08.04.2009
2009 DTM Launch ? A logistics challenge
DTM
D?sseldorf/Wiesbaden ? When DTM will present itself on 19th April, at D?sseldorf?s exclusive K?nigsallee, the event will not only set motor-racing benchmarks alone. At the same time, the launch of the most popular international touring car series also represents a logistic tour de force for all those involved. On Saturday, 18th April, when arriving in the provincial capital D?sseldorf for the erection of the launch facilities, the teams already successfully have contested their first ?race? of the season. Two days ago, the DTM drivers and their teams completed the first official ITR test days, held at Dijon, France ? to hit the road to the sports city of D?sseldorf right afterwards. Altogether, the DTM enthusiasts will get to see eight DTM cars and four team trucks, during the DTM Season Launch. Also on site: the two official Audi and Mercedes-Benz safety-cars as well as five vehicles of the DTM partner series.
Just as it is the case during any DTM event, safety also represents a top priority in D?sseldorf. Therefore, ITR e.V. developed ? in close cooperation with the city authorities, the ?sportAgentur D?sseldorf? as partner of ITR e.V. and the German Motorsport Association (DMSB) - a comprehensive safety concept also incorporating the experiences gathered in the previous years. Altogether, about 250 steel crash-barriers will be erected over a total length of 1,500 metres. Furthermore, there will be another 200 metres of concrete crash barriers and 2.5 kilometres of safety fences. Security forces with more than 200 staff members will support the work of the police, fire fighters and medical service to prevent any dangerous situation.
At the same time, a 120-member catering staff working in 12 snack stands will provide the visitors? sustenance. They will have available 80,000 fried sausages, 10,000 steaks and cutlets, 20,000 pretzels, 15,000 meat balls, 8,000 meat skewers and about three tons of special dishes, for the visitors. While 15 refrigerator trucks will make sure that everything will be fresh when served.
The pictures of the DTM Launch will be broadcasted in 175 countries all around the world. On behalf of DTM, an 80-member production team of WIGE MEDIA AG will produce the TV pictures by dint of an OB-truck, a total of 12 cameras and two camera cranes.
65 loudspeakers with a total output of 10,000 watt will make for optimum sound all around the event area. Meanwhile, seven video walls will offer the visitors the chance of perfectly witnessing the action taking place both all around the track and on the 170sqm show stage. Altogether, some 14 kilometres of electricity cable as well as 25 kilometres of sound and video cable will be laid, for the event.
Last year, more than 200,000 visitors travelled to D?sseldorf for the event, to get very close to the motor racers and their cars ? and were truly inspired. Just as it was the case in the past, the admission to the DTM Season Launch will be free.
