Live updates and live video from the Japanese GP - MotorSportsTalk

Suzuka has seen its fair share of action over the years, cementing itself a place in F1 history by hosting some of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport. This weekend could see another entry into the rich history of Japan’s favorite circuit as Sebastian Vettel goes in search of his fourth world championship in the land of the rising sun. Should the German driver win the race at Suzuka and closest-rival Fernando Alonso finish ninth or lower, the championship will be over and Vettel will be just the third man in the history of the sport to win four consecutive world titles. Although it is unlikely, Vettel’s affinity for the circuit means that it is not inconceivable.

As well as watching the Japanese Grand Prix on NBCSN from 1:30am ET, you can catch the live coverage via NBC Sports Live Extra on your phone or tablet.

Customers with participating cable, satellite and telco TV providers can access the free service, which provides streaming coverage of all live NBC Sports events on both NBC and NBCSN through NBCSports.com/LiveExtra and the NBC Sports Live Extra app for iOS and select Android devices (available for purchase at the App Store and Google Play).

Formula One races are part of the programming shown on NBC Sports Live Extra, which also features the rest of NBCSN’s live-event roster: The IZOD IndyCar Series, the National Hockey League, the English Premier League, Major League Soccer, horse racing’s Triple Crown, and more.

You can also follow the Japanese Grand Prix live via the @F1onNBCSports Twitter account, which will be providing commentary throughout the race.

Finally, be sure to visit MotorSportsTalk throughout the weekend for all of the latest news and updates from the Japanese Grand Prix.

In a continuing effort to help fans keep track of the on track action, SuperMotocross is in the process of developing and implementing leader lights for the unified series.

Currently Supercross (SMX) utilizes stanchions in the infield that are triggered manually by a race official. At least two stanchions are used in each race as a way to draw the eye to the leader, which is especially useful in the tight confines of the stadium series when lapping often begins before the halfway mark in the 22-bike field. This system has been in place for the past two decades.

Later this year, a fully automated system will move to the bike itself to replace the old system. At that point, fans will be able to identify the leader regardless of where he is on track.

The leader lights were tested in the second Anaheim round this year. An example can be seen at the 1:45 mark in the video above on the No. 69 bike.

“What we don’t want to do is move too fast, where it’s confusing to people,” said Mike Muye, senior director of operations for Supercross and SMX in a press release. “We’ve really just focused on the leader at this point with the thought that maybe down the road we’ll introduce others.”

Scheduled to debut with the first SuperMotocross World Championship race at zMax Dragway, located just outside the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a 3D carbon fiber-printed LED light will be affixed to each motorcycle. Ten timing loops positioned around the track will trigger the lights of the leader, which will turn green.

SMX’s partner LiveTime Scoring helped develop and implement the system that has been tested in some form or fashion since 2019.

When the leader lights are successfully deployed, SuperMotocross will explore expanding the system to identify the second- and third-place riders. Depending on need and fan acceptance, more positions could be added.

SuperMotocross is exploring future enhancements, including allowing for live fan interaction with the lights and ways to use the lighting system during the race’s opening ceremony.

Read more about SuperMotocross