#B12HR EXPLAINED: LED panels to enhance 12 Hour experience

This year’s LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will see the debut of a new coloured LED position system.

Fans trackside and watching on TV will be able to track a car’s positions and driver via Lumirank LED Panels.

The panels were fitted to cars in 2020, but were one base colour.

In 2023, the system has been enhanced to display colours of different classes.

The Lumirank system is used in the likes of the Blancpain GT Series and in major endurance events.

The displays — which were developed in Germany — are linked with circuit timing.

The first prototype with LED technology was built in 2011 and first used in a race in 2012.

Over 180 cars were fitted with displays for the 2017 Nürburgring 24 hour race, and have been used ever since.

Lumirank displays have also been used for all cars in the Total 24 Hours of Spa since 2014.

What you will see

The displays are mounted in the top corner of the windscreen, and are bright and visible from trackside viewing and on TV.

On an out lap, the display shows the car’s start number and three-letter driver identification.

For example, if a car is first, it will display ‘001’ and the driver’s identification.

That ranges from a driver’s surname — for example, ‘HOL’ for Lee Holdsworth — or common moniker, like ’SVG’ for Shane van Gisbergen.

During practice and qualifying, the display shows overall ranking. During the race, it shows overall position.

The display will also show the driver identification in between, every three seconds.

Also during the race, the display shows the overall class leader by flashing LED.

The new LEDs will make their Mount Panorama debut when cars hit the track on Friday.