SRO America Rolls Out Contact Tracing App

Image: SRO America

SRO America has rolled out with a contact tracing app, in what’s believed to be the first-of-its kind in motorsports during the coronavirus pandemic.

The app, called EventCheck, has been designed to “greatly enhance” event safety and organization by allowing for contactless registration, security checks, social distancing alarms and anonymous contact tracing.

Developed by Apex Broadcast founder Clark Cambern and business partner Anthony Markwort, the app pairs to a bluetooth-enabled “SmartID” card that attaches to each person’s hard card lanyard, which will be able to detect a person’s exposure to others while in the paddock.

For instance, a person’s phone will vibrate if they are within six feet of another person that’s outside of their predetermined team ‘cell’.

This is accomplished by the user’s phone scanning for nearby SmartIDs.

EventCheck, which is currently in beta, is available in the Google Play store for Android users, while personnel with iPhones working this weekend’s SRO America event at Virginia International Raceway have been asked to use a QR code to register their SmartID until an iOS version of the app is approved.

Both Apple and Google have recently made APIs for their mobile operating systems to allow for contact tracing apps, although it yet to be widely used or accepted in society.

Cambern’s company, Apex, is the production company behind SRO America’s race broadcasts.

The virtual credential system has been one of a number of new safety measures introduced into the SRO America paddock this weekend, which has included the temperature checks, the mandatory use of face masks and social distancing practices.

It’s understood any competitor not adhering to wearing PPE could be subject to on-track penalties.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John