Track Logbook

**KS-CS** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 01:19 AM

I'm interested in keeping some sort of logbook of track events I attend next season to record lap times, tire pressure set-ups, etc. I'm wondering if anyone on the forum has a system they could share - whether it be in hard-copy format, PDA or laptop software.

I did find the following program online: Circle Track Logbook, but it is actually a bit too detailed for my purposes, and at $150 a pop, too expensive also.

For those that do keep a log, what kind of info do you find helpful to record?

Jim Michaels · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 02:21 AM

PCA thought that was a good idea too, so they had a bunch made to be handed out to students at DEs. The PCA log book is mainly to keep track of student progress, but you're free to add any additional info you want to at specific events. Students ask their instructors to rate various aspects of the students driving and make additional written comments right in the log; including whether or not they think the student is ready to move up in run group.

As for additional information, you've got the right idea. Weather info is good, along with cold and hot tire pressures, tread temps, and any other info you think might be helpful in the future. If you tend to forget names, you can record your instructor's name and the name of anyone else you meet during the event.

Having said all that, I admit to not being able to keep a log book up for more than a few events. But at every event I make notes during the weekend on the event schedule, which I lose or throw away after I get home.

L8Apx · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 04:36 AM

KS_CS,

I bought a simple hard covered, bound notebook at Office Depot for this purpose. It's small enough (about 6" x 8" x 1/2") to easily keep in my track and autocross supplies bin.

**KS-CS** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-18-2007, 03:33 AM

Well, I did a little more poking around the internet, and found this program:

Race Driver - which seems to be a little more in line with what I was looking for. The nice thing is that they have a Lite and Demo version which allows you to try it out first.

There's a screenshot attached below; the interface is kind of Win98'ish, but it seems to work okay. One nice thing is that it can directly import data from lap timers (though I'm not sure exactly how that works yet).

I'm also working on developing a little notebook-style logbook, but I'll get back to everyone about that after I talk to Kinkos and K-Man S about it.

Stay tuned . . .

**smounic** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-18-2007, 03:58 AM

If you name the features you want in a Track logbook, I'll put together a piece of software that does it (which would be free). I'll have a good bit of free time on my hands after Dec 10th.

**KS-CS** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smounic

If you name the features you want in a Track logbook, I'll put together a piece of software that does it (which would be free). I'll have a good bit of free time on my hands after Dec 10th.

Wow, that's a pretty generous offer - are we talking about a Windows/PC-based program, or can you write Palm-based software (which I think would be even better)?

I've attached a couple of the forms that I'm developing for a hard-copy version of a logbook which would give you an idea of what kind of info I would be looking to record.

Others are welcome to chime in with their suggestions as well.

**smounic** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 03:54 PM

I'd write it in Java, which could run on any portable device that had a full Jvm. I'm not sure what the state of J2SE on the palm is right now. I may make it work with j2me if I get real energetic, but J2se would be first and foremost.