Derbyshire based Racetech Harnessing, developer of an innovative LED headlight system, is continuing to see success after its creation was used by six cars at this year’s famous 24Hrs Le Mans.

The headlight was featured on two Toyota Hybrid LMP1 cars and three Zytek LMP2 cars, one of which was driven by British driver Martin Brundle. It also appeared on the ‘Nissan Delta Wing’, which is instantly recognisable due to its distinct design. The Codnor based company is also talking to two luxury car manufacturers about potential orders in the near future.

The Transport iNet, which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme, originally provided matched funding to assist Racetech Harnessing with the initial development of the LED headlight system. It continued its support in 2011 by providing a further grant for its “long range” lens which was used at LeMans last year.

Racetech Harnessing and Transport iNet are now in talks about securing funding for the design of optics that will fit into a new, high powered motorsport headlight for the 2013 season.

John Frodsham, Transport iNet Director, said: “We’re delighted that Racetech Harnessing has continued to develop its offering and that this fantastic innovation continues to be applied and exploited in the intensely competitive motorsport industry.

“The development of the high powered motorsport headlight is an exciting next step and we’re looking forward to working with the Racetech Harnessing team again to help them achieve further success.”

John Truman of Racetech Harnessing said: “The future looks bright for Racetech Harnessing as positive feedback continues to come in from leading teams and constructors in the motorsport industry. The Transport iNet has been vital in our development to date – turning the original innovation into a viable product which has helped us achieve so much in a relatively short space of time.”

The LED headlamps, which were developed in 2010 can save fuel and reduce CO² emissions by consuming as little as a third of the energy of traditional bulbs. They were originally designed for endurance race cars, but have great potential for use in road vehicles, in particular low carbon vehicles.

The Transport iNet is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with the aim of increasing the level of innovation in the East Midlands, thus helping to improve business competitiveness, margins, sustainability and growth. It enables specific sectors to work together, share ideas, technologies, intelligence, innovation and create a link between industry and the academic community.