RaceCam
| Company type | Technology / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motor racing broadcasting technology |
| Founded | 1970s |
| Founder | Seven Network (Australia) |
| Products | In-car video camera systems for motor racing |
RaceCam refers to a specialized video camera system designed mainly for use in motor racing. It utilizes cameras mounted on vehicles, combined with microwave radio transmission and helicopter relay systems, to broadcast live footage from inside race cars directly to pit teams and television viewers.
History
While 16mm cameras affixed to vehicles were seen as early as 1973, the RaceCam concept was created in the late 1970s by Australia's Seven Network. Its first public appearance occurred during the 1979 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 endurance event at Mount Panorama, where driver Peter Williamson provided live narration from his Toyota Celica.
American audiences were introduced to RaceCam through CBS coverage of the 1981 Daytona 500, featuring footage from Terry Labonte's Buick Regal. This was followed by a more refined version utilized by the ABC during the 1983 Indianapolis 500.
RaceCam technology has advanced alongside high-definition television developments, incorporating features such as "Bumpercam" (mounted on bumpers), "Roofcam" (positioned on roofs), and "Clearview," a system designed to remove debris from camera lenses. In IndyCar racing, camera locations transitioned over time—from over-the-shoulder mounts in 1983 to rear-mounted in 1988, nosecone placement in 1994, and rollbar or overhead mounting by 1997—with later units capable of full 360° rotation. Additional perspectives include views from the rear wing, gearbox, helmet ("Visor cam"), foot area displaying heel-and-toe shifting ("footcam"), sidepods, cockpit face angles, and "CrewCam" attached to pit crew helmets. NASCAR's comparatively spacious cockpits have accommodated larger cameras equipped with remote-controlled 360° movement.
In Australia, it was common for drivers to be equipped with live communication links to television commentators during races, enhancing viewer engagement. In contrast, NASCAR drivers generally opted out of such arrangements due to concerns over distraction.
Formula One utilizes comparable technology with aerodynamic "camera pods" installed above each vehicle's airbox, delivering forward and backward views. According to FIA regulations, every car must carry five camera or dummy housings positioned at designated points.
IndyCar rules require multiple "camera pod" housings—located above the roll bar, front nosecone, aeroscreen, rear wing, and within rear-view mirrors—regardless of whether cameras are installed. This standard maintains aerodynamic consistency between cars equipped with cameras or ballast weights.
In 2019, the FIA Formula E Championship launched "Driver's Eye," a compact helmet-mounted camera embedded within driver padding to provide immersive visual angles.