Race Day: Jettribe Lake Perris Open Round 3 with Tanaka Racing

We joined Tanaka Racing again this past weekend to log and support the team at the Jettribe Lake Perris Open in the Amateur and Novice classes (since they were running a mostly stock jet-ski). As expected, the California weather pulled through with warm weather throughout the day despite initial overcast and clouds as we arrived at Perris, CA.

Arriving at Lake Perris at 7:30 for initial lake entry inspections

Upon arrival, we stop in a line at the entrance for vehicles towing or entering the water. To prevent the introduction of invasive species, all watercraft are inspected for water in and around the watercraft's hull, and in any compartments. We had no problem getting in, but as you can see from the line forming at 7:30 in the morning, they take it very seriously!

Once past inspection, it was time to set up our pit area and get ready for the driver's briefing and practice sessions. Despite occupying such a small beach area of the man-made lake, organizers did a great job getting racers in and out of the water in time for their heat. At this point, race organizers also do a visual inspection of skis for safety and to make sure skis meet class requirements.

Here we are at the Tanaka Racing pit area, and the Stock class Kawasaki Ultra 260X that Aki Tanaka raced for the day

As the sun began to show its face and the clouds cleared, the beach area became packed with large trailers, motorhomes, large tents, stages, and spectator vehicles. It proved to be quite a challenge to maneuver the large 1000lb Stock-Runabout class Tanaka Racing Kawasaki Ultra 260X to and from the small beach landing with all of the spectators and rival team carts, trucks and pit crew all fighting for the same space between races.

A look at the chaos in the landing area/start line for the day's race layout

After the drivers' meeting, each class of watercraft was allowed to run a brief practice session on the course. We brought our DigSpice GPS-Datalogger to check the Tanaka Racing 260X's cornering speeds in relation to other stock-class rivals. Stock-class Sea-Doo's proved to have an edge on the smaller course layout despite the wide/tight 2-way section of the course.

Data from previous test sessions shows that the heavy 260X suffers on exit-speed,

We can see from the data that as much as 10mph is lost mid-turn during sharp slalom sections in the heavy Kawasaki, even more on hard hair-pins. Watching the G/Radius grid, we see that the ski corners well, pulling as much as 1.2G+ in 45-50M radius turns, but has drop quite a bit of speed. This loss of speed directly translated to the course layout of this day's race, as the course layout proved to be much tighter and smaller than what most racers have anticipated... This layout heavily favored lighter watercraft such as those from Sea-Doo and the lighter/nimble Sport and Stand-up classes.

The course layout for round 3 proved to be a technical challenge for heavier watercraft, barely scratching 50mph

The course starts with the starting gate right from the beach landing, and into the first left-hander. Racers are immediately thrown into the last split/2-way section of the course, splitting the field, only to converge again at nearly full speed as they approach the aggressive slalom section. This slalom is a series of sharp hair-pins which sets riders facing eachother as they make their way through the buoys. As you can imagine, it gets very choppy as the waves from each passing ski hits the next. After the slalom is a high-speed dash to the faster section of the course, which brings rider back to the split-section and to the start/finish line.

Since the Tanaka Racing 260X is set up for off-shore, the non-adjustable sponsons on the side of the watercraft provided too much "grip" for this tight course, not allowing the rear to swing out and carry momentum through the turn. Unfortunately being that the sponsons were non-adjustable, we had to make-do with the settings we had, and will consider changes for the next race.

The view for most of the day, rushing to get Tanaka Racing's 260X in and out as quick as possible

With back-to-back races and 2 heats, the course was always busy and the beach always lined with pit-crew and spectators. A slight start mishap led to a DNS during Tanaka's second heat. After pulling the ski aside and with some beach-side help, a loose starter wire turned out to be the culprit, and we managed to make the final race of the stock-runabout class. Despite the results, this race provided valuable experience for us and the team, and we hope to tag along for the next race at Lake Elsinore in a better prepared ski!

We will continue to monitor the ski and rider's progress with the DigSpice GPS-Datalogger at the next test session, and hope to finish strong at the next race! Stay tuned for more!

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Introduction to DigSpice

A quick introduction to the DigSpice - "DigSpice II GPS Data-Logger"

What is DigSpice?

DigSpice II is an ultra-compact GPS-based data logging device with detailed driving analysis software (included). The compact GPS receiver and recorder automatically logs GPS data which can then be saved and viewed on a PC. Critical data such as elapsed/lap times and speeds are recorded automatically with minimal set up and ease of use. Since it is solely GPS-based, DigSpice can be used literally anywhere that can receive a GPS satellite signal. Elapsed time, time of recording, and date are automatically synced via GPS for accurate and consistent times, and the unit itself is already RTR (ready-to-run) out of the box after initial charge.

Actual DigSpice II GPS unit is about the size of a box of matches

How does DigSpice work?

Rather than relying on bulky GPS tracking devices with built in accelerometers (G-meters), the DigSpice II GPS Data Logger uses complex algorithms based on GPS coordinates on 3 axis to determine speeds, turn/corner radius, cornering G (lateral and accel/brake), altitiude, etc.. Whether on a bicycle or on a LMP2 prototype racecar reaching in excess of 300kph, DigSpice II offers accurate and invaluable information for reviewing after being recorded. 

Unlike sensor-based logging devices... bumps in the road, differences in barometric pressure (for altitude), vehicle direction, and other variables don't affect the accuracy of the data collected on the DigSpice II GPS data logger. With true 10Hz (100 millisecond recording frequency) GPS satellite data, DigSpice is able to offer precise data acquisition to within 3 meter (<10 ft) of accuracy.

Screenshot of the data playback feature of the DigSpice - Driving Analysis Software

Who can benefit from using DigSpice?

Beginner, grassroots, or professional racers at any level looking to improve on their line and lap times can benefit from collecting track data from any event. Whether comparing lap times for fun for personal use, with friends at a local track day, or detailed head to head comparison of driving data with that of other professional drivers, anyone of any level can enjoy the benefits of using DigSpice.

Data-logging is not only limited to racers, but can be utilized by people who wish to log detailed data for both recreational and professional use. Can be used for watercraft, cycling (all forms), skydiving, bobsleds, skiing, and many other forms of activities whether or not there is existing track course/map data.

Why should you use DigSpice?

You will often see many grassroots to pro-level race teams and drivers use data-logging device(s) to monitor both vehicle parameters as well as lap data. Such information is vital for real-time and post-race reviewing alike. The GPS-based ultra-compact design offers powerful and accurate data acquisition in a much lighter package compared to traditional standalone and piggy-back data-logging devices. 

The small, light, and user-friendly DigSpice II GPS Logger basically brings pro-level GPS data acquisition to the greenest amateurs and seasoned pros alike, who are looking to step foot into data-logging (or looking for a lighter alternative), for a fraction of the price. So why not take your cake and eat it, with high-resolution data-logging comparable to high-end GPS logging systems, but in an ultra-compact, truly portable, and hassle-free package!

Where can you use DigSpice?

Anywhere! Basically, there is almost no limit to where and how you can use the DigSpice II GPS Data Logger. As long as there is a GPS signal, the world is your limit. Since DigSpice records lateral, longitudinal, and altitude (X,Y, and Z), you can acquire data whether you are on the circuit in your car, out in the ocean in a jet-ski, or wingsuit diving from thousands of feet in the air.

Record data for small courses such as karting, autocross, gymkhana, motocross, or record long distance such as rally, baja.. even trips on trains, cars, or even planes. Whether in a small parking lot auto-cross event, or trail riding miles away from the nearest road, GPS data from DigSpice II can be uploaded onto Google Earth for easy viewing where there are no course/circuit or road map data.

Viewing on Google Earth not only allows you to view data collected from any where in the world, but also let you view it in 3D where elevation changes are present

When should DigSpice be used?

Since setup time is minimal, and there is only one switch on the device itself, anytime is a good time to use DigSpice when data needs to be collected. Where and how DigSpice can be used is up to the user. Anytime you wish to log elapsed times, lap times, or location, DigSpice offers an easy way to record data. Recording frequency can be adjusted from as little as 2Hz (0.5 sec interval), to the normal 5Hz (0.2 sec interval), to the high resolution true 10Hz (0.1 sec interval).

Set up minimum trigger "on" velocity (speed) to your preference for automatic recording/standby for non-continuous trips, activation of data-logging on track only (but on standby for off-track or during long pit stops/breaks), or any time you wish the DigSpice II GPS Data-Logger to function on its own without you monitoring it.


Hope that helps to introduce to you the benefits and basic features of DigSpice. We will add more entries in detail about the workings and how-to's on the DigSpice Driving Analysis Software included with every DigSpice II unit.

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Dealer Inquiries are Welcome!

web: www.DigSpice.com
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