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15 September 2026

Designing a motorsport telemetry system from trackside sensors to cloud dashboards

Discover the process of designing a racing telemetry stack and learn how to analyze data to improve performance

Designing a motorsport telemetry system from trackside sensors to cloud dashboards

Building a racing telemetry stack is a complex process that requires careful consideration of several factors, including sensor selectionCAN bus decoding and RF links. The goal of a telemetry system is to provide real-time data analysis and insights that can help improve performance and gain a competitive edge.

The process begins with the selection of suitable sensors that can provide accurate and reliable data on various parameters such as speed, acceleration, and temperature. These sensors are typically installed on the vehicle and transmit data to a central hub, which then forwards it to the cloud for analysis.

Sensor Selection and Installation

The choice of sensors depends on the specific requirements of the team and the type of data they want to collect. Accelerometers and gyroscopes are commonly used to measure acceleration and orientation, while GPS sensors provide location and speed data. The installation of these sensors requires careful consideration of factors such as noise reduction and electromagnetic interference.

CAN Bus Decoding and Data Analysis

Once the sensors are installed, the next step is to decode the data transmitted by the CAN bus which is a vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other. This requires specialized software and hardware that can interpret the data and provide meaningful insights. Data analysis is a critical component of the telemetry system, as it enables teams to identify trends and patterns that can inform strategy and improve performance.

RF Links and Cloud Connectivity

The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to the cloud via RF links which provide a reliable and secure connection. The data is then stored and analyzed in the cloud, using specialized software and tools such as dashboards and data visualization platforms. These tools enable teams to quickly and easily access and analyze the data, and make informed decisions about strategy and performance.

Actionable Race Analytics

The ultimate goal of a telemetry system is to provide actionable insights that can inform strategy and improve performance. This requires the ability to analyze large amounts of data and identify trends and patterns that can be used to optimize performance. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used in motorsport to analyze data and provide predictive insights that can help teams gain a competitive edge.

Author

Florence Wright

Florence Wright, Glasgow native with an editorial-minimal aesthetic, rerouted a social feed to live-cover a Pollok Park remembrance event, prioritising human detail over algorithmic reach. Promotes clarity, humane framing and local resonance; keeps an archive of Polaroids from neighbourhood gatherings as a personal emblem.