue and is one of the focal points of the recently established MX Masterplan. This initiative, set up by the motocross federations MON and KNMV, has the mission to preserve and strengthen motocross in the Netherlands.
Automatic warning of stalled riders
The trial in Axel is part of the MX-Masterplan, in collaboration with MYLAPS Sports Technology. MYLAPS is the global market leader in timekeeping (at MXGP, MotoGP, NASCAR and INDYCAR, among others) and an expert in Race Control solutions. RES Axel is working with 5 Light Panels along the track that can display safety warnings such as yellow and red flags. It is also testing a stop-detection system where race control will receive an automatic warning when riders are stopped.
Making motocross safer
‘Rider safety is a key focus for us,’ says RES Axel chairman Rudi Adam. ‘The current technology allows us to make great strides with that. We know MYLAPS as a professional partner because we have been using a MYLAPS timekeeping system for years. We are looking forward to the trial and hope to make the sport safer, not only on our own track, but later also for other riders.’
Creating the ultimate sports experience
Engelbert Gieskes, Commercial Director of Motorsports at MYLAPS: ‘We are extremely looking forward to this collaboration with RES Axel. At MYLAPS, our mission is to provide everyone with the ultimate sports experience. This trial enables us to increase safety on the track and make the sport even more attractive.’
About RES Axel
There has been Motocross at the Smitsschorre circuit for 55 years, so there’s a lot of experience there. At its inception, the MC Axel was founded, which in 1981 was converted into Stichting Recreatieve Exploitatie Smitsschorre, or RES Axel. Over the years, we have organised many beautiful training and competition days, such as the ONK, Dutch Masters of Motocross competitions and last year the FIM European Youth Championship. We always try to think ahead and be progressive when it comes to safety, among other things. We therefore feel very honoured to cooperate in the trial of this exciting MYLAPS race control system.
