SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1290602
onto the internet and pull up maps or allow communication over text." The ability to send a text on the course is always a great way to not clog communications and allows teams and family members to know they are okay. "A race car that stopped to change a flat or with minor trouble, can quickly send a text letting team members know they are okay," says Steinberger. "Texting can help not to tie-up the Weatherman during a race and help keep frequencies open for more serious emergencies," says Talman. Gonzalez and Talman also suggest there are smaller, and less expensive alternatives for recreational off-roading are also available, that with a service subscription allows you to test from anywhere in the world through an intuitive cell phone app. One of them is the Garmin InReach Mini, which sells for about $350 and can also be used in backpacking and Overlanding excursions. IMPROVING THE SYSTEM "People hear of an accident and worry about their family members until they see who it is," says Steinberger. "We often get spotty information at best but we get the news out as fast as we can. Even with all the latest forms of communication, watching or listening to the live stream is best with a cell phone and listening to a radio. PCI Race Radios also has a message board and radio site where people can ask for status and others can answer with information. We also have the "Weatherman" in Spanish that improves communication in the same way for locals in Mexico, and U.S. families who might understand Spanish better." A BASIC CAR TO CAR AND BASE CAMP RADIO SYSTEM COMMUNICATION SCORE JOURNAL 52