All laps on one flash drive
Gut feeling? That still exist in racing. But today, thanks to modern data systems, drivers can back up their racing experience with numbers.
Maximilian Schnitzler’s device, which he brought from VW to BILSTER BERG today for test drives, looks like a sat nav with a built-in camera. But the touchscreen, in its lightweight black casing, can do much more than just display the direction. “We sell, rent and lease data analysis systems for motorsports,” explains Schnitzler, who works as Head of Motorsports at RN Vision GmbH. He is holding the so-called Race Navigator One in his hands, the company’s latest product: The compact device is simply stuck to the windscreen by suction cup. The device handed out to the test drivers of the new VW Golf GTI immediately after the drive is even smaller. Schnitzler holds a USB flash drive between his thumb and forefinger. “For you,” he says to one of the drivers, “as a souvenir of today’s tour.”
The test driver has not even unbuckled his seatbelt yet, but is holding the film of his ride on the BILSTER BERG in his hands – thanks to Race Navigator One. Of course, the software is first and foremost intended to document and evaluate the driving performance. “But at driving events like this one on the BILSTER BERG, the recordings are also a nice takeaway for the participants,” says Schnitzler. The system transmits the video and data stream directly to the stick or, if desired, to an iPad or to the command post – for live transmission at the track. RN Vision also offers displays that give drivers direct feedback on their driving performance. Better lap times are, after all, the drivers’ permanent challenge, says Schnitzler: “Everyone always wants to get better and optimise their driving skills.”
In addition to driver training, data recording also supports the development departments of the automotive industry. With the recording of engine and chassis data, for example, potential for improvement in the setup can be found. In theory, such data logger systems have been around for a long time. The car manufacturers themselves have started to develop them. But as in so many areas of the automotive industry, the suppliers took over the development work at some point. Companies like RN Vision set trends and innovations that the former top dogs could not ignore.
“The development is constantly on-going,” says Schnitzler. Just recently, his team expanded the system to include a night vision camera. Also, live transmission directly from the car for monitoring by engineers or coaches is still relatively new. “Our second major field of activity is event support. Many manufacturers offer customers, consumers and influencers driving experiences, trackdays or test drives.” Documenting the experience in pictures and sound is perfect with Race Navigator. The participants take the race or driving experience home with them – on a small flash drive.
