Insight: PWC brings new tech to the tech shed

OK, I admit it. I am a technology enthusiast. I'm not on the bleeding edge of tech like I once was. But, these computers we hold in the palm of our hands have really changed the world. Or... most of the world.

One of the exceptions to the technology revolution in the world of motorsports is getting through "tech" to get on the racetrack. For the most part it is still done the same way it was done in the golden age of sports car racing...the 1950s. That is a clipboard, a pen and a paper form. Granted, the abundance of printers have made having an abundance of forms easier to produce. But, somebody has to write it down legibly, somebody has to check it all off, somebody has to file it and worse, somebody has to maintain those files.

During the Pirelli World Challenge competitors meeting last week at the SEMA show, series promoter WC Vision announced Vision Tech, a new iPad-based software program that puts technology into the "tech shed!"

As we all know, your average iPad has more computing power than all of the computers on the Apollo moon landing capsule. Vision Tech takes advantage of the computing horsepower on an iPad along with other built in technologies. It's an app...and a great idea.

At the opening PWC race next year at COTA in March, the tech inspectors will be armed with iPads rather than clipboards. The built-in camera can be used to document any questionable parts or tech infractions as well as video of the drivers exit test. (Under SCCA Pro Rules, competitors are required to perform an exit test, simulating an electrical shut-off and exiting the vehicle in under 15 seconds.) All of that data can be held electronically and updated throughout the weekend and the season.

"We are very pleased with how this app has turned out," said Geoff Carter, Competition Director, Pirelli World Challenge. "With the continued growth of the series and the high level of technical prowess in the paddock, we felt like this was the next step to improve our process and deliver a high level of efficiency to the technical side of the business. We are committed to delivering the highest level of support to our teams and manufacturers and in turn our fans."

Other organizations are taking notice as well. PWC President Scott Bove told RACER that already four other organizations are looking to license the Vision Tech software for use in their series.