The most economic transponder solution consists of a custom RFID reader
(water-resistant case, larger antenna, stronger LED with reflector) ...

Wireless model

... and Silicone-Wristbands with integrated RFID tags
USB cables do not have long ranges. To extend them at the race track there are following possibilites:

EXSYS RS232 Ethernet Data Gateway

Lindy USB Extender

Lindy Active Extension Hub

USB LAN Extension Adapter Cable |