Mounting Cameras On Race Cars: Best Techniques For Optimal Footage

Motor racing is a thrilling sport, and mounting a camera on a race car can capture the speed and action from a driver's perspective. In-car cameras have been used in motor racing since the 1970s, and the technology has evolved to include various camera views and mounting locations. Mounting a camera on a race car can provide valuable footage for racing teams, broadcasters, and enthusiasts. This setup allows viewers to experience the race from the driver's viewpoint, capturing the sensation of speed and the chaos of the track.

Mounting a camera inside the car's grille

Mounting a camera inside a car's grille is a challenging task that requires careful consideration and the right equipment. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:

Choosing the Right Camera:

Start by selecting a suitable camera for your needs. While a dedicated car front grille camera is an option, you can also adapt a motorbike camera, such as the INNOVV C3 or C5, for this purpose. These cameras are designed to be waterproof and can be extended with remote camera capabilities.

Mounting the Camera:

When mounting the camera inside the grille, consider the height and angle of the camera lens. It should be positioned high enough to avoid debris and road grit, which can damage the lens or obscure the footage. You may also want to consider using a protective lens cover made of acrylic or glass to shield the camera lens from wind-driven particles.

Power and Connectivity:

Running power to the camera is an important consideration. You can connect the camera to the fuse block or find creative solutions like running the power cable through the hood and into the cabin, as described by a user who installed the INNOVV C3.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Regular cleaning of the camera lens and protective cover is essential to ensure clear footage. Depending on the weather conditions and driving environment, you may need to clean the camera daily or weekly.

Adjusting Camera Angle and Resolution:

Experiment with different camera angles and resolutions to get the best footage. A slight adjustment can yield different effects, allowing you to capture the desired view of the track, your driving, and the surrounding environment.

Example Footage and Inspiration:

Before settling on a camera position, it can be helpful to search for example footage online. Look for videos that use similar mounting positions to get a sense of the potential advantages and drawbacks of each location.

Remember, mounting a camera inside a car's grille comes with inherent challenges, including the risk of debris damage and the need for regular maintenance. However, with careful planning and the right equipment, you can capture exciting and realistic footage of your racing experiences.

Hanging the camera near the passenger-side A-pillar

Hanging a camera near the passenger-side A-pillar of your race car can provide a good view of the course and your steering inputs. This setup can also capture your footwork and be a great angle for exciting action videos.

To start, you will need to gather your equipment. You will need a camera, of course, and a few different types of mounts to choose from. You can use a suction cup mount, which works great on glass but less so on painted surfaces, or a hihat screwed onto a wooden board with multiple ratchet straps to secure it. You will also need a power source for your camera, such as a USB outlet or a 12V cigarette socket, and adhesive cable clips to keep your cables tidy and secure.

Once you have your equipment, you will need to choose the best spot to mount your camera. The passenger-side A-pillar is the frontmost vertical support of your car, often holding the windshield in place. This location will give you a good view of the course and your steering inputs, and if you angle it correctly, you may also be able to capture your footwork.

Now it's time to set up your camera. First, secure your camera mount to the A-pillar, making sure it is tight and stable. Then, attach your camera to the mount, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver's visibility or any car functions. If you are using a suction cup mount, be sure to also use ratchet straps to keep everything in place in case the suction fails.

Next, you will need to connect your camera to a power source. Identify the nearest power source and plug your camera in, making sure to route the cables in a way that minimizes obstruction. You can use the A-pillar to guide your cables through the frame of your car and conceal them for a seamless installation.

Finally, don't forget about safety! If you are rigging a camera on the passenger side, be sure to disable the airbags on that side. In the event of a crash, the airbag could propel the camera rig into your face, causing serious injury. It is also important to have a safety mechanism in place to hold the rig and prevent damage if your primary rigging fails.

With your camera mounted and powered, you are now ready to start capturing footage of your race car in action! Be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding the placement of objects on your windshield and the recording of audio before hitting the track.

Capturing wheel motion from behind a front wheel

Camera Choice

GoPro cameras are a popular choice for mounting on race cars due to their small size, high-definition capability, and lightweight durability. Their wide-angle lens also allows for a great field of view, capturing not only the wheel motion but also the surrounding environment. Alternatively, you can opt for a heavy-duty camera designed for earth-moving equipment, offering features such as 1080p resolution, day and night vision, and vibration resistance.

Mounting Location

The ideal mounting location for capturing wheel motion from behind a front wheel is a few inches off the car, placed either on the passenger side or inside the car's grille. Mounting the camera lower to the ground will increase the sensation of speed in your footage. Just remember to ensure that the mounting location does not obstruct your view or that of other cameras and is securely attached to the vehicle.

Camera Angle

Experiment with different camera angles to find the best view that highlights wheel motion. You can try mounting the camera directly behind the front wheel, or for a more dynamic perspective, you could mount it on the car's roof or just behind it to utilize a wider lens and capture more of the track.

Additional Considerations

• If you're using sticky, stone-slinging tires, be prepared to regularly replace the camera housing's front lens as it may get damaged by debris.
• Consider the safety precautions when mounting a camera. Do not wave into the camera while driving, and ensure that the mounting location does not obstruct your view or cause any distractions.
• Test out different mounting locations and angles during practice sessions to find the best setup for capturing wheel motion.

Mounting the camera on the steering wheel

Mounting a camera on the steering wheel of a race car is a great way to capture the driver's perspective and enhance the viewing experience for audiences. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for mounting a camera on the steering wheel:

Choosing the Right Camera

Select a small and lightweight camera, such as an action camera like a GoPro, that can be easily attached to the steering wheel without obstructing the driver's view or handling. GoPros, for instance, are known for their high-definition video capabilities, durability, and compact size, making them a popular choice for motorsports filming.

Mounting Equipment

You will need a camera mount that is compatible with your chosen camera. Universal GoPro mounts are readily available, or you can opt for a RacerMount, which attaches to the headrest of your seat and is compatible with GoPro and most compact cameras. This option provides full rotational and tilting freedom, allowing you to capture footage at various angles.

Mounting Process

• Clean the surface of the steering wheel to ensure that the mount adheres securely and safely.
• If using adhesive putty, roll a small amount into a ball and press it onto the desired area on the steering wheel.
• Attach the camera mount to the adhesive putty, ensuring it is secure and positioned correctly.
• Alternatively, if your steering wheel has built-in mounting holes, you can use a screw-in mount designed specifically for this purpose.

Audio Considerations

The steering wheel is an excellent place to capture sound, as it is close to the driver's mouth. To enhance the audio quality, consider connecting an inexpensive microphone and sticking it onto the windshield or another suitable surface near the steering wheel.

Safety Precautions

Always ensure that the camera and mounting equipment do not obstruct the driver's view or interfere with their ability to control the vehicle. It is important to prioritize safety, especially during a race. Regularly inspect the camera setup to ensure it remains secure and does not pose any hazards.

Capturing the view over the trunk lid

To capture the view over the trunk lid, you can use a 3-cup action camera suction cup mount. This type of mount has a tri-cup suction design with 3 vacuum super suction bases that can be firmly attached to any smooth surface, including the trunk lid of a car. It is compatible with GoPro, Sony, and other action cameras.

Another option is to use a camera suction cup mount, such as the ULANZI SC-02, which has a 4.5-inch pump-activated vacuum suction mount and a quick-release NATO magic arm. This type of mount can be attached to the car's trunk lid, windshield, or window, providing a stable viewing environment for your camera.

When mounting a camera over the trunk lid, it is important to ensure that the mount is secure and that the camera is properly angled to capture the desired footage.

Frequently asked questions