Frequently Asked Questions

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We're working on iPhone/iOS! ETA is mid 2024. Follow our facebook page for updates

Right now we're available on Android here

Vracer has 2 main modes of operation:

1. Session Recording

While driving, using your mobile phone or tablet in your race car, Vracer uses GPS data to provide

• lap times
• live split and predicted times
• race timers - automatic resetting and manual timers

2. Session Review

Easy comparison between your laps, and your friends or fellow racers. 

Review yourself after your session, or Pit Crew can review while you're still driving (requires data connection)

Vracer works best if you use an external GPS receiver, connected wirelessly to your phone via Bluetooth. We recommend you use one.

Your phone's built-in GPS receiver can be used, however the accuracy of lap times, and resolution of recorded data is much lower. 

Phone GPS receivers are usually 1 sample per second, compared to 10 for an average external receiver, or 25 samples per second for a modern receiver

Compared to offical transponder-based timing systems, GPS lap timing can be very accurate. Accuracy achieved depends mostly on the type of GPS receiver used, and the quality of the GPS 'lock'.

Some rough guides:

- phone GPS (1 sample per second), approx 0.1 sec accuracy

- 8-10Hz receiver - e.g. Garmin GLO, Qstarz, Dual XGPS160 - approx 0.01 sec accuracy

- 25Hz receiver - e.g. Racebox Mini/Mini S - sub 0.005 sec accuracy

To achieve best results, always mount your GPS receiver device with a clear view to the sky, to minimize interference that may block GPS signals.

Our recommended receiver:

The RaceBox mini, or RaceBox mini S. This provides 25 samples per second for best-in-class lap time accuracy at a great price. It's performance meets or exceeds that of professional GPS race timers costing up to several thousand dollars.

Use discount code VRACER15 for a 15% discount when checking out. https://www.racebox.pro/store

Other supported receivers

- Garmin GLO and GLO2, approx 8 samples per second - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/645104/pn/010-02184-01/

- Qstarz 818-XT, 10 samples per second

http://www.qstarz.com/Products/GPS%20Products/BT-Q818XT-F.htm

- Dual XGPS160, 10 samples per second

https://www.dualav.com/product/gps-solutions/gps/xgps160-skypro-gps-receiver/

Yes! You can easily import data from other apps to Vracer. We current support the following formats:

- Vbox/.vbo - TrackAddict and Vbox products

- Rcz/.rcz - Racechrono and Racechrono Pro - single session and multi-session formats supported (we recommend the multi-session method if migrating all data from Racechrono)

- NMEA format

See video guides for how to perform data import. Please contact us if you'd like to import from other formats.

For Android, you can download it from the Google Play app store here

For iPhone/iOS devices, we're still working on this, see above

Location

We recommend you mount the phone within arms reach, and oriented so the screen is clearly visible to the driver. 

Note that most phone touchscreens don't work through racing gloves! There are 2 solutions to this:

1. buy a set of these touchscreen-friendly racing gloves, or 

2. remember to start Vracer recording before you put on your gloves!

Mounting Method

This is a very serious matter. A loose phone in your vehicle cockpit may become anything from a dangerous distraction to a lethal projectile. For this reason, many motorsports governing bodies are now mandating against suction cup mounting solutions. 

We have used and highly recommend the RAM Quick-Grip models, with a sturdy screw-down or roll cage mount. 

Always be sure to contact your local track or club to find out your local rules around mounting of anything in your car whilst on track, including phones, cameras, and other items.

To compare the best lap from 2 sessions

- select both sessions using the checkbox in the top left of the session image, then select 'compare'. 

This will start a virtual 'ghost car' video replay of the laps, showing the time and distance gap between the cars throughout the lap, drawn on a map of the track.

In addition to the car positions on the map, GPS data traces are shown below.

Other resources

Here are some great tutorials on how to use data in racing

https://youtu.be/5FewDkkkKnw