EDMONTON, AB – Western Canada’s toughest racing Series on the dirt is about to become the most technically advanced racing Series in the country after the acquisition of new electronic monitoring equipment. German company Aschenbahn Robotics is providing 6 high-tech motorsport mannequins to the Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series for the 2015 race season. Company president Hans Bursheidt says the new technology works hand in hand with current technology already in use. “Here in Germany and I know in your country, many tracks use a transponder system to measure lap times and speeds. The drawback is that the transponder system transmits information [to a computer] only at the finish line.” Bursheidt says the new high-tech motorsport mannequins, placed around the track, monitors each competitors transponder signal more than a thousand-times a second, every single lap.

“The current transponder technology is actually hiding more information than it reveals. These mannequins will now intercept and interpret the transponder signal non-stop.” The motorsport mannequins, which are also are equipped with speed sensing cameras and race car recognition software, will relay real-time information about each competitor to the flag stand.

“These mannequins are equipped with adaptive learning technology. After a few races they will be able to predict when a tire is going flat or when an engine is about to expire. They will also be able to predict spins and crashes before they happen.” Burscheidt says the new technology will be a huge assistance to race officials and that competitors will see an immediate benefit also. “The computer instructs the flagman which drivers to send to the pits after the first few laps because it knows what’s going to happen on the track before it even happens. It’s wonderful technology.”

Other ‘notables’ on this date (April 1st):
1734 – Canada’s first lighthouse began operating in Nova Scotia
1918 – Prohibition took effect in Alberta.
1949 – Tupperware was patented.
1960 – Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada) began jet service between Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
1975 – Canadian radio stations started giving the temperature in Celcius.
1986 – World Oil price dips below $10.00 a barrel.
1992 – NHL Hockey players went on strike for the very first time.
1999 – Nunavut is established as a Canadian territory.
2004 – Google introduces G-mail.
2015 –NPP Series purchases high-tech dummies…. really?? Maybe for the announcers booth!! Happy APRIL FOOLS DAY!

SCHEDULE UPDATE: The 2015 schedule is about 80% complete! Thanks for your patience. Trying to secure a two-day Edmonton show in August. The 2015 Season Championship weekend will most likely be held in Rimbey on September 11/12.