The Circuit Tools software is a data-analysis package designed for Racelogic GPS data-loggers. The software is designed to automate many tasks and quickly present a driver with the crucial information required to improve lap times.
The software is designed by racing drivers for racing drivers, with none of the complexity normally associated with analysis software often aimed at experienced race engineers. The software can work with or without video, but this manual will assume you are using video, as this is the most effective way of analysing circuit performance.
Circuit Tools exists to help you go faster, so what is the best way to go about this? By far the most effective way is to get someone quicker than you to drive your car for a few laps and then compare the data from their laps and your laps. There are a number of professional driver coaches who already use VBOX systems and would be more than happy to help out.
When you have the data of the faster driver, load both files into the software. Examine the Delta-T channel and look for a big change in lap time.
When Delta-T increases, you are losing time, and when it decreases, you are gaining time.
The next stage would be to watch the videos side-by-side in slow motion, to observe the lines taken by each driver. It is often useful to check the position of the car relative to the kerbs on the entry, apex and exit of the corner.
Typical areas in which to focus are:
- Are you braking at the same place as the faster driver?
- Are you braking hard enough?
- Are you using the very edge of the track as you turn in?
- Are you using as much kerb as the faster driver?
- What is your apex speed compared with the faster driver?
- Are you using all of the track on the exit of the corner?
We have written a comprehensive ebook about Advanced Circuit Driving Techniques with tips and tricks on going faster. It is available for free here.