Is Rain On The Way? Preparing for Variable Weather Conditions.- June 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to the June 2025 JB Data Engineering Newsletter.

We can’t believe we’re almost half way through the year! The 24 Hours of Le Mans gets underway in two weeks and the Monaco Grand Prix has been and gone so….wow, this year is flying past quickly! JB Data Engineering has been flat-out in May, with commitments across the length and breadth of the UK and enquiries are still coming in. If you are currently planning for the second half of the 2025 season and would like to discuss equipment purchases, trackside support or training, please contact us as although the diary is full, we would like to help as much as we can.  

In this newsletter, as we’ve been working alongside Racelogic on some exciting developments for their Scenes for the VBOX HD2,we’ll be looking at how video with data overlays can be a valuable tool, even for the club racer. We can’t say too much about the VBOX work as it’s still in development but watch this space! We’ve also put together some tips for race planning and preparation when the track conditions are changeable. Do we stay on slicks? Should we switch to wet tyres? How do we prepare the car? Read our thoughts on how to plan for variable conditions.

For expert data, engineering or video support, please email us at www.jbdataengineering.co.uk or call (44) 7717 562169 . We’d love to hear from you!

Development Work for the VBOX HD2!

(Photo: Racelogic)

JB Data Engineering was recently invited by Racelogic to support the development of new manufacturer-specific graphic overlay files (Scenes) for use with the VBOX HD2. We were delighted to help as the VBOX HD2 is a tool that we regularly use when working with teams and drivers at all levels. We can’t give too much away as the products are still under development but look out for some exciting developments for entry-level GT racing!

Over 10% of VBOX staff hold race licenses so they not only design and sell equipment, they’re actually using it in competition and, in our opinion, the VBOX HD2 with Scenes, or its equivalent from other manufacturers, is a must-buy for club racers chasing quicker lap times. By merging 1080p video with custom data overlays, sensor inputs and circuit layouts, the HD2 delivers pro-level insights - perfect for club racing events across the UK. Here’s why we think every racer needs the VBOX HD2.

Custom Overlays for Speed: The VBOX setup software allows you to use Scenes to build dashboards; syncing speed, RPM or brake pressure with video. Less experienced drivers will be able to spot performamce opportunities which will compliment additional professional driver coaching. Data can be exported to laptops for post-race analysis. You can also add sponsor logos to your video outputs which makes it a fantastc marketing tool.

((Photo: Racelogic)

Sensor Precision: With 25Hz GPS and a CAN bus interface, Scenes can pull steering, tyre temps, G-forces and a huge amount of CAN bus data into your feed. This information can be paired with tyre data to pinpoint opportunities to improve grip and reduce tyre wear; an essential tool for budget-conscious club racing competitors. (For support in importing CAN bus data, talk to JB Data Engineering. We have years of experience in supplying, installing and using the VBOX HD2.)

Circuit Maps for Strategy: GPS-driven track layouts show ideal lines and the vast map database means you should never be racing at a circuit that the VBOX HD2 isn’t familier with.

Fast Workflow: VBOX HD2 with Scenes’ intuitive interface and dual cameras can sync data and footage in minutes, ready for uploading to phones or sending via HDMI for instant review. This makes the HD2 perfect for sharing data with engineers and pit crews.

(VBOX technician Evan with Jordan from JB Data Engineering (Photo: Racelogic)

Cost Effective: AT £2,595 + VAT, the VBOX HD2 HDMI - Track Package with Scenes offers professional-grade video analysis for club-level motorsport. It’s the perfect tool to support you in achieving your racing goals.

Contact JB Data Engineering to discuss how the VBOX HD2 HDMI can work for you. We supply, install and train on the VBOX HD2 as well as provide expert trackside support.

Is It Going To Rain? Race Planning For Mixed Conditionsget

Have you ever been in the situation where weather conditions for your race are forecast to be changeable? For example, it’s dry for the start but the weather maps show rain is possible. How do you plan for that situation? What should your thought processes be as race time approaches? JB Data Engineering offers five pointers to guide your preparations:

Assess Conditions with Data, Not Guesswork: Start 60 minutes out by checking recent lap times from TSL or whoever is providing the timing solution. Compare times set on slicks in dry vs. wet conditions (i.e. the offset) and then compare times set on wet tyres. If slicks in light rain are still quicker than wets, propose to start on dry tyres. Talk to drivers from recent races to gauge their opinion on track feel. Real feedback trumps forecasts every time! Stick to the facts and set the car up for the current conditions, not forecasts. Don’t try and second-guess the elements.

Monitor Weather Closely at 30 minutes: Use multiple weather apps to track the rain’s arrival time. Check air and track temps along with pressure changes and wind shifts. If there is a 50/50 chance of rain at the race start, bring both slicks and wets to the grid or assembly area and adjust your tyre pressures to current conditions. Use your RaceSense tyre pressure gauge to log pressures and weather data for future use.

Prepare Car for Rain-Readiness: If heavy rain starts, make the obvious switch to wet tyres, adjust dampers and roll-bars and ensure rain lights are switched on. For applicable GT cars, make sure ‘wet tyre’ mode is selected and that anti-fog is applied to the screen. (As part of your race preparations, you should have also checked that the heated screen or AC is working as these are vital for the driver’s visibility.

Plan Pit Stop Strategy: For races with pit stops or driver changes, plan and prepare for any adjustments you might want to make. Check that the pit crew are fully briefed.

Record Your Adjustments: Whatever the outcome of the race, any data collected will prove invaluable for the next time you’re faced with the same conditions.

JB Data Engineering has been advising teams on race preparation and strategy for over ten years. If you’d like us in your pit box for your next race, call us now to check availability.

That about wraps about the June newsletter. We hope, wherever you’re racing, that you have a safe and successful June and we look forward to meeting you in a garage or paddock soon.

Although our diary is very full, we do have availability between 12 - 15.06.25, 20 - 22.06.25, 27 - 29.06.25 and 25 - 29.07.25. Please do call us if we can support you over any of these dates.

All the best,

Jordan - JB Data Engineering

Jordan

Have a great June

The JB Data Engineering Team.