Technological Inventions and Innovations in Motorsports - Research Paper Example

Technological Inventions and Innovations in Motorsports Abstract The research is done with the aim of evaluating and assessing the factors of technological innovations and research and development in motorsports. The research starts with a suitable introduction with a reference of the previous literary works that have been presented in this domain. This is followed by an identification of the suitable research methodologies. This includes a discussion of the participants, mechanisms and the procedures followed for the conduction of the research in a value adding manner. The collected data is analyzed through suitable procedures to find the relevant results for the research. The results and findings of the research are discussed to summarize the findings and interpret them in context of the study and with the aim of establishing the research hypotheses and achieving the research objectives. Introduction Motorsports include a group of different competitive events which involve the use of motorized vehicles for racing or non-racing competitions. Motorsports may include a number of sports activities which involve the racing of different vehicles which are powered by engine in order to compete with other pilots and drivers. Automotive racing is the most popular type of motorsports activity. There are other popular types of motorsports like motorcycle racing, boat racing, truck racing and aircraft racing. The motorsports competitions are becoming increasingly popular in the global racing and non-racing sports industries. As such, this popularity has driven the growth of multibillion dollar industries around this area of sporting activities. The motorsports industry, especially the auto racing segment is an industry which is highly dependent on technology (Henry and Pinch, 2000). To compete effectively and to ensure that the industry can function with continued innovation and high efficiency, it is necessary to propagate technological innovations in this field. Product design remains the most important concept in the motorsport industries. The engine powered vehicles used in motorsports are designed with high capabilities and functionalities so that the drivers and pilots can drive these autos in an efficient manner. For making the motorsports industry a competitive and sustainable industry, it is essential to continuously improve the factors like speed, efficiency, power braking systems, auto acceleration, combustion, calibration and other factors of mechanical performances of the automotive used in motor vehicles. The research is conducted with the purpose of evaluating the importance of technological innovations and developments in the motorsports industry. Also, the secondary aims of the research include an identification of the key technical innovations done in recent years in this industry, an analysis of the views of the drivers and support staffs regarding the technological developments in this industry, an evaluation of the incentives of the different motorsport auto manufacturing companies in boosting technological innovations and the recent developments made in the research and development aspects of the motorsports industry. Thus, the primary objective of the research is formulated as To evaluate the role of technological developments and innovations in the motorsports segment with the focus given on product design and product engineering. The secondary research objectives are as follows To analyze the key technological developments done in this industry in the last 10 years. To identify the economic incentives of the auto manufacturing companies in driving innovation in the motorsports segment. To evaluate the recent investments and developments in the research and development area of this industry. To document and interpret the views of the pilots, drivers and support staff regarding technological developments and innovations in this industry. There are two main hypotheses set up for the research. The first hypothesis selected for the research is that the role of innovation and development of technology is crucial in the motorsports segment. The second hypothesis is that there has been sufficient developments in technology and innovation in the motorsports industry in the last few years. These hypotheses will be tested with the proper analysis of the data collected from the primary and secondary data collection techniques used in the research. Method Participants The sample size constitutes of 100 respondents selected from the participants in the motorsports industry. Drivers and support staffs from this industry who participate in motorsports activities like Fortune One on a regular basis are selected for constituting the sample group for the research. A sample size of 100 is chosen on the basis of judgment sampling with the aim of making the selected sample an adequate and effective representation of the whole population for the research. Of the 100 participants in the sample, there are 70 drivers and 30 support staffs selected for questionnaire administration as a part of primary data collection. The use of judgmental sampling technique is used because the researcher uses his own knowledge and information to select the drivers and support staffs who are most frequent participants in international and regional motorsports activities (Oulte, 2011). The level of frequency of participation of the motorsport drivers and support staffs is taken into consideration because this helps the research to be conducted in a more relevant manner. A frequent participation of the drivers makes them enabled to understand the technological aspects more clearly and to remain updated about the research and developments in technology, product design and product innovation of the automobiles used in motorsports activities. Thus, the judgmental sampling technique has helped to pick up the proper respondents for constructing functional and relevant sample group for the research. Procedure The research is conducted by collecting primary data as well as secondary data. The primary data is collected through the use of a questionnaire designed to document the responses of a sample group of respondents (Thomas, 2003). The questionnaire designed for the research consists of open ended questions in order to support the exploratory view of the research. The questionnaire is given in Appendix 1. The secondary data is collected through the different articles published in auto magazines and journals, the research and development reports published by motorsports automobile manufactures like Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Audi and other providers of product innovation and technology in the motorsports industry like Ricardo Plc., Jack Knight Motorsport, M-Sport, John Cooper Works, Cob Tuning, West Race Cars, Race Wear Limited etc. (Berger, 2001). Also, information from academic journals, websites as well as reports prepared and published by organizations like the Motorsports Industry Association (MIA) is used for collecting secondary data for the research. The performances of the automobiles used in the motorsports industry are important indicators of the technological growth and development in this industry. This is tested with the use of key variables like the performances of the drivers of the autos, the transmissions and drivelines, the engine power and efficiently, the overall vehicle performance, energy management, sustainability management and use of advanced technology like the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) (Bryson, Daniels, Henry and Pollard, 2004). To evaluate the role of technological innovations and the recent developments in the technological innovations, five priority areas of research and development are considered. These are internal combustion engines, energy management and energy storage, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), power control structures and lightweight vehicles and power electronics and electric machineries (Motorsport Industry Association, 2014). (Source: Motorsport Industry Association, 2014). Apart from filling up the questionnaire, an explorative semi structured interview is carried out with a group of 25 drivers and support staff selected from the sample of the research. The responses of the 100 respondents are documented and analyzed on the basis of the key variables in order to understand the technological developments that have been noticed in this industry in the last 10 years (Tiddlier, 2009). The primary data is collected by interviewing the sample and is analyzed with a consideration of the above mentioned technological variables related to performance of automobiles used in motorsports (Creswell, 2003). Results According to the respondents, including drivers and support staffs of the motorsport industry, technology and technological developments are the most important drivers of the motorsport industry. As per the views of the drivers, the main equipment and instrument used by them for competing in these activities are the automobiles. Therefore, the technological innovations and technological capabilities of the racing cars are most significant for their success in the racing events. In response to the second question, the respondents have unanimously presented the view that the developments in automobile design in the recent years have been impressive. The technological standards and performances of the automobiles used in this industry are up to the mark. However, around 85 respondents have pointed out that despite the high scale innovations and developments in the motor vehicles, there still remain a number of scopes for improvement, especially in the use of software like Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). According to the respondents, many technological requirements have been felt by them while driving the automobiles during the motorsports events. The most common technological requirements listed by the drivers and support staffs are better power control, simulation, safety and use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and other software that enhance the driving performances of the drivers participating in the motorsports events. As per the respondents the racing car manufacturing companies like Nissan, Mercedes-AG, Audi, and Ricardo Plc. have made sufficient investments in the technological aspect. The support staffs are especially eloquent about praising these companies regarding their recent initiatives to undertake the development of high performing hybrid and electrical vehicles in the motorsports industry (Klemens, 2012). The respondents are of the view that the automobile manufacturing companies are showing increased interest towards investing in the design and development of racing motors because the returns from these investments are high and because the product portfolio is highly enhanced by the addition of sustainable and high performing racing automobiles. Also, the profit margin in the sale of vehicles designed for racing purposes is much more than that in the general cars. Many of the respondents point out that the small car manufacturing companies are more proficient in investing in the product development and innovation of automobiles used in motorsports as compared to the bigger car manufactures operating in the auto segment. The responses of the sample indicate that the incentives of the auto manufacturing companies are high in boosting the technological developments of racing vehicles. This is because the motorsports industry is a popular and high value industry. The auto manufacturing companies can reap sky high profits from the sale of their products and technologies in this industry. The multi-billion dollar industry of automobile manufacturing for motorsports creates sufficient economic incentives for the big and small car manufacturing companies. The economic incentives are much significant drivers to make these companies invest in product design and boost the technological developments in this industry. The drivers have been able to document key technological factors that should be introduced in the automobiles and the supporting equipment and facilities used in the motorsport industry. According to all the respondents, simulation is the most important factor that helps them to perform properly on the grounds. Quality, reliability and performance of the engines are identified as key factors impacting the performance of the drivers. They feel the need for more advanced engine systems, proper integration of software and hardware, better kinetic energy and waste heat recovery systems and more advanced brake electrification and power boosting systems. Discussion The technological factors that are crucial in motorsports are the power and performances of the engines, the acceleration capabilities, the control and simulation capabilities, the engine power and the moveable aerodynamics of the automobiles. Therefore, it can be identified that the technological innovations in the motorsport industry mainly revolve around the product designs. The design and development of automobiles used in motorsports are exceedingly crucial. This indicates that the role of product design and development technologies is highly significant in motorsports. This helps to establish the first hypothesis of the research which was that technology is important in motorsports industry. The views of the respondents and the secondary data collected for the research indicate that there have been significant investments and improvements in technological capabilities of motorsports in the last 10 years. The drivers seem to be satisfied with the recent developments like the introduction of better product designs, technological capabilities and software systems. Also other technological capabilities like the simulations of driving, aerodynamic designs and more powerful engines are being continuously introduced in the motorsports segment. This finding and analysis helps to establish the second hypothesis of the research i.e. there has been sufficient development in technology and innovations in motorsports in the last 10 years. Much less research has been carried out in the domain of motorsports. There are no other research works that are of similar scale to this project. Therefore, it has not been possible to compare this study with other research works. There can be many significant implications of the findings of the research. Motorsports are an active part of the research and development in automobile manufacture. The data obtained through this study can be used by the organizers of car racing and other motorsport activities to evaluate the automobile technologies and also by the motorsports vehicle manufacturing companies in the technological developments of the products. The findings indicate that there is scope for more technological developments in this domain. These technological developments may include efficient product engineering systems supported by proper design and review, advanced engineering systems like future combustion systems, new technological solutions, advanced architectures etc., manufacturing and assemble including sourcing, inspection, and quality control, supply chain management etc. and ancillary support systems like logistics. (Source: Motorsport Industry Association, 2014). Another main finding from the research is that the product design of the automobiles used in motorsports should be highly innovative and functional and at the same time should be environment friendly and safe for use. Sustainability and efficiency are two key requirements for technological developments in this area. References Berger, M. (2001). The automobile in American history and culture: a reference guide. Greenwood Publishing Group. Bryson, J., Daniels, J, Henry, N. & Pollard, J. (2004). Knowledge, Space and Economy. London: Routledge. Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. California: SAGE. Henry, N. & Pinch, S. (2000). The Industrial Agglomeration of Motor Sport Valley. London: Routledge. Klemens, K. (2012). Electric, hybrid vehicles make their marks in motorsports. Retrieved from http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2012/06/29/electric-hybrid-vehicles-make-their-marks-in-motorsports/. Motorsport Industry Association. (2014). High Level Technology Roadmap for Motorsport. Retrieved from http://www.the-mia.com/assets/MOTORSPO95008.PDF. Motorsports Industry Association. (2014). MIA Roadmap of future technological developments in global motorsport. Retrieved from http://www.the-mia.com/MIA-Roadmap-of-future-technological-developments-in-global-motorsport. Oulte, D. (2011). Sampling Methods. London: Grin Verlag. Thomas, M. R. (2003). Blending Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Theses and Dissertations. London: Corwin Press. Tiddlier, C. (2009). Foundations of mixed methods research. California: SAGE Appendix Appendix 1: Questionnaire 1. How important in your opinion are technological developments in motorsports? 2. Do you think the performance of the autos used in the motorsports activities is up to the mark? 3. What other technical requirements of automobiles have been identified by you while participating in the motorsport activities? 4. Do you think the auto manufacturing companies are investing sufficiently in technological innovations in this industry? 5. What are the incentives of auto manufacturing companies in boosting the technological innovations in this industry? 6. What other technical factors should be introduced in the motorsports industry in order to enhance the performances of the participants? Read More