General Advice

Motor Racing

Car Trackdays

Motorbikes

Track Day Filming Guide

We have written this car trackday guide to help try to make sense of the myth and uncertainty surrounding the use of camera equipment and if it will be allowed. Trackday operators have to look out for the safety of all, ensure their insurance is not invalidated and conform to the track owner’s rules. These factors, as well as what car you have, what mount and what camera you use all make it difficult to make a definitive guide.

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Making use of one or all of the following tips will result in you being more likely to film onboard footage at a trackday.

1. Communication and pre filming checks

The most important factor in being allowed to film on track will be your communication with the track company and the marshals letting you out of the pits. Some circuits will require you to fill out a disclaimer form before filming, basically ensuring that they retain all broadcast rights – check.

2. Use a bullet camera.

Bullet cameras being much lighter than a camcorder, are more likely to be approved for on track use. I have experienced this on a number of occasions first hand.

3. Clamp mounts vs. suction mounts

Using a clamp mount will generally be seen as being safer than a suction mount, although many companies will allow suction mounts, IF you can demonstrate they are strong, not supporting a camcorder (bullet preferable), mounted in a sensible position (see below) and have an additional tether to secured the camera and mount in the event of an accident. A great example of a suction mount that is likely to be allowed is Fast Films ultimate trackday mount (pictured below), available for sale from our online shop.

4. Positioning

Most companies prefer to see the camera mounted inside the car, and ideally behind the driver i.e on a roll cage, headrest mount or on the rear window. If positioned outside then a roll cage/clamp mount is better, or a strong suction mount with tether or tethers. Again, using a bullet camera outside will give you a higher chance of being allowed to position the camera outside the car on track (they usually give better results anyway).

5. Demonstrate

After you have positioned the camera and mount, and you are ready to drive to the pit entrance, stop next to the marshals at the pit exit just to check they have seen the camera and are happy with it. It saves being black flagged if you try to sneak out with a camera set up not seen until you go out! If they are unhappy about your camera set up, then discuss with them what they would be happy with. I have yet to find a circuit or operator that has completely refused me from filming on board, it sometimes requires a bit of compromise that’s all.

We will be contacting all of the main trackday operators to ask for their guidelines, but we would also like to hear from you about your experiences.
 

Trackday use RMA page 3 http://www.rma-limited.com/

No hand-held cameras are permitted. Any on-board cameras must be securely mounted using appropriate equipment.