TRIPLE EIGHT GOES FISHIN’ CHIPS

TRIPLE EIGHT has embedded microchips in the ZB Commodore composite body panels supplied to other Holden teams to ensure that they can’t be replaced by unauthorised copies.

By MARK FOGARTY

The miniature electronic implants can be scanned at tracks to verify that the lightweight components are genuine items obtained from the factory backed outfit.

As part of the deal to race as the Red Bull Holden Racing Team, Triple Eight has the exclusive rights to produce and supply the body kit for the ZB Supercars racer to all Holden teams.

Roland Dane’s operation funded the development of the ZB in return for recouping the costs by selling the non-production body panels to the other teams.

The kit, for which the teams pay $34,000 plus GST each, consists – controversially – of lightweight composite-construction bonnet, roof, rear hatch, rear bulkhead, door skins, fenders, front and rear bars, front splitter and rear wing.

The major items replace most of the steel production panels used on the previous VF racer.

To protect Triple Eight’s investment and Intellectual Property (IP) rights, microchips are built into the composite panels so they can be checked to make sure they are genuine.

For example, there are two microchips ‘hidden’ under the rear lip of the ZB’s unique lift-up hatch assembly.

The security measure was incorporated because of the concern that some teams might be tempted to use cheaper knock-offs as replacements – using the originals as moulds for counterfeit copies.

Triple Eight has an electronic scanner that it can use to check that other Holden teams’ composite panels come from its authorised supply, detecting fake replicas.

Several sources have confirmed to Auto Action that Triple Eight tried to get Supercars technical officials to scan the panels during scrutineering and other routine car checks to ensure compliance.

The request was rejected by Supercars, which maintained that it was up to Triple Eight to monitor its customer arrangement.

While some Holden teams aren’t happy that Dane assumes they’ll try to copy the high-priced composite panels, Garry Rogers Motorsport decided to have a bit of fun at the Triple Eight chief’s expense.

GRM, the licensed supplier and repairer of the ZB front bar/splitter assembly for southern states teams, produced a mock scanner called the ‘Rolinator’.

Funsters Garry and Barry Rogers modified a toy space gun with ‘Rolinator’ labelling and an uncanny line drawing a likeness of Dane.

The Rogers laughed it off, happily showing AA their pretend scanner.

Triple Eight sent coded microchips to GRM to incorporate in the components the Melbourne team produces and repairs under licence.

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