Question about in-car camera...

Pauli33 · 07-22-2002, 04:16 PM

evenin' all,

i've got my first DE coming up - Watkins Glen, Aug. 14-15th - and i was hoping to be able to capture some or all of it on video so that i can review my performance and improvement... unfortunately, i don't have a roll cage yet (if i have as good a time as i think i will i'll invest in one for future events). but right now for financial and logistical reasons i can't have one installed.

as far as i can tell it seems most people mount their video cameras on the roll bar, but is there any kind of camera mount that can work in a different way?

thanks in advance and i'm sure i'll have more questions concerning driving technique as that date draws closer.

-Paul

ErVikingo · 07-22-2002, 05:05 PM

I have a seen a mount which has a very large black suction cup to hold it in place, however I don't think the tech inspector would/should allow it since it is not solidly mounted.

Its all for your safety.

dad911 · 07-22-2002, 05:50 PM

Many regions won't allow novice students to record sessions. Check with region first and don't be disapponted if instructor frowns upon camera use.

Pauli33 · 07-22-2002, 06:00 PM

ah, i see... that actually makes sense. oh well... is it frowned upon to bring a video camera for when i'm not running? if i just wanted to get some nice footage of the pits and the upper run groups as they fly by?

Todd Simpson · 07-22-2002, 06:40 PM

There is a camera mount I saw in an older Audi S4 that mounted to the two posts that hold the headrests. Nicely made and easy to remove, but wouldn't work on post '73 seats, even if the spacing was the same.

Bring the camera! The Glen has lots of cool stuff to see, the track, the lake, the falls, and no one will mind you taping the pits or on track action.

As far as the in car goes, I'd wait. You'll already have lots to do without one more thing to worry about. Have fun!

Todd

dad911 · 07-22-2002, 06:48 PM

That shouldn't be a problem. We will probably be passing each other the night of the 15th, as you head home and I drive up for the NNJR event on the 16th.

Bring layers of clothes to the 'Glen, don't underestimate how cold it can be there in august (or how hot!) Make sure your brakes are in great condition, freshly bled and take spare brake fluid.

3D Track map: http://www.trackmasters.com/wgelevation.jpg

more reading: http://vista.pca.org/nnj/drivman.html

and try to practice heel/toe downshifts before getting to the track.

My first event was at the Glen also, exactly 10 years ago. You'll have a blast......

Pauli33 · 07-22-2002, 07:24 PM

Alan,

My mistake, i got the dates wrong. I'll be joining you for the NNJR event on the 16-18th!! It's good to hear that the Glen was your first DE. After looking at some of the info I was getting a little nervous and thinking maybe i should've chosen an easier track for my first DE... But I guess I just have to jump in there and give it a shot! Thanks for the info! Hope to see you there!

-Paul

diy83sc · 07-22-2002, 07:31 PM

If it makes you feel better, I'm heading up as well and am in the green group. The thought of a camera was there but with all the other things that need attention, I bagged the idea entirely. I'll bring the digital in hopes of finding someone to take a picture for me...

Tony

jpachard · 07-22-2002, 07:50 PM

Paul, I would definitely try to get the camera mounted. It is a wonderful learning tool and many of the regions I know who used to ban them don't anymore for this reason. I have a digital video camera and sometimes after my run my instructor and I have watched it so he could better explain what was doing at certain points in the session. I also save my best run session on tape and when I go back to the track at a later date, I watch the tape a few times to reaquaint myself with the track. Best of luck at the Glen, it is one of the best tracks on the East even though the NASCAR guys insist on having Armco put in everywhere it doesn't belong( turn 9 is a fine example).

Cheers, James

Moses · 07-22-2002, 07:55 PM

I have a really heavy duty suction camera mount made in England for mounting heavy theater lighting. That sucker holds like glue. I have even mounted a video camera to the OUTSIDE of my car (although not at a track). It really is a great camera mount.

Doug E · 07-23-2002, 02:38 AM

I haven't done a DE yet, but when I participated in some "Laps for Charity" at Summit Point during the Club race last September, I mounted the camera using a small tripod and short bungy cords to the existing rear seat belts.

It wasn't exactly pretty but it sure did the trick and the footage was great! However you do decide to do it, just be sure to try taping some footage prior to the real stuff so you can be sure the camera is aligned properly.

Have fun!

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

I used one of these when I used to race ITB and it worked great. You can also get something similar at Pegasus . Since you don't have a roll bar/cage yet, it might be hard to find a place to mount it. Keep in mind that a secure camera mount is like a roll cage - you won't need one until it is too late to ask for one.

In fact it will most likely be the exact same situation which will make you wish that you had both!

Basically, in an accident a camera can become a 1 lb projectile unless it is well secured to the car. I'm not sure if a suction cup will do in that sort of situation unless the camera is very light. If you are talking about your run of the mill video camera, I'd hate to have that flying around in an accident or roll-over. Chris Bennet has a really neat little "lipstick" camera that he plugs into regular camcorder which he has securely mounted to the floor or some place like that. Mounting the lipstick camera using a suction cup I don't think would be a big deal.

I'm a big proponent off safety having had a couple of accidents myself. You can never expect when they will happen, especially if you are a novice. People always say that you see your life past between your eyes before you hit. It really does seem that long before you hit. Its just in my case I'm usually thinking stuff like : "Why did I decide to race today? Why didn't I invest in that better roll cage? Why didn't I really bolt the camera down with bigger bolts? Boy I miss my wife and kids!...

CRUNCH!"

Make sure that you have a STRONG camera mount!

CBRacerX · CBRacerX's Garage

I've got this in the garage taking up space. Fits and works great, and very strong!

I'll sell it cheap, how about $50 plus shipping? If you are nearby you can pick up.

Chris

ChrisB@Drextec.com

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

That looks cool! I'd be sure to strap the camera to the bar though because I don't have a lot of faith in that one bolt to hold the camera safely when the going gest rough.

CBRacerX · CBRacerX's Garage

You need a strap to back up the camera mounting point. Using the factory camera strap is usually accepted.

Pauli33 · 07-23-2002, 09:18 AM

Chris,

that looks really cool... have you ever used this at a track event? do you think it would conform to PCA regulations? thanks for the help!

-Paul

CBRacerX · CBRacerX's Garage

Just don't use it to attach a harness to - this is not a harness truss like the BK truss!

PDACPA · PDACPA's Garage

I have a bar that runs between that connects to the bolt that holds the top of the seat belts in. The camera mount screws on to it.

I received it as a gift a number of years ago but would imagine they bought it at Performance or Automotion (now part of Performance). Mounts nicely but you cannot put the seats back. YOu can also hang your 5 point harness of it.

PDACPA · PDACPA's Garage

jluetjen is the exact one I have. sorry for the double info post.

dad911 · 07-23-2002, 10:52 AM

Tony & Paul - I'll be looking for you at the glen. My car is #19. Lets start a thread closer to the event, and see how many other pelicanites will be going.