On Board Cameras

[Gary Wlodarsky]

"On board cameras must be mounted by bolt to kart. Cameras CANNOT be attached to driver or helmet."
 
 
FYI .. below are a few examples of various kart organization rules regarding on board video cameras.. general theme here is they don't allow a camera attached to the helmet (inside or outside), and don't allow cameras attached to the drivers body.
 
 
National Kart Alliance:
20.1.1 Cameras & Camera Mounting: 20.1.1.1: Up to two (2) cameras (Go Pro or similar) per kart is allowed. Each camera and clear protective casing is to have the last name of the Legal Entrant clearly printed on it.
20.1.1.2: Cameras must be hard mounted by bolt and nut to a driver fairing or side pod. Mounting by use of any form of adhesive is prohibited. The Race Director or Tech Official may require additional measures.
20.1.1.3: Mounting any camera to the helmet in any way is prohibited at all times. This includes any form of mounting to the shell of the helmet, or the mounting of any type of video or camera system inside the helmet, such as in the viewport.
 
Kart Racers of America
Video Cameras are allowed, video cameras must be mounted to the chassis or the bodywork using bolts and securely in place. Cameras can not be attached to the driver or the helmet. In the event of a flip or contact the camera could cause injury.
 
Super Kart USA:
20.2.7.2.2. Identification: All cameras used at SKUSA events must be registered prior to use and have the SKUSA inspection sticker clearly visible on the camera body. Additionally each camera must be clearly marked with the owner’s name and mobile phone number. Cameras without identification may not be returned. Loss of the camera on the racing surface may result in penalties, including loss of positions, loss of points, and/or monetary fines.
20.2.7.2.3. Mounting Procedures: The following mounting procedures must be followed at all times; all cameras shall be subject to inspection and removal at any time by tech personnel. Competitors in violation will be subject to penalties, including loss of positions, loss of points, or monetary fines. Under no circumstances are cameras allowed on the driver’s person or helmet. This includes any form of mounting to the shell of the helmet, or the mounting of any type of video or camera system inside the helmet, such as in the viewport. Mounting on radiator or side pod is no longer permitted.
20.2.7.2.3.1. Cameras must be hard-mounted by bolt and nut. Mounting by use of any form of adhesive is prohibited. 20.2.7.2.3.2. Cameras may be mounted on front panel (as long as number plate is not obscured), main frame rails or welded seat strut.
20.2.7.2.3.3. The Race Director or Tech Official may require additional measures.
 
 

[Blaine Young]

5/24/2019

This looks like a solution in search of a problem.  I've only seen one go pro come off a helmet during a race.  It bounced harmlessly in the grass and looked more like a box muffler than a camera.  Excessive regulation killed our economy for eight years.  We don't need it in karting to the point of forgetting this is supposed to be fun.

Smokey

[Rolf Hill]

Blaine, I haven’t seen ANY come off, but that doesn’t doesn’t address the SNELL certification issue. The certification process does not include testing for the safety of or lack of safety when an incident occurs and the protrusion (i.e., camera) catches on some and wrenches the neck.

Until I got my current helmet, my GoPro attachment was stuck on with 3M double sided sticky tape. Drilling a hole and putting a bolt through the helmet ... what were people thinking? Yikes!

[David Luciani]

smokey, that reg is more about helmet failure than losing the camera at speed.
there have been instances where the helmet failed , in all probability from the attached go pro. 
better safe than sorry.
dave l

[Scott Elkes]

My understanding aligns with Rolf Hill on the helmet aspect--Snell Certification. How would the testing organization cerify the different mounting points and methods used by users. I'm in the opinion this is an appropriate restriction.

I was surprise to read mounting on side pods (using adhesive) and radiators via adhesives are no longer accepted--shall be attached by bolt and nut. I've mounted action cameras on my modern 125cc TaG and 125cc Honda Shifter using adhesive mounts on the radiators; my modern LO206 bolted on metal brackets to frame; and various friends' enduro kart tanks and Road Race Sprint kart radiators (speeds approach 100 mph for 30 t0 45 minute races). As many people know I extensively video my karting days and ironically the ONLY failure I had was when the GoPro plastic outer case broke at the bolt mounting attachment point on my LO206 Kart at Fremont Raceway Park. The safety wire tether did not work because of where it was applied (None of the action camera brands offer a tether connection point.).

What is important in applying adhesive mounts provided from the action camera brands is first READ and follow the adhesive mount instructions. Proper surface cleaning and allowing the adhesive mount 24 hours to bond/cure on the attached surface on the instructions I've read. Often people do not allow for the bonding time. A properly done adhesive bond for the intended application will not fail. Just a note, the Aero industry use adhesives extensively for plane construction--stronger and lighter than bolts, nuts or rivets.

The SuperKartUSA requirements just makes it easier for the racer just not to use the camera. I'm in the opinion, SKUSA response is not related to safety, but to protect the television rights (which is understandable). I have seen a properly credential photographer for the event escorted away by officials during a race to review the contents to see if he had shot any video (he didn't) along with his photos.