RaceCam

RaceCam is a video camera system used primarily in motor racing, which utilizes a network of car-mounted cameras, microwave radio transmitters, and relays from helicopters to send live images from inside a race car to both pit crews and television audiences.

The technology was first developed in the late 1970s by ATN-7 (now the Seven Network) in Australia, who introduced it for the Hardie Ferodo 1000 endurance race at Mount Panorama in Bathurst, New South Wales in 1979.

American audiences were first introduced to RaceCam in 1983, when ABC acquired the rights to use a streamlined version of the technology for their coverage of the Indianapolis 500. The first Indy winning car with a RaceCam was that of Rick Mears in 1991. Over the years, the camera location varied from "over-the-shoulder" in 1983, to rear-mounted (looking backwards) in 1988, to nosecone-mounted in 1994, to rollbar, above-mounted in 1997.

In the same timeframe, CBS and ESPN began utilizing on-board cameras during NASCAR telecasts from different developers. The large, boxy interior of the NASCAR stock cars allowed modified, nearly regular-sized video cameras to be mounted in the cockpit. CBS utilized a remote controlled, 360° rotating camera, and 1984 Daytona 500 winner Cale Yarborough carried one to victory.

Over the years, RaceCam has been refined and led to further developments. The "Bumpercam" uses a camera mounted on the car's bumper. The "Roofcam" is a camera mounted on a car's roof, which gives a broader view, and a more authentic perspective of the driver's sightlines. Both systems are popular with NASCAR viewers. "Clearview" is another system, which removes grit and dust from the lens.

References

* [http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/centenary/page3.shtml 'Australian Innovations' stamps]
* [http://www.geocities.com/johnsonindy500/indy500/imstv.html Indy on TV]