This is due, in great part, to the variety of methods which customers utilize data. Some are strictly looking at engine tuning, and as such will refer to their Air Fuel sensors, EGT sensors, carb pressures or various other engine related information. For others, they are making chassis adjustments, and as such are looking at clutch slip, drive shaft shaft RPM, shock travel and other related chassis sensors. Then we have some customers using data for preventative maintenance, so they pay particular attention to information such as oil pressure, Engine RPM (for ignition problems) and pan vacuum (for ring wear).

However, there are some very basic data channels, which are standard with any Racepak drag race data recorder, which can be utilized for performance gains.

- One question we receive on a continual basis is “how can I detect wheel spin using a data system”.To answer this question, we are going to look at just two simple data channels which are included in all Racepak data recorders: Engine RPM and Driveshaft RPM.

Typically, a large amount of wheel spin is easy for a driver to feel, as they will move forward against the seat belts while at the same time hearing the Engine RPM climb. However, a small amount of wheel spin is often very difficult for a driver to detect, as the vehicle “feels” to be accelerating during the entire run.

Fortunately, the sensitivity of the electronic G meter (inside the data logger) and driveshaft sensor (on the rear end yoke) are capable of instantaneously detecting very small amounts change (or wheel spin) which results both in inconsistency and slower ET’s.