Silverstone Circuit
The Challenge
"We are proud to have the first display of its kind in the United Kingdom,” said David Thomson, of Silverstone Circuit. “We witnessed our spectator’s race day enjoyment increase through the display content that was provided on race day — from names to standings, attendees are able to keep track of their favorite drivers.
It has been a pleasure working with the team at Daktronics, they were in tune with our goals and helped us meet necessary deadlines."
David Thomson, Silverston Circuit
With more than 60 years at the forefront of British, European and Global Motorsports, Silverstone Circuit has come a long way since being transformed from a wartime airfield into a motor racing circuit in 1948. Today, it is considered one of the most famous motor sport venues in the world attracting hundreds of thousands of race fans annually.
Silverstone Circuit recognizes that loyal fans are what make motorsports great. These fans want to follow every minute of race day action. Silverstone identified LED message centers as a way getting their fans coverage of every twist and turn, driver names, positions as well as a way to increase advertising and post public announcement notices.
With a limited budget, a short timeline and the pressure of the British Grand Prix quickly approaching, Silverstone needed an experienced company that could meet their display needs.
The Daktronics Solution
Daktronics scheduled multiple site visits to Silverstone Circuit allowing the project team to meet with various contractors to determine the appropriate foundation and steel fabrication requirements for a new display system. Through these visits it was determined that the appropriate display would be a Daktronics three-sided RGB Galaxy® message display with backlit advertising panels. Measuring approximately 1.8 m x 3.0 m, Daktronics delivered the three-sided structure with 46 mm LED displays.
Working closely to meet the fast approaching deadline, Silverstone and Daktronics shared installation responsibilities.
“We were installing during the build up to the Grand Prix, so the project management and communication was very important,” said Blair Robertson, Daktronics sales. “Our companies worked very well together and strong relationships have been formed as a result.”
Daktronics provided event support throughout the display’s opening weekend for the 2009 F1 Santander British Grand Prix. Hard work and strong relationships between the teams paid off as the display became fully operational just hours before the event. The display proceeded to run flawlessly throughout the event providing fans with the race details and updates.
Equipment Description
AF-3400 LED Message Center (Qty. 3)
Lines x Columns: 64 x 128
Technology Type: 46 mm
Dimensions: 6'0" x 9'11" (1.8m x 3.0m)
Description: 3-sided outdoor display