There are numerous frustrating aspects of the motorsports industry. As a business owner, I frequently ponder other sectors and companies to see what I can learn from them. Similarly, they could try to learn from others. Here are some of my pain points in the motorsports industry. Do you agree or disagree? Did I miss anything? Reach out and let me know.
#5 - Customer Communication
Effective communication is a key area where the motorsports industry can improve. Whether it's a local sanctioning body failing to effectively reach the next generation, a race shop ignoring inquiries, or a parts company with a subpar website, there's a clear need for better customer communication.
It's evident that the motorsports industry as a whole needs to embrace the digital age. In today's competitive landscape, quick email responses and a strong social media and marketing presence should be the norm, not the exception.
Bonus points
Sanctioning bodies should send drivers emails early and have an event schedule available well in advance.
Race shops should have the decency to say, "Sorry, we are too busy to take on that project," which is better than letting a car collect dust for months or giving no response at all.
Parts companies should stock their products (!!) and clearly state lead times for custom or back-ordered products (and then live up to them).
#4 - Competition Licensing and Advancement
You may as well ask a Ouiji board how to advance through the HPDE/time trial/competition license ladder. Trying to pin down a lead instructor for a check ride can be like asking the government for your tax refund today.
Standardizing the advancement criteria, clearly communicating the standards, and allowing individuals to progress based on their aspirations is a step towards a more transparent and fair motorsport experience.
On the flip side, vet your drivers! Everybody thinks they are a better driver than they genuinely are. Some people greatly exaggerate their experience and skill. The only thing worse than holding a good driver back in the lower ranks is allowing a bad driver into the higher ranks just because they said they are experienced, fast, or both.
#3 - Track Insurance
What is this black magic? Many people are unaware of the track insurance industry, which can be a mystery. However, it is available through providers like Hagerty and Lockton.
Track insurance is already relatively affordable, so make it more visible and easier to sign up (why do I have to fill out all the information manually every single time?), and I promise you'll attract a lot of new clients and have a lot more repeat business!
#2 - Timing and Scoring
MyLaps has a monopoly on motorsports timing and scoring. With RaceHero's closure in 2024 (thanks, Hagerty!), the visibility, accessibility, and reliability of live timing and scoring for club-level motorsports are in shambles.
Speedhive sucks. Race Monitor sucks and costs money. We gotta be able to do better than this.
#1 - Motorsports Cameras
The issue of limited and subpar motorsports cameras is a source of frustration for many. The market lacks diversity and quality, leaving us with few options that don't quite meet our needs.
AiM produces cameras that work decently, but their video quality remains stuck in 2008, and they persist in developing the worst software in motorsports. Racelogic/VBOX produces high-quality products, but only at unaffordable prices. Then, outside of the "action camera" market, there is little else available to racers.
Even when you accept the inherent limitations and use an action camera but want to try and do some light editing or integrate data overlays, you have to:
- Use the GoPro Quik app on your phone because they dropped the desktop app, or
- Figure out how to use a real editing suite like Adobe Premiere, or
- Use Race Render, a motorsports-focused video editing suite that has not been updated or supported in years.
In a world where video (YouTube and TikTok, even Instagram) has largely replaced words and photos, you'd think it would be easier for us to shoot, edit, and share motorsports videos.
