This book is a great addition to your collection and will help you get the most out of your data acquisition system.
This book is comprised of 144 pages with 166 figures and 15 tables.
Table of ContentsWarning - Disclaimer
Acknowledgements
Preface
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 - Data Acquisition System
1.2 - Channels
1.3 - Logging
1.4 - Data Display Types
Chapter 2 Speed
2.1 - Speed from tire revolutions
2.2 - Speed from GPS
2.3 - Overlay
2.4 - Variance
2.5 - Data Alignment
2.6 - Braking
2.7 - Wheel Slip
2.8 - Cornering Speeds
2.9 - Straight Line Speed
Chapter 3 RPM
3.1 - Over Revs
3.2 - Down Shifts
3.3 - X-Y Plot of RPM vs. Speed
3.4 - RPM Histogram
Chapter 4 Gear
4.1 - Finding the Optimal Shift Points
Chapter 5 Throttle
5.1 - Throttle Blips
5.2 - Average Throttle Position
5.3 - Throttle Lifts
5.4 - Throttle Application Smoothness
5.5 - Throttle Application – Ideal Line
Chapter 6 G-Force
6.1 - G-Force Longitudinal - Acceleration
6.2 - G-Force Longitudinal - Braking
6.3 - G-Force Lateral
6.4 - G-G Traction Circle
Chapter 7 Steering
7.1 - Line Analysis
7.2 - Car Handling Oversteer/Understeer
Chapter 8 Track Mapping
Chapter 9 Section Timing
Chapter 10 Video
Chapter 11 Putting it All Together
11.1 - Summary of Channels
11.2 - Strategy for Improvement
Appendix A – Recommended Logging Rates
Appendix B - Glossary of Terms
Index
Starting in 2002 Christopher Brown went to work for
MoTeC USA as a track support engineer. MoTeC builds engine control units and data acquisition computers for a variety of racing applications. He has supported customers at all levels from club racing to IndyCar, IMSA, and Grand-Am. When he's not at the track, Christopher works back in the office doing product development on everything from sensors to steering wheels.
Christopher Brown was raised in Portland, Oregon. At the age of 13 he started building and racing radio controlled cars. At the age of 15, he started working at a local hobby store to support his racing habits. Christopher competed in many regional events winning his fair share of trophies. After graduating from High School he moved on to Oregon State University.
His interest in cars lead him to a Mechanical Engineering degree. While at OSU he embarked on many different projects adding diversity to his life. Jobs such as a resident assistant, research assistant and writer/photographer for the school paper.For his senior project, Christopher got involved in Formula SAE (click here to see pictures and further info). He was also Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers OSU chapter. Christopher recieved the Dr. Zaworski memorial scholarship and attended the University of Nottingham on a one year exchange program. He completed his Bachelor of Science and studied composites for his Masters research project while in England. He graduated with Cum Laude Honors in June of 1997.
While in England, Christopher had his first experience behind the wheel of a race car by attending the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at the Donington circuit. After the school, his first job with data acqusition was for the National Jim Russell Racing Team.
When Christopher returned to the states, he worked at Parametric Technology Corporation. As an Applications Engineer he traveled around to different customers doing implementation of computer software, technical support and sales demonstrations. The training he received on their computer aided design software (CAD) allowed him to start a consulting business of his own, helping to design a wide variety of things from high end ovens to car transportation trailers.
Christopher started racing again in 1999 completing 5 race weekends driving a Spec Racer Ford. In 2000 he competed in a Formula Mazda race only to get knocked out in the first corner by his teammate nonetheless. Due to lack of funding, he only competed in a couple of races the next few years. In 2003, Christopher acheived his first regional and national SCCA race wins. "One of the real gems is Chris’ analysis and explanation of using g data for driver improvement in braking and the different phases of a corner."
- Mark Dalen, read more at raceruniversity.com"I've started through it, and I must say that this is the Buddy Fey replacement that we've been waiting for!"
- Colin Harmer, owner of Creative Motorsport"A very approachable tome that focuses on
driver engineering through the intelligent use of data. Chris' explanations are wonderful and the premise of the book (as indicated by the title) is well executed. Probably the best single book for learning what to look at FIRST for the Club and Track Day driver. Highly recommended!"
- Peter Krause, driver and data coaching"I'm just starting to read it, and I have to say I'm very impressed so far."
- Ken Brooks"So far I'm about 60 pages into the book and loving it. The book is going to cost a lot more than I thought because it looks like I'm upgrading my data logging capabilities!"
- Alex Duran
- What does this book cover?
This book covers the analysis of basic channels including speed, throttle position, engine rpm, gear, G force and steering. It shows you how to extract information out of squiggly lines, and what it all means. The book is geared more towards driver development than it is towards chassis development.
- Is this book specific to one brand of data logger?
No, the information discussed in the book is relevant to every data logger and is not brand specific.
- Will this book teach me how to use my data anlaysis software?
No, this book does not instruct you on how to use your software. It would not be possible to cover every brand of data logger analysis software in one book. But knowing how to use your software is extrememly important and learning all the hot keys can speed up your analysis time. It is strongly recommended that you become very familiar with all the features of your analysis tool. One common problem are those that only use it once every couple of months. It becomes far too easy to forget where everything is in the software, so use it often.
- Will this book show me how to install and calibrate sensors?
No, this book does not cover installation and setup of a data logger. It is recommended that you refer to the manufacturer of your data system for help with such.
- Will this book make me faster?
Maybe. This book will teach you how to interpret data, not how to drive a race car. The information gained from logged data can tell you where you are slow, where you are fast, and sometimes how to go faster. But doing that is all up to you. It is recommended to have a driving coach that can determine your limitations and how best to help.
I highly recommend the
Allen Berg Racing School which uses both data and video to help you go faster. His Formula Renault cars are equiped with
MoTeC data acquistion and
ChaseCam video recorders, and at the end of the day you get to keep your data and video on a usb stick!
www.allenbergracingschools.com 
