LED panels that are usually used in commercial ceiling fixtures

Amongst the latest cars and stars at this year’s Autosport International, a UK engineering company is shedding some light on the kind of innovations that could help the motorsport industry tackle the challenge of its environmental impact.

Working in conjunction with LED specialists OCG Lighting, this weekend Showtrax International will unveil a prototype powerhood fitted with LED panels that are usually used in commercial ceiling fixtures.A world-leading supplier of pit lane equipment, Showtrax have been commissioned to design and build powerhoods for a number of motor racing teams, including Formula 1 teams.

Powerhoods are suspended above the race car in the garage or awning and provide illumination, as well as electrical power and pneumatic air outlets. Fluorescent tubes are traditionally used as the primary source of light but these were prone to failure due to transport vibrations.“We were finding that by the time we unpacked the powerhoods after transit several of the tubes failed to start and had to be changed”, explained Showtrax Managing Director Andy Britnell. “Sending out replacement tubes was a costly solution so we looked at alternative technologies.”