SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/590058
markers, or how the truck is performing during the race," MacCachren said. "All of our chase trucks have direct contact with the driver and co- rider. Chase crews are usually communicating split times while the driver and co-rider are communicating track position." Other factors vital to communications during the chaos and ever-changing realities of an off-road race are those nagging, last minute issues that need to be addressed as the racers start looking for their next fuel stop and tire change. "Things like pit locations when the truck is coming in, or indicating race miles when a chase team is waiting up ahead if something is needed," said MacCachren. "Headsets in the main pits are also important so that the driver can speak to a head crew guy as they may have to work on the truck or relay vital RACER X MAKES THE BLACK RHINO RACE RADIO SYSTEMS THAT ARE ALSO VERY POPULAR WITH DESERT RACERS. SATELLITE RADIO TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS TEAMS TO COMMUNICATE ANYWHERE, WITH FEW RESTRICTIONS. SHOWN HERE IS A PCI SATCOMM G2 SATELLITE RADIO. information. If it's something the driver, co-rider, needs to fix on-their-own, then our crew chief may get on the radio and offer some guidance to help with the issue. The same goes for tire changes and fuel stops." New Innovations In Intercom Features While communications have been an important part of SCORE almost since its inception, the components have improved over the years. Manufacturers such as PCI Race Radios, Racer X, Rugged Radios and others, for example, have a wide variety of systems that teams can choose from. VHF radios are still essentially the tried and true equipment that has been a cornerstone of Baja racing for many years. New technologies, however, are being integrated which offer some added advantages. "In recent years technology has added enhanced intercom features like Bluetooth Cell Phone connectivity, Digital Noise filters, and even auto Bluetooth wired helmets that switch to Auto Bluetooth when your co-driver jumps out to change a tire," said Scott Steinberger, president of PCI Race Radios. "These intercom features have given drivers more communications options and clarity in the highest levels of noise." Other radio manufacturers agree that new innovations in intercom features are what's making communications better, at least for the moment. "Racing communications have not changed much as far as the type of equipment used," said Jesse Lundien of Racer X radios. "What has changed the most is the integration of new technology into the equipment such as Bluetooth, Satellite Phone, and noise canceling technologies." Intercoms in the vehicle allow the driver and co-driver to talk to each other, without going over the air-waves. New technologies SCORE 101 070 SCORE JOURNAL