Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Via e-mail:

After watching the conclusion of the AMA Superstock Race at Daytona, I realized the physical consequences of a 0.009-second delta between first and second place. Easy calculations show that this time equates to a distance on the order of 2.4 ft. This was obviously not the case in this finish.

My question is, how are these small time deltas obtained since they seem to be in obvious error? Is it a limitation of the transponder system?

John Kos
Albuquerque, New Mexico


(Note: Given that Tommy Hayden’s transponder was mounted in the nose of his bike’s fairing, and that Lee Acree’s transponder was mounted on his bike’s tailsection, this is a very good question. We invite AMA Pro Racing to enlighten us on this matter, as well as to explain why a standard transponder mounting location is not required of all competitors…Editor.)