Portable Racing Vehicle Track Layout and Competition Format for Providing Racing Vehicle Events in Open Areas

Abstract

A portable track configuration for providing racing vehicle events formed in an open area capable of capable of conducting a race event. Portable barriers segregate a race area within the open area and define an entry point and an exit point. Portable boundaries define a pair of adjacent lanes traversing from the entry point to the exit point. The pair of adjacent lanes include a plurality of straightaways and a plurality of turns connecting adjacent straightaways such that each of the pair of adjacent lanes is same distance and includes same number and type of turns so as to have approximately same total turning distance. The open area may be a pavement surface such as a parking lot, a parking garage or a street. The portable track configuration may include a spectator area, portable timing system and portable audio and visual communication devices.

Description

BACKGROUND

Motorsports competition involving vehicles racing on tracks with both straight and curved sections are exciting for participants, engaging for spectators and viewers, and highly-valued broadcast content for sponsors and advertisers. However, these tracks require large amounts of land and permanent structures for the races, and must be located far away from population centers. The large amount of land and resources required to build these tracks limits the number of tracks available. The limited number of tracks makes the cost associated with using the tracks cost prohibitive for a majority of owners, drivers and/or teams that would like to race their vehicles.

Furthermore, many of the race tracks are not identical enough in length of straight sections or the number, type, and angle of turns to allow for the comparison of results and the performance of drivers, vehicles and related equipment between tracks. Accordingly, racers that are able to race on one track cannot compare their results to racers that were able to race on other tracks.

What is needed is a way to create racing environments that do not require a lot of land or capital, can be placed close to population centers, and can be replicated in different areas. Such a racing environment would enable the expansion of racing events and allow for comparisons of races that occur at different venues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the various embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example high level overview of how an open space may be converted to accommodate a racing event, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example track configuration that may be implemented in an open area, such as a parking lot or parking garage, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example track configuration that may be implemented in a closed area, such as a street that will be bound by, for example, curbs, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example configuration of a portable race vehicle event, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A racing vehicle (e.g., motorsports) track layout that is portable, requires a minimum amount of land and does not require any permanent structures is proposed. It is anticipated that eliminating the need for large amounts of land currently required for racing vehicle (e.g., motorsports) events will allow competitive racing (e.g., motorsports) events to be held in population centers, such as parking lots, parking garages, closed streets, and any other surface that can accommodate such activity.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example high level overview of how an open space 100 may be converted to accommodate a racing event. Portable barriers 110 (e.g., barrels, barricades) may be placed in the open space 100 to define the area where the race will occur and to prevent the vehicles from leaving the race area or individuals from entering the race area. Spectator zones 120 may be established outside of the portable barriers 110. The spectator zones 120 may include bleachers, rest rooms, concession stands or other spectator activities. As illustrated, the barriers 110 are placed on two sides of the open space 100 to define two spectator areas 120 but is in no way intended to be limited thereto. A race track 130 may be defined within the race area. Example race track layouts will be described in more detail below. A staging area 140 may be provided prior to entry to the race track 130 and a finish area 150 may be located after an exit to the race track 130.

A track layout may include two lanes of equal length and width set up in series of switchback turns in a grid or matrix pattern. The width of the lanes may be selected, for example, based on the size of the vehicles that will be racing on the track. The track layout may include straightaway portions and turn portions and define the overall length and configuration of the lanes. The track layout may be designed to be compact so as to fit within confined spaces. The number and length of the straightaways and the number and angle of the turns may be based on, for example, size and configuration, of the location. The location of the entry and exit to the track may be configured to fit the location. The lanes making up the track layout may be demarcated using, for example, cones, poles, barrels, tape, paint, rubber walls, or other removable means to delineate the boundaries of each lane (portable boundaries). The race track may be separated from spectators using for example, barrels, barricades or other removable means (portable barriers).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example track configuration 200 that may be implemented in an open area, such as a parking lot or parking garage. The track configuration 200 may include a plurality of straightaways aligned next to each other that are connected via switchback turns (e.g., 180 degree turns) and an entry and exit point on each side of the straightaways. The area around the track configuration 200 may be surrounded with portable barriers (not illustrated) to provide safety. The portable barriers may be, for example, barrels or barricades (e.g., concrete, water filed). The track configuration 200 may be defined using any number of portable boundaries (e.g., cones, poles, barrels).

The track configuration 200 includes two lanes (labeled A and B) having a defined lane width 205. The track configuration 200 includes an entry point 210 for the two lanes followed by entry straightaways 215 having a defined length. The entry straightaways 215 are then followed by first turns (90 degrees) 220, 225. The turn 220 for lane A is inside of the turn 225 for lane B and thus has less of a turning distance. The first turns 220, 225 are followed by initial straightaways 230 having a defined length.

The initial straightaways 230 end with upper switchback (180 degree) turns 235, 240. The turn 240 for lane B is inside of the turn 235 for lane A and thus has less of a turning distance. An exterior of the turn 235 for lane A has a radius 236 equal to two times the lane width 205 while an exterior of the turn 240 for lane B has a radius 241 equal to the lane width 205. The turns 235, 240 are followed by main straightaways 245 having a defined length. The main straightaways 245 end with lower 180 degree turns 250, 255. The turn 250 for lane A is an inner turn while the turn 255 for lane B is an outer turn so the turn 250 for lane A has less of a turning distance.

It should be noted lane A includes an outer turn 235 followed by an inner turn 250 while lane B includes an inner turn 240 followed by an outer turn 255 so that each lane has the same turns just in a different order. Additional main straightaways 245 (two more for each lane illustrated) and upper turns 235, 240 (one more per lane illustrated) and lower turns 250, 255 (one more for each lane illustrated) are included in the track design 200 but are not separately labeled for ease of illustration. The last lower turns 250, 255 are followed by final straightaways 260 having a defined length. The final straightaways 260 are followed by last turns (90 degrees) 265, 270. The turn 270 for lane B is inside of the turn 265 for lane A and thus has less of a turning distance. The turns 265, 270 are followed by exit straightaways 275 having a defined length and end at an exit point 280.

It should be noted that the lane widths 205 and the lengths of the various straightaways 215, 230, 245, 260, 275 may be selected based on, for example, the type of vehicles that will be using the track 200 and the configuration (e.g., size, shape) of the location where the track configuration 200 is installed.

The track configuration 200 is in no way intended to be limited to the illustrated example. Rather, any number of changes to the track configuration 200 could be made without departing from the current scope. For example, the track configuration 200 shows a total of four 180 degree turns (two top turns 235, 240 and two bottom turns 250, 255) but is in no way limited thereto. Rather, the number of 180 degree turns could be any even number (e.g., 6, 8, 10) of turns so that each lane A, B (and thus racer) has the same number of inner turns and outer turns (each lane has approximately same total turning distance).

The track configuration 200 illustrates the entry 210 and exit 280 points being located approximately at the center of the main straightaways 245 and being approximately perpendicular to the straightaways 245 so that the first turns 220, 225 and last turns 265, 270 are approximately 90 degrees and the initial straightaway 230 and the final straightway 260 are approximately half of the main straightaways 245 but is not limited thereto. Rather, the entry 210 and exit 280 points may intersect with the straightaways 245 at different locations and at different angles so long as the track configuration 200 ensures each lane has the same number and type of turns and straightaways. Furthermore, the entry 210 and exit 280 points could be located in line with, for example, the initial and final straightaways 230, 260 or the main straightaways 245 (in place of a top turn 235, 240 and a bottom turn 250, 255) so that the entry and exit straightaways 215, 275 were not required.

The track configuration 200 illustrates three main straightaways 245 all having the same length but is not limited thereto. Rather, the number, position and arrangement of the main straightaways 245 (illustrated as three side by side) may be selected based on, for example, the configuration of the location where the track 200 is installed. For example, if the location where the track is installed is wider at certain portions, the main straightaways 245 of the track 200 could be longer at those portions so as to utilize the available landscape.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example track configuration 300 that may be implemented in a closed area, such as a street that will be bound by, for example, curbs 385. This type of track configuration 300 may be narrower (e.g., fit within the curbs) but longer (e.g., have longer straightaways that extend down the street). The track configuration 300 may include a long straightaway that traverses the street and entry and exit points that may include smaller straightaways and switchback turns so as to fit within the curbs 385.

The area around the track configuration 300 may be surrounded with portable barriers (not illustrated) for safety. The portable barriers may be, for example, barrels or barricades (e.g., concrete, water filed). The track configuration 300 may be defined using any number of portable boundaries (e.g., cones, poles, barrels).

The track configuration 300 includes two lanes (labeled A and B) having a defined lane width 305. The track configuration 300 includes an entry point 310 for the two lanes followed by entry straightaways 315 having a defined length. The entry straightaways 315 are then followed by switchback turns (180 degrees) 320, 325. The turn 325 for lane B is an inner turn while the turn 330 for lane A is an outer turn so the turn 325 for lane B has less of a turning distance. The switchback turns 320, 325 are followed by initial straightaways 330 having a defined length. The initial straightaways 330 end with switchback turns (180 degrees) 335, 340. The turn 335 for lane A is inside the turn 340 for lane B and thus has less of a turning distance. The turns 335, 340 are followed by main straightaways 345 having a defined length. The main straightaways 345 end with switchback (180 degree) turns 350, 355 where the turn 350 for lane A is an inner turn and the turn 355 for lane B is an outer turn. The switchback turns 350, 355 are followed by final straightaways 360 having a defined length. The final straightaways 360 are followed by switchback turns 365, 370. The turn 365 for lane A is an outer turn and the turn 370 for lane B is an inner turn. The turns 365, 370 are followed by exit straightaways 375 having a defined length and end at an exit point 380.

It should be noted that the turns for lane A include an outer turn 320, inner turns 335, 350 and outer turn 365 (2 inner turns and 2 outer turns) and the turns for lane B include inner turn 325, outer turns 340, 355 and inner turn 370 (2 inner turns and 2 outer turns) so that each lane has the same turns just in a different order.

It should be noted that the lane widths 305 and the lengths of the various straightaways 315, 330, 345, 360, 375 may be selected based on, for example, the type of vehicles that will be using the track 300 and the configuration (e.g., size, shape) of the location where the track 300 is installed. The track configuration 300 is in no way intended to be limited to the illustrated example. Rather, any number of changes to the track configuration could be made without departing from the current scope as long as each lane includes the same straightway and turn distance.

According to one embodiment, different track configurations may be specified having, for example, defined lane width, main straightaways configuration (e.g., number, position, arrangement and length), entry and exit straightaway configuration (e.g., position, arrangement and length), entry and exit angles, switchback turn configuration (e.g., number, position, and arrangement) and initial and final straightaway configurations (e.g., existence of, length) as to allow the same configuration to be set up at different sites having a suitable configuration (e.g., shape, size) to allow for the comparison of results and the performance of drivers, vehicles, and equipment between locations and events.

Different location configurations may have different defined track configurations and comparisons may be made between sites having the same track configurations. For example, square race areas (e.g., parking lot, parking garage) having less than a first amount of space may use a first track configuration, having more than the first amount of space but less than a second amount of space may use a second track configuration, and having more than the second amount of space may use a third track configuration. Rectangle race areas (e.g., streets) having a width less than a first width may use a fourth track configuration, a width more than the first width may use a fifth track configuration, a length less than a first length may use a sixth track configuration and a length more than the first length may use a seventh track configuration. Comparisons may be made between locations with matching track configurations.

In addition to the track configuration and barriers described above, the portable racing track venue configuration may include, for example, timing systems, and audio and visual communication devices that can be transported, unpacked, set up, and operated and then later packed up, removed, and relocated to another site.

According to one embodiment, potential sites may be identified through the use measurements obtained from aerial photography or onsite visits to determine if a track can be installed and if one of the predefined track configurations can be utilized. If one of the predefined configurations is not utilized a determination of how a track can be sized, positioned, and operated in the given space can be determined.

The competition format for the portable racing vehicle configuration includes two participants competing side by side (one in lane A and one in lane B). The racers start off stationary next to each other at the entry point until the race is initiated. The race may be initiated by the waving of a flag, a visual signal (e.g., light going from red, to yellow to green), and/or an audio signal (e.g., blowing of a horn). The racers then drive through the series of switchbacks (straight sections connected with turns) in a grid or matrix pattern towards the finish line. The conclusion of the race may be defined by for example some type of audio and/or visual signal. Each of the racers may be timed and their times may be displayed on a scoreboard.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example configuration of an event utilizing a portable race track 400. Portable barriers 410 are used to define a race area 420 and segregate it from the rest of area. The race area 420 includes an entry point 425, an exit point 430 and race lanes 435 therebetween. A starting indicator 440 (e.g., lights) may be located at the beginning of the race track and a finish indicator 445 (e.g., timing score board) be located at the end of the race track. Staging areas 450 may be located outside of the entry point 425 and/or exit point 430 for race vehicles waiting to race or for those that finished a race. Team areas 455 may be defined outside the race area 410 where the teams partaking in the event can, for example, park their trailers and keep equipment necessary to work on any of the race vehicles.

A spectator area 460 for viewing the races may be formed outside of the race area 420. The spectator area may include for example bleachers. Portable restrooms 465 and concessions stands 470 may also be located outside of the race area 420. For the safety of race drivers, teams and spectators medical facilities and/or an ambulance 480 may be located on site.

The time for a racer completing the race may be from the start signal to the crossing of the finish line. Penalties may be assessed if the racer does not follow the rules or loses control of their vehicle (e.g., exits their lane, leaves the course). The penalties may range from added time to disqualification.

According to one embodiment, the racers may be timed in one direction (from entry to exit) and then may turn around and race in the opposite direction (from exit to entry). The racers may have to restage their vehicles before racing the course backwards. According to one embodiment, the racers may switch lanes on the return trip so that each racer has raced in each lane.

According to one embodiment, the competition includes teams of racers racing against each other. Each racer may be individually timed and the times (plus any penalties) for each racer on a team may be added together. The teams may compete in a relay-race format where the crossing of the finish line by one participant of a team initiates a signal for another participant on that same team to commence racing on the course. According to one embodiment, team members may alternate the lanes that they race in so that each team races an equal number of times in each lane.

The team races may also include racing in both directions. The team members may race in different directions so that a first racer races from start to finish, a second racer races from finish to start and so on. Alternatively, each racer on a team may race in both directions. According to one embodiment, one team may race in lane A in one direction and lane B in the other direction and the other team may do the opposite so that each team races in each lane the same number of times.

Any of the above noted individual or team races may add other variations to the race format. For example, each participant must bring their vehicle to a complete stop within a designated section of the track and/or or after the finish line for a specified amount of time before they are allowed to continue on. For team races a single vehicle may be used and the drivers may have to switch between legs or stages.

The racing vehicle competition format may allow for multiple different variations of determining the winner. For example, for individual races the vehicles may race in one direction and the winner of the event may be determined by, for example, which participant reaches the finish line first, by the lowest elapsed time that each participant took to complete the course, or by the lowest elapsed time including penalties. The vehicles may race in one direction then restage and race in the opposite direction (possibly in other lane) and the winner may be determined by, for example, who finishes first, the elapsed time or the elapsed time including penalties.

For team races, the different determination of winners may be selected from, for example, which team reaches the finish line first, by the lowest elapsed time that each team took to complete the course, or by the lowest elapsed team time including penalties. For timed races individual racer times (including penalties if included in the winning determination) are added to determine the team time. The team races may start each competing racer from a team at the same time as their counterpart or it may be done like a relay race where once one racer on a team finishes the next can start.

The teams may race in both directions (different racers doing different directions or each racer doing both directions) and may have each leg started at the same time or the race may be done in relay race format. The individual racer times (including penalties if warranted) are added to determine the team time.

The portable racing vehicle track configuration has been described with relation to placing the tack on a paved surface, but is not limited thereto. For example, the portable racing vehicle track configuration could be implemented in fields without departing from the current scope.

The portable racing vehicle track configuration may be designed and utilized for all types of competitive vehicles, including single wheel (e.g., unicycle), two-wheel (e.g., bicycles, motorcycles, hoverboards, Segways), four-wheel (e.g., go-karts, cars, trucks, tractors, skateboards, lawn mowers), tracked (e.g., snowmobile), and others (e.g., drones, hovercrafts).

While the description and the specific embodiments described herein have focused on tracks having two lanes it is not limited thereto. Rather, the tracks may consist of a single lane where no head to head competition could occur but timed races could still occur or could include more than two lanes (e.g., 3, 4) so that additional racers could all compete at the same time.

Although the disclosure has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that the disclosure is not limited thereto as various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope. Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described therein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The various embodiments are intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable track configuration for providing racing vehicle events, the portable track configuration comprising an open area capable of capable of conducting a race event;portable barriers to segregate a race area within the open area, wherein the race area includes an entry point and an exit point; andportable boundaries to define a pair of adjacent lanes traversing from the entry point to the exit point, wherein the pair of adjacent lanes include a plurality of straightaways and a plurality of turns connecting adjacent straightaways such that each of the pair of adjacent lanes is same distance and includes same number and type of turns.

2. The portable track configuration of claim 1, wherein the width of the lanes is configurable.

3. The portable track configuration of claim 1, wherein number, position, arrangement and length of the plurality of straightaways is configurable.

4. The portable track configuration of claim 1, wherein number, position, arrangement and angle of the plurality of turns is configurable.

5. The portable track configuration of claim 4, wherein each of the pair of adjacent lanes includes same total turning distance.

6. The portable track configuration of claim 1, wherein the entry point is on a first side of the race area and the exit point is on a second side of the race area.

7. The portable track configuration of claim 1, wherein the open area is a pavement surface.

8. The portable track configuration of claim 7, wherein the pavement surface is a parking lot, a parking garage or a street.

9. The portable track configuration of claim 1, further comprising a spectator area formed outside of the race area.

10. The portable track configuration of claim 1, further comprising a portable timing systems to track time for each racer to go from the entry point to the exit point.

11. The portable track configuration of claim 1, further comprising one or more portable audio and visual communication devices for initiating and concluding races.

12. A method for providing a portable track configuration to conduct racing vehicle events, the method comprising identifying an open area capable of capable of conducting a race event;segregating a race area within the open area using portable barriers;defining an entry point and an exit point in the race area; anddefining a pair of adjacent lanes traversing from the entry point to the exit point using portable boundaries, wherein the pair of adjacent lanes include a plurality of straightaways and a plurality of turns connecting adjacent straightaways such that each of the pair of adjacent lanes is same distance and includes same number and type of turns.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising designing a track lay-out having the pair of adjacent lanes traversing from the entry point to the exit point based on size and shape of the open area.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising installing a portable timing system to track time for each racer to go from the entry point to the exit point.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising installing one or more portable audio and visual communication devices for initiating and concluding races.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising creating a spectator area outside of the race area.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising racing two racing vehicles through the adjacent lanes at same time;tracking time it takes each racing vehicle to finish;identifying rule violations for each racing vehicle;adding penalty time for associated rule violations to each vehicle; anddeclaring a winner.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the racing two racing vehicles includes racing two vehicles from the entry point to exit point and racing two vehicles from exit point to entry point.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the racing two racing vehicles from the entry point to exit point includes first team members and the racing two vehicles from exit point to entry point includes second team members.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein first team members and the second team members race different racing vehicles.