Garmin Catalyst - any TDO input please?
Discussion
I recently installed a Garmin Catalyst, which is sold as more of a driving coach than a timing device (by using AI to recommend things it's already seen you do to improve - so it's not asking you to do anything beyond your driving capabilities). It gathers loads of data and video which is great for geeking out on between sessions or even days later so you can come back to the track and put into practice whatever the device recommends. There is a setting for UK trackdays that clearly displays big letters on the screen "LIVE TIMING IS DISABLED" (or similar).
Depending on which Marshal is at the pit lane exit, they will either ignore it, ask me to take it off for the next session or as I discovered at Cadwell two week ends ago, send me back to the paddock to completely remove it (he started off saying it was a timing device, then said it's not tethered when I explained that the screen is off and not live timing - although it is attached with an industrial strength sucker and magnet).
Race teams, trackdayers and professional coaches are using it in the US with no issues, is there any chance that UK TDOs could update their rules to be consistent and allow the devices to be used in the UK as long as the screen is off? I do understand the need for a tether, that can be sorted, but it seems a bit harsh to completely ban people from using the devices, especially given how anyone with a hidden phone could time if they really wanted to.
Depending on which Marshal is at the pit lane exit, they will either ignore it, ask me to take it off for the next session or as I discovered at Cadwell two week ends ago, send me back to the paddock to completely remove it (he started off saying it was a timing device, then said it's not tethered when I explained that the screen is off and not live timing - although it is attached with an industrial strength sucker and magnet).
Race teams, trackdayers and professional coaches are using it in the US with no issues, is there any chance that UK TDOs could update their rules to be consistent and allow the devices to be used in the UK as long as the screen is off? I do understand the need for a tether, that can be sorted, but it seems a bit harsh to completely ban people from using the devices, especially given how anyone with a hidden phone could time if they really wanted to.
I get why they don't allow timing as it introduces a competitive element and so increases the risk.
The larger form factor of the Catalyst is noticeable and unless they think it's a SatNav then you've got little chance sadly, last time I was at Brands Hatch they were checking someones aftermarket digital dash to make sure that it was displaying just shift lights and not any laptime delta's.
It's always 50/50 depending on the marshalls whim when I go out with a small gopro session attached to my helmet if they will spot it will they let it slide or not.
The larger form factor of the Catalyst is noticeable and unless they think it's a SatNav then you've got little chance sadly, last time I was at Brands Hatch they were checking someones aftermarket digital dash to make sure that it was displaying just shift lights and not any laptime delta's.
It's always 50/50 depending on the marshalls whim when I go out with a small gopro session attached to my helmet if they will spot it will they let it slide or not.
Their concern is that any device that is not tethered properly may not withstand the G forces generated by a heavy impact with another car or, more likely, the armco.
They are trying to avoid you or your passenger getting injured by a flying missile in the car in the event of a crash.
Track day marshals, and track day rules, are there to help us enjoy our past time in as safe a manner as possible.
As for the USA, the whole ethos of the country seems to be "allow bad things to happen, so that we can sue each other for ridiculous amounts of money".
They are trying to avoid you or your passenger getting injured by a flying missile in the car in the event of a crash.
Track day marshals, and track day rules, are there to help us enjoy our past time in as safe a manner as possible.
As for the USA, the whole ethos of the country seems to be "allow bad things to happen, so that we can sue each other for ridiculous amounts of money".
could you not invest in this base to get over the 'not tethered' argument?
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/737854
Also is it possible to mount it somewhere discreet? By the A pillar maybe? Or up higher?
Timing generally isnt allowed at track days as it makes it competitive which then has insurance connotations that aren't covered or a regular day.
As for the USA, a lot of the time you have to do track days/events with windows all the way down. To avoid smashed glass during crash... but lets not worry about arms or heads being outside the vehicle as it barrel rolls down the track.... maybe?!?!
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/737854
Also is it possible to mount it somewhere discreet? By the A pillar maybe? Or up higher?
Timing generally isnt allowed at track days as it makes it competitive which then has insurance connotations that aren't covered or a regular day.
As for the USA, a lot of the time you have to do track days/events with windows all the way down. To avoid smashed glass during crash... but lets not worry about arms or heads being outside the vehicle as it barrel rolls down the track.... maybe?!?!
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