AFFORDABLE TRACK DATA LOGGER CAN MAKE YOU FASTER!

ONCE THIS TECH WAS ONLY FOR PROFESSIONAL RACERS, BUT NOW GETTING FASTER TIMES BY ANALYZING YOUR PERFORMANCE IS AFFORDABLE FOR WEEKEND WARRIORS.

- Steven Rupp

Knowledge is power is an often-used phrase, but real data from a computer with no ego can give you the good, bad, and sometimes ugly details of your last time around the track. Track data loggers were once something only professional racers could afford, but thanks to the aftermarket you can get pro-level data at a weekend warrior price point.

Racepak sent us one of their new Vantage CL1 track data loggers to play with, and we loved being able to see what we did right and wrong at the track. Since then, Racepak has come out with the even more affordable CL2 OBDII based data logger. Either way you go, this technology can make you faster at the autocross, road course, and even dragstrip. So let’s take a look at how this 21st century tech shakes out.

01 Here’s what comes in the box from Racepak: the CL1 data box, RPM harness, USB charging cable, charging cable to CL1 adapter, magnetic GPS antenna, OBDII cable, and four rechargeable AA batteries. There are options, but for most people this will get you up and running.

02 The heart of the system is the CL1 data box. It has 10 user-defined OBDII/EFI inputs along with eight total external sensor inputs through four connectors. Four of the user-programmable inputs are analog, and four are digital. There’s also a CAN input for future expansion. It connects to your device via Bluetooth, and there’s a plug for the magnetic GPS antenna. The box is small at 3x3 inches and weighs half a pound. The CL1 comes with three isolating feet if you want to do a more secure mounting.