MaxQData Data Acquisition

For the last year or so, SCC has been using the MaxQData, data acquisition system as a back up for our telemetry. The GPS based unit is small enough that we usually take it with us, instead of our normal bulky accelerometer based system, whenever we have to fly out for testing. This year, the USTCC is using a MaxQData system in every car to monitor their acceleration on the track. The series' method of equalizing the field is a complicated yet well thought out power to weight ratio formula that the cars must meet. Most pro racing organizations don't implement a power to weight ratio because it's too easy for competitors to cheat on the dyno. But, using telemetry to monitor each car's performance throughout the race is a great way to keep everyone in check. Anyway, I hunted down Ed Lansinger of MaxQData and he was able to extrapolate my qualifying time from his system. He started embellishing on how he cross-referenced my time with the others, but he soon went over my head.

All I cared about was that I was officially being bumped up to Third on the grid. That put me on the inside of the second row for the standing start. In front of me, on pole, was the '07 series champion, Curt Simmons, in an SRT-4. Next to him was Dave Bongiovanni in the '06 championship winning EVO VIII. I knew Opak's '05 champ car had a shot, but it was going to be a real fight. I would be in fast company.

While mentally preparing for the race, I started picking up on the pro racer vibe. This wasn't going to be a typical amateur race against my friends. I didn't know any of these guys and they didn't know me. The grandstands were far from "NASCAR weekend" crammed, but I had friends and family up there, and the Opak Team and their entourage, plus a few hundred others would be watching. They were all being pumped up by Jeff Lepper (my spotter from Thunderhill, see May '08 issue) who was calling the play by play on the PA. Plus there was the money. Sure I wanted it, but my unfamiliarity with the other drivers and how hard they'd fight for it really amplified my anticipation.

I discussed the strategy with Coach Romaine before I went out. I suggested that maybe I should lay back at the start. That way the turbocharged cars could fight it out and burn up their tires early, but Romaine encouraged me to go flat out right away. The Opak Racing/Spoon Sports cars have a reputation for durability. The harder I could push the other cars, the sooner I could take control of the race.

The SRT-4 either bogged or broke the tires loose at the start. That dropped him back between me and Andy Chittum's BMW 318. Then the EVO missed Second gear, making his lead rather short lived. We went four wide through the first turn. I had the run down the inside, but caught neutral while searching for Third gear. It was a spectacular start to an invigorating race.

By lap three I had made my way up to Second Place. The SRT-4 had pulled a three second gap on me, but I was able to keep him in my sights. Normally, I hate mixed class racing. This time though, the traffic made the race. It was like racing on the freeway, only everyone had full safety equipment and no one was innocent. We passed at least 40 backmarkers in the 10 lap race. And each one counted.

There was no time to wait behind a slow car. Wherever I caught a car, I had to pass it right then and there. Occasionally there was no choice but to check up. Every time it happened, I could see the Dodge pull away. It was the same for him though. Some of the passes were ruthless. I may have run a Spec Miata off the outside of Turn 4, but I can't say for sure since I never mastered looking out of the left and center mirrors from the right side.