How to improve lap times with a simple speed/distance graph

J.G.
By J.G. Pasterjak
May 13, 2025 | Autocross, Time Trials, data, Data Analysis | Posted in Data & Communication , Features | From the May 2025 issue | Never miss an article

Photograph by Tradd's Photos

Many of today’s app-based data-acquisition packages cost less than a takeout pizza, and they’ll all provide the most valuable and useful slice of the data pie that you can consume: the speed/distance graph.

[Turn a smartphone into a data acquisition system | The apps you need]

Whether you’re new to data acquisition or have been using it for years, that speed/distance graph …

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Comments
ProCoach
ProCoach GRM+ Memberand New Reader
4/1/25 1:24 p.m.

FANTASTIC article!

The "Money" Channel, Speed versus Distance.

 

It's all you need.

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
4/1/25 1:59 p.m.

In reply to ProCoach :

It's almost annoying how effective the speed/distance graph is. cheeky

mherbert4701
mherbert4701 New Reader
4/1/25 4:23 p.m.

good info. What data program do you recommend for speed/distance graphs , and can it be used on your everyday smart phone inthe track/race car ? I don't want lug a laptop to the track, and I am a one-man show most times at an SCCA or club race event.

JG Pasterjak
JG Pasterjak Tech Editor & Production Manager
4/1/25 4:42 p.m.
mherbert4701 said:

good info. What data program do you recommend for speed/distance graphs , and can it be used on your everyday smart phone inthe track/race car ? I don't want lug a laptop to the track, and I am a one-man show most times at an SCCA or club race event.

Any of these apps will do what you need to do without having to carry a laptop or swap data cards. I honestly don't have a single favorite from that list, they're all really solid. Download all of them and see what UI you prefer then get the paid version of that one.

HVeras
HVeras GRM+ Memberand New Reader
4/2/25 9:33 a.m.

Great article 

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