AIM's New (Sort of) SmartyCam

Although AIM's SmartyCam has been floating around for a little over a year, we're finally going to start seeing more of them at the track. The nifty camera system/data acquisition system has been available in Europe for quite sometime, and a few models have been floating around stateside. However, AIM has been admittedly working out some firmware kinks, but are finally ready to increase distribution in the U.S. market.



We should be seeing our first shipment of these by the end of next month (February). If you haven't seen them in person yet, the SmartyCam is pretty neat. The device - which fits in the palm of your hand - handles both Data Acquisition and video duties. But don't be fooled - that little space is enough to record a nearly HD quality 720x400px resolution, while processing a GPS track-map, 3D accelerometer data, and lap-timing data.

At $999.00, the device isn't exactly cheap. But when considering the price of a video camera AND separate data acquisition hardware, it may be the perfect solution for the up and coming racer.

Click here for more details

2009 Motorsports Holiday Gift Guide - Part 3

Saving the best for last ($500 and up):

Hans Device:

By now we should all be pretty fluent with what a Head and Neck Restraint is and how it is a key (if not the most important) piece of motorsports safety equipment. If your loved one still is not using one, they should. If YOU are not using one, then buy yourself a gift this holiday season. We still like the Hans Device for its simplicity and ease of use. We also like that it's still the most popular device on the market meaning there is lots of support when you need it, and that it starts at only $695.



Data Acquisition System:

Data acquisition systems were all the rage this past year, with a countless number of companies popping out of the woodwork. As it should! The quickest way to improve lap-times is not by buying thousands of dollars worth of equipment to make the car faster. Rather, the key to faster times is attacking the source - the driver. Data Acquisition systems allow the driver to see which exact skill-set needs to be improved. We like the Racepak line of systems due to their seemingly infinite expandability and top-notch customer support (see our write-up here).



Video Camera:

A good video camera guarantees that your loved one brings back all of their racing adventures so you can watch them together for days/weeks/years to come. Make sure to do some research before purchasing - not all cameras are suited for harsh race-car environments (Read here for a guide on what to look for in a Motorsports Camera). We still like the VIO camera systems for their ease of use and overbuilt, bomb-proof construction:



Driver Cooling System:

As much fun as we have, racing can be a grueling sport. We're suited up in a thick insulated suit, with a helmet that doesn't let air in. Then we're strapped into a car without any AC, and drive around on 100°+ days on melting asphalt! A good Cool Suit system will make any racer happy. These devices pump cooling water through a shirt that is worn under the driver's fireproof suit. After all, a happy driver is a safe driver!



Driving Suit:

Take a look at the suit your loved one is using. Chances are they've been wearing the same suit for the past 10, 15, even 20 years! Maybe now is the time to treat them (or yourself) to a fresh outfit. Even though no rules govern it in the states, even Nomex suits lose some of their protective ability as they are used over time. Not only that, but the newer styles are much lighter (not to mention look much better.) We still like Sparco suits for their quality, design, and fit.



Click here to view the entire Gift Guide

Racepak Racing Data Acquisition Systems

We hinted at it late last year...and now it's finally here! We'll be starting out with 2 Racepak Data Acquisition Systems:

The Racepak IQ3 Logger Dash ($1395):



and the more economically priced G2X Data Recorder ($943.50):



Both are complete, self contained GPS based Data Acquisition units. If you're simply looking for track mapping, both of these are plug and play. The IQ3 is completely self-contained within the dash - what you see is what you get; no extra wires leading to a separate data logger. The G2X is a more traditionally designed system with a bright LED Dash Display and a lightweight and compact centrally stored data logger.

Both come with throttle/RPM sensors (an extra cost accessory on most competing systems) so you're all set to use the included shift lights and gear indicators. Both also are ready to accept other inputs such as oil temp, air/fuel ratios, or vehicle ride height (32 extra inputs for the IQ3, 12 for the G2X - sensors available separately).

Both also connect to your computer in the simplest way possible - SD cards! Simply remove the card, and plug it into the computer. Doesn't get much simpler then that. I've also had a short chance to play around with the included DataLink2 software. It seems extremely straight-forward and user friendly as opposed to the other pieces of data acquisition software I've had a chance play with.

Needless to say, I'm very excited to start playing with this stuff this spring. Everything is very professionally built with actual car connector clips for the wires, and well sealed inputs (read my complaints with most racing aftermarket electronics in my rant on video systems). I wouldn't expect much less - Racepak is owned by MSD Ignitions; a real-to-life "big" company with years of experience in the automotive industry. No flimsy garage-built start-up stuff here. Get this - they even have a complete team of customer support representatives (7-days a week) if the need arises!

MSD Racepak Data Acquisition

Yes, those sensor connectors are "stackable." Talk about clean wiring!!

This is the first thing that caught our eye at the show - and we're quite smitten. To the point where we're already adding part numbers! Per Racepak's description:

The IQ3 data logger dash is designed to be a complete data center. Contained inside the fully programmable dash is a 32 channel data logger, 512 MB microSD memory card, GPS board and 3 axis G meter. The programmable shift lights are protected from sunlight by a molded shield above the lights, while the low glare LCD display is well recessed in the housing in order to provide viewing in all light conditions.

The rear of the dash contains the connectors for the external GPS antenna, Vnet sensor cable and the Power / Ground / Engine RPM / External Programming Button harness. All sensors transmit their data through a single cable (Vnet) which is routed to the rear of the dash. This eliminates the need for a sensor harness, greatly reducing installation time, complexity and overall weight.

All data is stored in a 512 MB MicroSD memory card, located in the front of the dash between the programmable shift lights. This design insures easy access to the memory card for data download.

Prices start right around $1400 for a basic unit (comes standard with GPS lap tracking, dash, programming, and expandability for up to 32 external sensor inputs.) And all of the top-notch tech support that MSD has to offer!! Available from OG Racing now!