Known in the professional motorsports industry as Data Acquisition Engineering, it is the complete process of calibration, retrieval, analysis, and implementation of data recorded by a race car.

Although not always apparent, data engineering is much more complex than simply downloading information from a car and looking at graphs. Knowing how to retrieve the data is only one small part of the procedure, knowing what to do with it is an entirely different matter. Proper interpretation and application of the data is the key to obtaining maximum performance out of both car and driver.

Through a precise methodology involving detailed technical notes, mathematical calculations, and the aforementioned logged data, a data acquisition engineer performs many duties with various team personnel. To be most effective, a data engineer must be knowledgeable of what a driver is experiencing while on the race track and then be able to cross-reference their feedback with the corresponding data. The data engineer dissects and analyzes the information in order to work closely with the team engineers and mechanics to properly address and rectify issues that may exist in the car. Because numerous adjustments can be made to a race car, changes both large and small may have major effects on vehicle dynamics. Whether a particular issue is with the car, driver, or a combination of both, many problems can be quickly foreseen, diagnosed, and/or eliminated in a more efficient process through data acquisition engineering compared to that of trial and error and seat-of-the-pants feel.

Maintaining an orderly system of detailed records, calculations, and formulas also provides many of the tools necessary to fine-tune a team's race-craft. Track notes, lap times, fuel usage information, and other vehicle runtime statistics allows a data engineer to draft the blueprints and lay the groundwork for a winning race strategy.

Having worked over two years with several championship teams competing in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series and the Grand-Am Cup Series, I have the technical and race-day experience to help you and your team obtain the higher level of on-the-track performance that you have been looking for.

I can provide trackside data acquisition and timing/scoring services for all levels of motorsport, from the amateur club racer to the semi-pro and professional race team. Contact me for additional information on how I can help you find the technical edge over the competition.