Technology firm moves up a gear with new motorsport collaboration

SCRUTINEERS for a major motorcycling race series have forged a new partnership with a Telford-based technology firm.

Officials at the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship are collaborating with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence to ensure teams comply with the technical rules.

The examiners are relying on a portable measuring device produced by the firm to perform a range of trackside checks on the production-based racing bikes throughout the 13 round, 26-race series, which ends in Qatar next month.

Equipped with Hexagon’s PC-DMIS software and HP-L-20.8 laser scanner, the equipment is being used to inspect the design of a variety of components from small engine parts to frames and chassis.

The measurement data enables the scrutineers to verify that the components meet the regulations laid down after pre-season inspections at each manufacturer’s factory. The Hexagon measuring system is also used at these assessments to confirm that the manufacturer-supplied documentation is correct.

“These documents then set the homologation dimensions that all the parts have to conform to. As this information is shared with all the national federations around the world, it’s essential that the procedure is perfect,” said Scott Smart, FIM World Superbike technical director.

“Our scrutineers like the Hexagon measuring system as it is highly-flexible and accurate across a wide range of sizes and part types. Ease of use and repeatability are of paramount importance, particularly in a busy working environment such as the racing paddock.”

Hexagon’s role as a SBK Technical Partner to the Championship represents its latest involvement in motorsport.