The Mint 400 Launches New Online Tracking Application to Increase Global Exposure
“The Great American Off-Road Race” can now be followed globally online and via mobile app
The Mint 400 announced today that is has launched a new tracking application with the primary goal of allowing the entire planet to follow “The Great American Off-Road Race” live online and on mobile devices. The Mint 400 has partnered with YB Tracking from the UK, who have built their business tracking global events in yachting, adventure sports, and expeditions.
“We have been looking for the right technology to utilize to allow people to track the race in real time. This is part of our larger strategy to grow the impact of The Mint 400 and off-road racing globally. Now fans will be able to track the race online as well as download the YB Tracking app for your mobile device,” stated Mint 400 CFO, Josh Martelli.
“Following our recent success tracking car racing events in Europe and Asia, and the recent US-based King of The Hammers, we are thrilled to be involved in the biggest off-road race in the world! The Mint 400 has a huge vehicle count for a single-day event, making it both challenging and exciting,” stated Nick Farrell, CEO of YB Tracking.
During The Mint 400, tracking points will be transmitted every 2 minutes, with 30-second GPS fixes – giving great track definition for later playback. Live segment split times will be made available to the public, adding excitement for race followers who will be able to see just how many minutes/seconds are between each racer!
Unlike other off-road tracking technologies, YB units are easy to install, taking just minutes to fix to each car. This is achieved due to them being totally self-contained units, with internal batteries and a built-in antennae. Racers require absolutely no cradles, antennae, wiring harnesses, or any other accessories! As a testament to this simplicity all 350 vehicles in The Mint will be fitted with their YB units during the Friday contingency/tech day.
Race participants have complained in the past about the difficulty and cost of installing race tracking technology – using YB removes all of this hassle and significantly reduces expense. Seeing the value in globalizing off-road racing, Mint 400 sponsors BFGoodrich Tires and Polaris RZR have stepped up to cover the cost of the new tracking system rather than passing the cost onto the racers!
The YB service includes the provision of tracking units, online mapping and mobile app. Using Iridium satellites to transmit their data means the trackers will work anywhere on Earth, so desert races without GSM coverage are no problem at all. The nature of Iridium satellites also means that the technology works much better than others in notoriously difficult terrain, such as canyons.
Tracking will be available online at TheMint400.com, Race-Dezert.com, UTVUnderground.com, PolarisRZR.com and BFGoodrichTires.com.
You can download the mobile app via itunes here: