Racing to the Future™ uses a computer based, infrared sensor system to detect the cars at the starting line, timing line and finish line. This system will allow us to record the Student Racer’s “Reaction Time”, the “Elapsed Time” the car takes to complete a racing pass, and the actual “Miles Per Hour” the cars travels.
This system has multiple sensors built in to the track to allow for the capture of all of this information. To make sure your car is detected by these new sensors, follow the recommendations listed below.
Make sure to add a piece of dark tape (electrical tape or duct tape) to the inside nose of the car body. You can paint the inside nose with black paint instead of tape if you prefer. This will make sure the car body blocks the infrared sensors and improves detection.
If your car body has wings, like an Indy car, Formula 1 or Top Fuel Dragster body, you will need BOTH front wings to be in place! If you are missing a wing, your car will NOT trip the sensors. Cars missing the front wings will not be able to race unless the wings are replaced/repaired and stay in place.
