SMSP have recently opened a new Motorsport Innovation Precinct to boost Australian technology development across motorcycle and car racing. Situated next to the track, the new precinct will help the future of racing in this country. We headed out to the launch of phase one for a sneak peek.
The launch event provided an opportunity for the Australian press to explore the first phase of the building along with hearing from Minster for Sport Steve Kamper, Minister for Music and the Night – time Economy and Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, ARDC President Natalie Turmine and ARDC CEO Glenn Mathews.
The first phase of the Innovation Precinct see’s two Australian innovators move into the building. AGI and Forcite. AGI, who are renowned for their roll-cages, have set up shop with more than a dozen Formula Four machines. The aim is to provide an opportunity to find the next Australian F1 driver and putting emphasis on using the Innovation Precinct as an international base to find the next female talent and provide them with the highest level of coaching and training.
“Our aim is to establish the number one elite race academy in Australasia at Australia’s number one race circuit. The on – track location is a real drawcard for the sport’s rising stars as we nurture Australia’s next F1 driver. The shared passion and support from the ARDC is the fuel injector to make this vision become a reality,” said Adam Gotch, principal of AGI Sport.
AGI’s neighbour is Forcite, the Australian smart-helmet manufacturer have been developing their next generation of lid with MotoSchool. Entering a next phase in their development, they offer out their smart-helmets for punters at the MotoSchool to test out their lids, give their an incite to their riding and be able to see a first person view of what their trainers are doing differently.
Read our Forcite helmet review here…
Forcite will be heading down the path of creating a race-only lid, this will be including MotoGP technology like live-flag update through lighting in the helmet and live broadcasting of a first-person view. Having their HQ next to a track such as SMSP allows for access to a world-class facility to further develop their product and make racing better.
“Forcite has motorsports in its DNA, so being in a precinct on track is an exciting opportunity for our company. Forcite Engineers will now be able to collaborate with the industry’s best and test our technology on a world – class track day and night. I have no doubt this will help us speed up innovation.“ Said Alfred Boyadgis, Forcite co-founder.
Speaking with Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) Spokesperson, Kurt McGuiness, we got some insight into what the precinct means for motorcycle racing.
“Effectively what it means is that we have a dedicated racetrack laboratory for research and development of motorsport technology. This tech will then find its way into road going cars and motorcycles. The benefit for brands here is that they can use the motorsport park to test and develop new technology and put them on the track that same day.” said McGuiness.
Many mentions were made to the fact that this is the answer to Silverstone circuit in the UK. The ARDC and NSW Government have spent $10 million on the trackside precinct and this is only phase one. More buildings will be constructed over the next few years, hopefully bringing more brands and innovation to Australian circuits.
SMSP Innovation Precinct Gallery
