Hi all,
Yes, this is a shameless plug for my company's product, but I just tested it in my FIST, and wanted to share it with everyone because I can't picture running on the track without it now.
Here's the link to Racepak's new Vantage CL1 Track Day System: https://cl1.racepak.com/trackday/
Our traditional data systems have been boxes that gather data, put it on an SD card, and after a race, you can review data. Live data is displayed on a dedicated dash board. And, for full-time race cars that need tons of data, that's still the way to go. But, for the majority of the guys here, who drive their cars, and take them to the track periodically, this new system is great.
Basically it consists of a data box that has internal high resolution GPS and accelerometers. This takes in a signal from your OBD2 port, and sends everything via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, which is the dash display and data recorder. As you normally would, stick your phone to the windshield or dash. A magnetic GPS antenna goes on the roof. We put the data box in the cup holder, but you can stick it anywhere. Velcro it to the carpet, for example.
We've mapped hundreds of tracks on Google Maps, with start/finish lines. This makes the system hands-off. Start the engine, and the dash screen wakes up. Get on the track, and the dash starts recording your lap times, and +/- predictive lap, along with RPM, temp and speed.
We were testing the system on my car at Buttonwillow near Bakersfield, CA. I've driven this track plenty of times, but have never had live data this useful. I was easily able to see where I was picking up time and losing time on the track, so I could work on the tougher areas to bring my times down.
Best of all, all of the info is also sent to a cloud account, so anyone who is given permission can view the track position accurately on a live, Google Map view of the race track. And, after the race, the info is stored so it can be reviewed at any time. Overlay laps, look at different data like braking, speed, you name it.
For the FIST, all you need is the basic kit, an OBD2 cable and your phone.
If you put your car on the track, take a look at this thing!
Thanks, shameless plug over...
Plus, after three years of saying "I'll put the FIST on the track someday", this test session finally gave me a good excuse, and all I can say is wow, this thing handles great on the track! I have a Cobb Stage 2 system, stock suspension, and my OEM Bridgestones with 30,000 miles on them. I've driven Mustangs and Camaros around Buttonwillow, but the FIST was a lot more fun. Data was showing the car pulling over a full G on the tight turns. My brakes weren't too happy once they got really hot. Might need to upgrade those before the next track day...
Yes, this is a shameless plug for my company's product, but I just tested it in my FIST, and wanted to share it with everyone because I can't picture running on the track without it now.
Here's the link to Racepak's new Vantage CL1 Track Day System: https://cl1.racepak.com/trackday/
Our traditional data systems have been boxes that gather data, put it on an SD card, and after a race, you can review data. Live data is displayed on a dedicated dash board. And, for full-time race cars that need tons of data, that's still the way to go. But, for the majority of the guys here, who drive their cars, and take them to the track periodically, this new system is great.
Basically it consists of a data box that has internal high resolution GPS and accelerometers. This takes in a signal from your OBD2 port, and sends everything via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, which is the dash display and data recorder. As you normally would, stick your phone to the windshield or dash. A magnetic GPS antenna goes on the roof. We put the data box in the cup holder, but you can stick it anywhere. Velcro it to the carpet, for example.
We've mapped hundreds of tracks on Google Maps, with start/finish lines. This makes the system hands-off. Start the engine, and the dash screen wakes up. Get on the track, and the dash starts recording your lap times, and +/- predictive lap, along with RPM, temp and speed.
We were testing the system on my car at Buttonwillow near Bakersfield, CA. I've driven this track plenty of times, but have never had live data this useful. I was easily able to see where I was picking up time and losing time on the track, so I could work on the tougher areas to bring my times down.
Best of all, all of the info is also sent to a cloud account, so anyone who is given permission can view the track position accurately on a live, Google Map view of the race track. And, after the race, the info is stored so it can be reviewed at any time. Overlay laps, look at different data like braking, speed, you name it.
For the FIST, all you need is the basic kit, an OBD2 cable and your phone.
If you put your car on the track, take a look at this thing!
Thanks, shameless plug over...
Plus, after three years of saying "I'll put the FIST on the track someday", this test session finally gave me a good excuse, and all I can say is wow, this thing handles great on the track! I have a Cobb Stage 2 system, stock suspension, and my OEM Bridgestones with 30,000 miles on them. I've driven Mustangs and Camaros around Buttonwillow, but the FIST was a lot more fun. Data was showing the car pulling over a full G on the tight turns. My brakes weren't too happy once they got really hot. Might need to upgrade those before the next track day...