Linz, June 28, 2019 – On June 28, 2019, the world's first Rotax MAX Dome was opened in Linz as a closed event, to usher in a new era of e-kart racing, combining real racing experiences with augmented reality technology and virtual entertainment offerings and staged via social media networks. The opening was attended by the BRP management members from Canada as well as the Austrian management members of BRP-Rotax and guests from business, politics, culture and media. The future has been strategically considered. A globally unique overall concept using our karting know-how is offered in a turnkey, further developable solution and is distributed in the form of a franchise concept.

Rotax MAX Dome: E-Kart Racing - Gamification - Augmented Reality - Entertainment of a new dimension: in the centre of Linz

The Rotax MAX Dome is the world's first Rotax e-kart racing arena that combines virtual technologies, interactive connectivity and additional gamification to create a whole new dimension of racing experience and recreational entertainment.

On 3,600 square metres of entertainment space, there is everything that makes racers hearts beat faster: From a Carrera track, an interactive gaming table in the Team Room for players and racers, which is located  in the 500 square metres big visitor and catering area with a clear view of the racetrack, to a varied range of snacks and beverages, as well as a large and extraordinary racetrack that stretches over two levels and surprises with a 50 metres long tunnel with interactive elements.

Visitors and interested parties can use the app, website or online terminal to view free travel times and interactive game capacities, reserve and pay for timeslots. In the Greenroom photos and videos of the drivers are taken to use them for the visual representation on the screens and the online race tracking, as well as the graduation of a weight-dependent performance class certification. In addition, the safety instruction, which every driver has to complete before entering the race track, also takes place in the Greenroom. Through the lounge and snack area you pass the entertainment world with the interactive gaming possibilities up to the pit lane. The races can be followed through oversized windows or screens and all results can be shared, liked and commented on social media immediately.

Built in the former Fleischmarkthalle in Linz, once the largest and most modern wooden hall construction in Austria, the Rotax MAX Dome rises at a hotspot of Linz’ innovation and creative industries. The listed tobacco factory, a jewel of modern industrial design, is also located in the immediate vicinity. In addition, 140 parking spaces ensure a carefree arrival.

21st century from its safest and most exciting side

At the centre of the Rotax MAX Dome is the perfectly staged, two-level, large and very broad kart track as well as the worldwide unique attraction: A 50-metre-long Augmented-Reality-tunnel. It offers a unique experience including light and sound generators which were developed in cooperation with the Ars Electronica Futurelab.

Maximum safety is ensured by a shock-absorbing system of the racetrack, special shock-absorbing systems for the e-karts, two position recognition systems of the vehicles by using laser detection and camera systems, as well as a remote system that allows to control misconduct.

The Rotax SONIC e-karts combine innovative propulsion technology, a modern design with futuristic features for an exciting, extraordinary racing experience. Thanks to the integrated connectivity, the vehicles can be controlled by the staff at any time and can be throttled in dangerous situations. In addition, the position of the e-karts is transmitted in real time to the screens and to the app.

Among the guests

The opening on Friday, June 28, at 8:00 pm was attended by BRP and BRP-Rotax management members: José Boisjoli, BRP President and Chief Executive Officer as well as Thomas Uhr, Senior Vice-President, Product Engineering and Manufacturing Operations Powersports Group from Canada, Wolfgang Rapberger, General Manager BRP-Rotax / Representative of the Management Board, VP Global Sourcing & Operations Powertrain, Peter Ölsinger, General Manager BRP-Rotax / Member of the Management Board, VP Sales, Marketing RPS-Business & Communications and Jean-Francois Lambert, General Manager BRP-Rotax / Member of the Management Board, VP R&D Powertrain from Gunskirchen and many more, as well as celebrities from business, politics, art, culture and media.

Peter Ölsinger, General Manager BRP-Rotax / Member of the Management Board, VP Sales, Marketing RPS-Business & Communications: "The Rotax MAX Dome is the first digital entertainment world to combine the real driving experience with virtual elements and offers the ultimate in racing experience for all senses: Acceleration, sound, design, effects, gaming and digital integration of social media and an app. "

BRP-Rotax: With e-karts and entertainment to success

The Rotax MAX Dome is perfect for hobby racers who are looking for challenging, modern experiences, for families who want to enjoy Formula 1 feeling in a safe environment, for digital natives who can combine gamification and the real world, and for companies that want to offer something unique to their customers and employees.

For BRP-Rotax, it is also the logical next step to open up new markets and win new customers with e-technology and entertainment: It offers the ultimate racing experience and at the same time, the kart track becomes a social meeting point in the broadest sense, where the community shares its experiences and celebrates together.