V8 Supercars is set to trial its new-for-2015 onboard camera, communication and telemetry systems in Dale Wood’s Brad Jones Racing Holden at Phillip Island.
The #21 Commodore will sport the imported technology during Friday practice, where it will be monitored by visiting technicians from the United States.
A High Definition, roof-mounted 360 degree ‘hamburger’ camera is the most notable feature, sitting on the roof alongside two ‘fin’ aerials.
New HD cameras have also been mounted inside the cabin and on the boot, mirroring the set-up that will be rolled out in the majority of cars in 2015.
The upgraded telemetry system is likewise expected to be a showpiece of Fox Sport’s coverage next season, providing the broadcaster with unprecedented access to information from the cars.
While teams currently use radio antennas to transmit telemetry back to their individual pit bunkers, V8 Supercars plans to introduce a centralised system utilising fibre optic cable.
The set-up will allow V8 Supercars to receive the telemetry from each car at a central point, from which it can be distributed to the individual teams and the television crew.
BJR team manager Chris Clarke told Speedcafe.com that his team volunteered to trial the basis of the system this weekend.
“It’s the same system that’s used in NASCAR and IndyCar so, as much as it’s going to be an expense initially to get it up and running, it’s going to be worth it,” Clarke told Speedcafe.com.
“I’m hoping it’ll be a good gain for all teams in terms of getting good radio and telemetry communication back from the cars.
“It’s getting increasingly difficult with radio airwaves in terms of the windows you’re allowed to work in and the new set-up won’t drop out and be as prone to interference
“At the moment when we’re watching the telemetry it drops in and out and you have those moments where you’re just going ‘what’s happening’ before it comes back on board.”
The system will be run during Friday practice before a decision is made whether or not to continue for the remainder of the weekend.
Clarke acknowledges that the bulky camera and data ‘fin’ will affect the car’s aero at the high-speed circuit, but stresses that the team will have the right to take them off if deemed too detrimental to performance.
“It’s definitely going to upset the downforce a bit but it’s one of those things that, once it goes on all the cars, it’ll be a level playing field,” he said.
“We’re just taking one for the sport this weekend really, but we’ll see how much it affects it and we can take it out at any point if we feel it’s really hurting us.”
Regardless of the length of the trial, footage from the new cameras will not be used as part of this weekend’s telecast.
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