Revving Up IndyCar Coverage: FOX Sports Unleashes Cutting-Edge Ghost Car Technology!

IndyCar is introducing an exciting new feature called “Ghost Car” technology, thanks to its partnership with FOX Sports. This innovative system will change how fans experience races.

FOX Sports has already used similar technology in their NASCAR and MLB broadcasts to show speed and distances. They’ve teamed up with Sports Media Technology (SMT) to bring this capability to IndyCar. For the first time, viewers will see real-time performance comparisons between cars during races.

The Ghost Car system lets fans compare one car’s speed against another’s. Each team’s car will have a special GPS system that tracks its location and speed. This data, combined with information from the car’s onboard computer, gives FOX Sports a comprehensive view of each vehicle’s performance. Once the season kicks off at St. Petersburg, fans can expect to see many features of this new technology in action.

Zac Fields, FOX Sports SVP of Graphic Tech/Innovation, highlighted the importance of tracking cars accurately. He explained that the collaboration between FOX Sports, SMT, and IndyCar has led to significant advancements. The technology uses various antennas around the track to create a 3D view of the cars. This means fans can see how different driving techniques compare in real-time, offering a richer understanding of racing strategies.

While Ghost Car is a new feature for broadcasts, IndyCar teams have been using similar technology for years. A company called Infiniti Video Systems has provided teams with tracking data from cameras placed around each circuit. This helps teams analyze performance after each session by comparing their drivers’ data with rivals’ using ghost overlays.

IndyCar will now combine the capabilities of Ghost Car technology with existing video services to provide fans with in-depth, time-coded clips. This will allow both technical analysis and engaging storytelling during races.

Fields shared that the technology, originally used by SMT, has evolved to include precise location tracking, which can be paired with high-quality video. FOX plans to use this method to tell compelling stories during broadcasts, regardless of the camera angle.

Furthermore, FOX Sports aims to create engaging social media content using the Ghost Car system after races. The possibilities are vast, with teams and production crews anticipating creative ways to utilize this new tech.

Fans of racing can also expect a more immersive experience similar to what is seen in Formula 1. In-car cameras will display real-time telemetry data and additional graphics, offering an at-a-glance understanding of the race dynamics. This feature will enhance viewers’ insight into drivers’ actions during the race.

Overall, the integration of Ghost Car technology marks a significant step forward for IndyCar, promising to deliver thrilling new ways for fans to connect with the sport.