Two-Way Radio Telephone Tried Out

26 October 1948 The Tumut and Adelong Times

Two-way radio telephone communication was recently tried out during a motor car race held on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, and later by a team of four drivers during a 24-hours car contest around a road circuit at Spa (Belgium).

The test proved successful and enabled the drivers to keep in touch with their servicing crews at the refuelling pits.

By the use of the radio telephone system, the drivers of the racing cars knew exactly what their respective positions were in the field of contestants and how their rivals were faring.

They were thus enabled to judge whether they had time to pull up at their pit for refuelling or mechanical adjustments. 

The advantages of two-way conversation contributed greatly to the success of the winning British team of cars in the Spa 24-hours road contest, during which the reception at the pit was so perfect and clear that a radio recording strip was made of the conversations between pit assistants and the respective drivers of the four cars. 

The test proved far superior to the ordinary visual pit signalling, which is always a source of anxiety during a long-distance race on a road circuit, as it is difficult to convey much information and expect the driver to absorb it, as he flashes by at high speed and glances at the pit signal displayed.