Go Real-Life Mario Karting at SXSW

Committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation, Pennzoil - the Official Motor Oil Sponsor of SXSW 2014 Interactive - is partnering with Nintendo to bring Mario Kart 8 to life with an activation called Mario Karting Reimagined.  Set outside the Palmer Events Center, the custom-built track with a Mario Kart-world feel will be open and free to SXSW Interactive & Gaming attendees.  The live racing will use RFID technology to communicate between the track and the karts to provide the driver and the audience with an interactive, real-life Mario Kart experience.  The races will be simulcast from the driver's point-of-view to screens throughout the activation and the Austin Convention Center.  The kart's performance is controlled by RFID technology as drivers interact with icons on the course.  These real-life power-ups will either boost speed or slow the kart down in real–time.  The goal is to collect all five icons in order to receive complete protection.