How to use GPS and predictive lap-timing for real-time driver development

Learn how predictive lap-timing is used in racing for instant driver feedback, as used in Video VBOX with the OLED predictive lap-timing display

Real time feedback to the driver is becoming increasingly important in racing, to help evaluate driving lines and vehicle set-ups whilst out on the circuit and get the most out of valuable track time. As GPS technology becomes more and more reliable, predictive lap-timing becomes more accurate and useful.

What are predictive-lap timers?

Predictive lap-timing is nothing new, and have been around for some time on many high end data-logging systems. The ability to see if your current lap is quicker or slower than your fastest, in real time, is invaluable for driver training.

It enables amateurs to see where they’re losing time and try out different lines and braking points, whilst pros can verify that the lines they are using are indeed the fastest. Real time comparison also saves a lot of time and money in vehicle set up.

Predictive lap-timing using GPS

A better solution is to use the GPS position from a fast updating data-logger to align the two laps. Whilst GPS position may only be accurate to a few metres, a typical average race speed would be well in excess of 30m/s, minimising any errors to around 1/10^th of a second.

How much more accurate
is GPS?

To see how this can help in the analysis software, we can take the two best laps during a race from a professional driver around the 1.6 mile Silverstone National Circuit in the UK.

The rolling distance variation was 11.6m even though the lap-time difference was only 0.06s. This equates to an analysis alignment error of 0.3s, and this is around a very short track, with a very good driver. On a longer track with a less consistent driver, this error can easily grow to over 1s!

However, by using GPS position, the timing error between these laps is virtually eliminated. GPS means that the time can be kept accurate to within 1/10^th of a second.

‘LineSnap’: Predictive Lap-timing using GPS

After over a year’s development, we’ve developed a new feature we call ‘LineSnap’. Rather than distance, it uses GPS position to accurately align two different laps, 10 times a second. This offers un-rivalled accuracy, even if the driver takes a completely different line each lap. The system will maintain 0.1s precision the entire way around any circuits, including very long circuits such as the Nurburgring or Spa.

The technology has been built into our high brightness OLED dashboard display, which can be connected to the Video VBOX product range.

It provides drivers with accurate, real-time lap comparison, and it works at any track. You do not need any external beacons, and there is no setting up required.

It adds another element to data-logging, as drivers have a real-time comparison of their current lap against their previously recorded best lap – so they will always be trying to beat it. It means they can judge the effectiveness of different lines and get immediate feedback on the graphical display of how much time they’re losing or gaining. It’s becoming popular with race teams and individuals drivers too.

Using the OLED predictive lap-timer

Racelogic’s predictive lap-timing really does beat the alternatives, for two reasons. Firstly, it stays accurate all the time, and secondly, the display is nice and clear, so it’s easy to glance at on your dashboard. It is also useful in races where testing is limited, as it means you don’t need to keep going back to the pits to analyse the data. This enables you to be even more adventurous with the lines you use.

Drivers and teams at any level can quickly see where time is lost – so you can make big gains in consistency. It gives drivers the confidence to try different techniques and lines, and then see the instant feedback.

Voted in as MSA’s Gadget of the Year and recently selected for the PMW Technology of the Year Award in Cologne, our predictive lap timer provides drivers and teams with the chance to see exactly where they are losing or gaining time at any place on the track.

The OLED predictive lap-timing display is designed to connect to a Video VBOX GPS and video data logger. A key advantage of Video VBOX over rival systems is that it is a one-box solution, combining a multi-camera video recorder, GPS data logger, and real-time graphic overlay into a single unit. Racers need to be sure that a video system is easy to use, quick to install, and above all that it can function reliably in the demanding conditions inside a race car.

Video VBOX is small, flexible, and reliable, with automatic power back up to ensure data is never lost. It also has automatic logging that can be set to start over a certain speed, meaning that drivers don’t have to think about switching it on in the heat of the moment.

Cost and time savings in race car development

Instant feedback is great for race car development too. For example, the driver can give the engineers in the pits real feedback on how the car is performing with different set ups, compared in real time to previous set ups. Engineers can prepare new set ups whilst the car is out on the track. This speeds up car development, bringing down the level of trial and error that often occurs.

The future

For instant feedback on driving technique and line, this kind of predictive display can’t be beaten. As prices for this kind of equipment have fallen, displays such as these will become an essential tool for any driver, professional or amateur, keen on improving lap-times.

Who uses Video VBOX?

Many drivers and coaches rely on Video VBOX for their in-car video and data. Notable examples include Anthony Davidson, former F1 driver and 2010 Works Peugeot Le Mans driver who has won the petit Le Mans.

Nurburgring specialist and TV personality Sabine Schmitz also uses Video VBOX for tuition on the Nordschleife, as well as former world rally champion and current Porsche test driver Walter Rohrl.

Video VBOX is the official video and data-logging system for the Australian GT Championship, with every competitor in the 25 car field using a four camera Video VBOX Pro.

Other well known users of Video VBOX include the works Porsche VLN racing team, Manthey Racing, Lamborghini, Ferrari, the UK Police, Tommi Makinen Racing, Car and Driver Magazine, EVO Magazine, AutoBild Magazine, Silverstone Circuit, VW, Yokohama Tyres, Continental Tyres, Hennessy Tuning and the Porsche, BMW and Audi Driver Training Centres.

There are a number of unit options, from the affordable Video VBOX Lite with two cameras, to the high end professional Video VBOX Pro with 20Hz GPS, 4 cameras and 32 channels of vehicle CAN logging for advanced vehicle data analysis.

What other Racelogic products are suitable for predictive lap timing?

Firstly released as part of Racelogic’s OLED display and Video VBOX range, the new Predictive Lap Timing upgrade has now also been launched as a free firmware upgrade for Racelogic’s PerformanceBox and DriftBox GPS data loggers. Racelogic claim that this makes them the best value predictive lap-timers on the market – with a starting price of just £299+VAT.

Performance Box and DriftBox are already very popular. With their ability to record speed, acceleration, lap-times, power, and numerous other parameters, they can be found on race and track day cars, magazine road tests, and even vehicle proving grounds. The addition of Predictive lap-timing promises to add a new dimension to these powerful products.