GoPro Hero2 - What Do You Think?

[Jim Wahl]

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez

Save your money.
Rules revisions for 2012 says so.Read text below.I guess you can watch it in your trailer with the doors closed.Those boys in Glendora are really on top of it.I'm surprised they don't allow it,with a kick back to NHRA.Oh damn,I just gave them another enhancement they can foist on us.

SECTION 20: GENERAL REGULATIONS, SUPPORT GROUP: 9, 9:15 CAMERAS (Page 38) (To be added after 9:14 WARM-UPS)
Cameras permitted. May not be intentionally directed at the racer in the other lane without NHRA permission. Video may not be transmitted in any means or manner without NHRA permission. Incident video may not be transmitted under any circumstances. No video monitors permitted in or on the car. Video may not be used in any way to determine track position in real time. Must be securely attached to the vehicle with appropriate fasteners. May not be attached with suction cups, wires ties, hose clamps etc.. All mounting brackets, associated fasteners, hardware, etc. from the camera to the vehicle attachment point must be metal, no plastic or non-metallic components permitted. Attachment to the driver, the driver’s helmet or the steering wheel prohibited.

Thanks Ed for posting the rule. I agree with Yo Ken, The rule seems to be more aimed at not allowing someone to live broadcast from an NHRA race without their permission. I can understand this. I can almost understand them not wanting you to point your in car camera at your opponent without permission. However, I have yet to see ANY camera, on board or in car, that can be mounted totally with metal components. I can understand the NHRA not wanting the camera to come loose on a run and distracting the driver or falling on the track. The GoPro mounts provided with the camera have been tested on and in airplanes inside and out at over 300mph. I think the roll bar mount is plenty safe for any Sportsman car! The GoPro mounts appear to be much more heavy duty and stronger than any regular single screw camera mount I have seen.

As for videoing from the stands or in the staging lanes or pits, I see nothing prohibiting any of this as long as it is not a live feed transmission. What "Lang Productions" does for example seems to fit well within the rules. Jim


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