Customer: Santa Pod Raceway
Application: Track Timing System
Product Used: MagFlex®+ Ultra A4 Flexible Magnetic Sheet – 3M™ Self-Adhesive
Overview
Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European drag racing, needed a reliable, fast, and safe way to install and maintain timing equipment down the centre of their legendary track. With vehicles reaching speeds of over 300mph, every component had to be durable, low-profile, and easy to replace.
The Challenge
At key intervals along the track, foam blocks house reflectors that interact with infrared beams to record vehicle times and speeds. These blocks need to stay securely in place during intense racing, but also be quick to remove, reposition, or replace after high-speed impact.
Traditional mounting methods weren’t cutting it. The team needed a solution that would:
- Keep the foam blocks stable during races
- Prevent any hazards if a car or bike collided with them
- Allow for fast swaps or removal between events
The Solution
Using metal plates embedded in the track, the Santa Pod team began mounting MagFlex®+ Ultra A4 Flexible Magnetic Sheets to the bottom of the foam reflector blocks.
This simple yet highly effective setup provides:
- Secure placement even during high-speed passes
- Quick removal and replacement with no tools needed
- Durability – the foam blocks and reflectors may not survive a direct hit, but the magnetic sheets always do.
The Results
- Improved Safety: The magnet setup poses no threat to drivers or riders in the event of a collision.
- Reduced Downtime: Blocks can be swapped out or repositioned in seconds.
- Longevity: Despite multiple impacts, the magnets continue to perform flawlessly — race after race.
Typically, the block won’t survive if a car hits it at 300mph, nor the reflector, but the magnet sheets do!”
Chris Schreier, Racing Operations Coordinator.
Santa Pod Raceway has found a high-speed, high-impact solution in our magnetic sheets, ensuring safety, reliability, and speed on and off the track. It’s a testament to the performance and versatility of the product, even in the most extreme environments.
