DriverMonitor

While there are several timing and scoring apps that are great for spectators keeping tabs on live timing/scoring and checking results after a race, this is the only app that is focused on the info that the driver needs *during* a session. As a driver, knowing exactly where you stand during a qualifying session is critical. In amateur racing, the vast majority of drivers have no idea where they qualified until after the session is over and they check the results. This app gives them that info in real time so they can decide to try and stay out and improve or not. In a race, drivers quickly lose track of the cars ahead and what position they are in. They also need to know how far ahead and behind they are. This app provides all of that info in real time. If you are a racer - get this app! If you think about the total cost of a race weekend, the cost of this app is noise. And it will absolutely help you achieve better results! Note also that the majority of this app’s cost is driven by the race feed costs the DriverMonitor service has to pay to get the race data. Given this fact which cannot be controlled, this app is fairly priced.

I used the DriverMonitor app for the first time at the SCCA Runoffs. It is a huge benefit to know exactly where you stand during a qualifying session. I used the split time information to know when to push and when I needed to find gaps for a clean lap. I was able to mount the phone right next to my dash, even in my small formula car cockpit. The display is clean and efficient, showing only the key info you need, and easily readable at a glance. Highly recommended for any serious racer.

I was fortunate enough be be able to use this app for a few races this season. I found it to be extremely helpful and easy to use. Having split times during qualifying gave me the information to decide if it was a matter of pushing a bit harder or whether to pit and make a setup change. During the race the info can tell you to work with the guy you’re racing to catch the leader or that you’d better get by him as the leader is getting away. How you use the information strategically is up to you. Obviously this is true if you’re being radioed the information or using the app. For me, the app’s 2 main benefits were accuracy and the ability to check the splits/position/time or laps remaining anytime throughout the lap. I had crew radioing me this info already, but a tenth or 2 one way or the other on split times was not happening. Also, the radio call might not come in clearly or at a good time to process. Initially it took 2-3 seconds to process the driver monitor information on the display but in short order a quick glance was all it took. I used an iphone SE which is a small display, but with the contrast and type size the app uses it’s easy to read. I view the split info a lot like seeing predictive lap times. It can really motivate you to push as you can see even small improvements impacting your results real time. If you race a formula car and can’t easily mount a display, your crew can use the app for passing along your specific splits without having to decipher it from the Racemonitor feed. Cool app!