July 26, 2006
Another Sport Turns To RFID
RFID Journal reported recently that NASCAR changed the rules for tire use by teams participating in events, and would be using RFID to track tires. Previously, teams purchased their own tires (one approved brand). Now, teams are required to lease tires and return them at the end of the race, in whatever state that they are in.
The reason for the rule change has to do with NASCAR's perception of an unfair competitive advantage. (Wealthier teams purchased extra tires for a race.) The approved NASCAR brand is Goodyear, who are now using RFID tags in the full-life cycle process of each tire, from manufacturing through distribution. NASCAR then uses those chips for the tire leasing program.
The RFID Journal article states that the trial run shows that tags held up under the extreme conditions of a race, including intense heat generated by car speeds of up to 200 mph.
Other sports employing RFID in some manner include golf and soccer. The recent FIFA World Cup soccer event in Germany held one of the largest trials of RFID, tagging approximately 5 million admittance tickets.
--
Did you enjoy this post?
« What is ZigBee's Relationship to RFID? | Main | OTI Global Wins Contracts For Contactless Transit Payments »
