Learn 7 essential tips for capturing high-quality track day videos, from camera angles and mounting systems to audio recording and editing techniques.

Recording a track day video offers many benefits, including analyzing your driving technique, creating memories that will last for years to come, and posting on social media. Yet, successful motorsport filming comes down to preparation and planning before the pedal hits the metal. Here are seven essential steps for capturing the best footage. 

Tip 1 — Plan Your Camera Angles Ahead of Time

Interior POV, driver-facing, forward-facing on hood: decide what story you want to tell

Great movies aren’t created by accident; a lot of advanced planning goes into these efforts, and memorable track day videos are no different. Take some time to determine what the focus of your track day video should be. Does it highlight the car’s performance? Do you want to showcase your driving skills? Is the track especially challenging or interesting? 

The right camera angle helps tell the story you want to share:

• Interior point-of-view shots capture the authentic driver experience
• Driver-facing angles reveal concentration and reactions
• Forward-facing views from the hood emphasize speed and track conditions
• External angles (if permitted by track rules) showcase the car in action
  
  

Use multiple cameras or reposition between sessions for variety

The typical track day adventure involves multiple driving sessions, creating ideal opportunities to change camera positions between each run. 

Even using one camera doesn’t limit your creativity—just plan the camera position around each session. This prevents the footage from becoming dull and adds visual interest. 

Tip 2 — Use a Reliable Mount for Stable Footage

Why mount quality matters: stability at speed and through vibrations

Unstable footage is the surest way of making a track day video unwatchable. Behind-the-wheel time on a circuit is vastly different than spirited driving on a public road. Track experiences include: 

• G-forces during cornering and acceleration
• Vertical movement from suspension compression and expansion
• Engine and road vibrations
• High speeds create additional wind pressure
  
  

Consumer-grade camera mounts aren’t designed for these effects, resulting in shaky footage or detached equipment.

Regarding his SUPERMOUNTS, track day enthusiast Brad Telford notes that it’s “One of the best accessories I’ve bought for my C7 and I buy a lot. I switch between the Uniden R7 mount and my Insta360. Best thing is I have plenty of mirror adjustment compared to the blendmount I took off.”

Keeping cameras steady during high-speed laps: SUPERMOUNTS and similar systems

For how to film a track day purposes, SUPERMOUNTS is a mirror-based mounting system with several benefits:

• Uses a mechanical attachment to a secure point instead of a suction cup
• Positions the camera to a central location for balanced footage
• Provides quick-release functionality for easy between-session adjustments
• Offers adapter options for action cameras, phones, and DSLRs

Tip 3 — Optimize Camera Settings for Speed

High frame rate for smooth slow-motion

The best camera settings for racing video involve filming at higher frame rates. Your options, depending on the equipment, include:

• 60 fps: Provides moderately smooth slow-motion
• 120 fps: Delivers extremely fluid slow-motion for technical analysis
• 240 fps: Offers an ultra-slow analysis of specific driving moments
  
  

High frame rates are well-suited for slowing down the action during post-production. This effect is ideal for analyzing driving techniques and race starts and finishes. 

Use ND filters on bright days to avoid glare and get cinematic motion blur

Neutral density (ND) filters should be avoided in low-light situations but are essential for daytime motorsport filming. ND filter benefits include:

• Reducing excess light on bright days
• Allowing for wider apertures to create a more shallow depth of field
• Creates natural motion blurs that are easier for the human eye to recognize
• Minimize windshield glare
  
  

Check that your camera can accept an ND filter. Adjusting the settings may be necessary. Some manufacturers offer ND filter kits that automatically change the settings. 

Tip 4 — Capture Audio (It's Half the Experience)

Think about how a favorite movie might be different without an engaging soundtrack. Track day videos fully capture the experience when high-quality sound is part of the production.  

Use an external microphone or recorder to catch engine roar and track commentary

Whether you’re going for an ASMR effect or capturing a complete behind-the-wheel encounter, audio conveys emotion through: 

• Engine and exhaust notes communicate power and performance
• Transmission whine and gear changes reveal driving technique
• Tire screeches signal grip levels and driving intensity
• Driver commentary provides context and insights
  
  

While most action cameras and smartphones have integrated microphones, these are often insufficient for recording finer sound details, especially in track-day settings. Add accessory microphones (shotgun or lavalier units) or separate audio recorders throughout the car. 

Wind protection for mics when windows are down or the top is off

Filming open-air driving gives a more authentic element to a track video but introduces wind noise that can overwhelm a microphone. Be aware of this factor by placing the microphone away from airflow paths. Also, consider using a foam or furry windscreen to help with noise suppression.

Tip 5 — Safety First with Your Setup

While safety is always a paramount concern for a track day, it takes on expanded importance during filming.

Secure all equipment

Loose items can become projectiles, especially at higher speeds. These same objects are also distractions, further increasing the potential danger. Here are essential safety steps to follow when determining how to film a track day:

• Double-check all connections after installation
• Tighten all mounting points before every session
• Secure expensive or vulnerable equipment with secondary attachments
• Don’t use equipment that can’t be properly secured
  
  

Mount out of the driver's line of sight and ensure no distraction while racing

Safety is always the priority when setting up cameras and supporting gear:

• Ensure camera placement doesn’t affect driver visibility
• Controls and displays should be accessible and noticeable
• Equipment mounting should not interfere with driving controls
• Perform an equipment safety check before entering the track
• Observe all track safety rules (some venues prohibit the use of handheld recording devices)

Tip 6 — Leverage Telemetry and Apps

Pair your footage with data overlays

There’s more to a great track day video than filming the driving action. Consider adding performance data to the production to boost the content value and enhance training:

• Speed indicators make straight-line performance visually apparent
• G-force meters illustrate cornering intensity
• Racing line displays show ideal vs. actual paths through corners
• Lap time comparisons demonstrate improvement throughout the day

Use apps or OBD-II devices; mount your phone or device running the app via SUPERMOUNTS for visibility

Several apps and devices can capture performance data:

• RaceChrono
• Harry’s GPS LapTimer
• Garmin Catalyst
• AiM Solo or similar GPS-based data loggers
• OBD-II readers connected to performance apps

When using your phone for telemetry, secure it safely with a quality mount to keep it visible without creating a distraction. As SUPERMOUNTS user Michael Magpile remarks, “I can just quickly and easily attach a GoPro with the magnetic GoPro plate. I can attach various other magnetic mounts to the RoadSpy mount like a phone mount.”

Tip 7 — Edit and Share with Flair

Adding some final touches to your track day video can turn an ordinary production into an extraordinary one. 

Suggestions for editing 

A video made up only of raw track footage can be unengaging. Instead, edit your production with conciseness and focused content in mind:

• Highlight best-of segments and skill-challenging maneuvers 
• Avoid lengthy straights or action-free sections
• Showcase multiple angles simultaneously via picture-in-picture editing
• Appropriately add background music that complements, not overwhelms engine sounds
• As appropriate, add text captions that put events in context for viewers
  
  

Encourage sharing on automotive forums or social media

Half the fun of participating in a track day event is sharing the experience and creating a network of fellow enthusiasts. There are several ways to approach this:

• Post highlights on Instagram and YouTube with relevant hashtags
• Share on model- or track-specific forums for advice and technical feedback
• Look for additional posting opportunities, such as through track day organizations' social media

Relive the Thrill!

Good preparation and the right gear lead to epic track day videos

The quality of a track day video is directly related to preparation, production, equipment, and attention to detail. Proper use of a stable mounting solution is just one of the contributors to compelling content. As you’ve learned, there are many elements to successfully capturing the excitement and intensity of performance driving. 

Share your footage and think about upgrades for the next track day

Show your videos to the track day community for feedback and exchange ideas. Before your next event, think about whether your current setup is giving you the quality you want. Many enthusiasts have found that using a dedicated solution to mount a GoPro for track use significantly improves their footage quality and reliability. Even small improvements to your mounting system, camera settings, or audio capture can turn your videos from basic documentation into compelling content that really captures the excitement of high-performance driving.

Discover how SUPERMOUNTS can elevate your track day video efforts. Visit the RoadSpy store or reach out to RoadSpy customer service for professional support.