In response to Vms's comment about the FCC regulations, I was recently in N.Carolina testing and we were using our two way radios. I stopped at Racing Electronics and asked them a few questions. When you purchase the basic two-way radio system they come per-programmed with two channels with chosen frequencies picked by R/E. There are a total of 8 channels on the radios but in order to request R/E to program more channels on them you need to acquire a FCC License. Now if you don't want to program more channels you do not need a license but R/E does suggest in having it.
I looked back in the rulebook and I was incorrect, it says that Radios are not permitted at any time. It doesn't say anything about testing which is the main reason why we purchased ours. Also, I couldn't find it but I remember it use to say that tracks in Virginia are allowed to use two-way radios. In 2011 when we attended Old Dominion speedway and was told the track allows radio communication so we borrowed a radio from another crew and I had a spotter but couldn't talk back. When we went to Shenandoah Speedway during the drivers meeting they asked the drivers to vote on radios because they normally allow radios but due to the number of outside drivers for that one event radios were not allowed.
I spoke to an official at Wall Stadium about radios and he told me that he doesn't have any problems with us using radios during practice as long as the radio is out of the car prior to the heat race. He said the wiring could be in there but they better not see a radio during a race other than the raceceiver. He thought it was a good idea to help with car adjustments but his #1 reason was safety. Wall Stadium is a high back high speed track and he said that if we could communicate to help stay out of trouble during practice he was all for it.
Personally I think that USLC should allow radios but mandate crew's to submit their freqs. and they can scan them to who is saying what. I know some people use radios for a negative reason but I think that there are more positives than negatives. I respect the fact the Racerdad is looking out for the best interest and safety of his daughter. Not only buy communicating with her on the track he could also help her avoid mistakes and other circumstances that may ruin someone's night.
Here is an personal example why radios could help, a few weeks ago I was racing at Concord Speedway. Two cars in front of me hooked bumpers but I couldn't see that. I was on the outside and when those two cars unhooked the 2nd car hooked right and collected my left rear. I was done for the night with damages that included a broken LR axle, two shocks, two wheels, rear housing, and a LR fender. If we were allowed to use radios my crew could have told me to back off and finish in 5th so I could finish in one piece and compete in the feature. Such is life and racing but that is just one of many times that a radio could have saved someones car, night, and pocket.
