AiM Race Studio 3 Data Analysis Guide: Reading Your Session Data

Downloading a session is only the first step. The real value of AiM Race Studio 3 comes from reading that data properly, so you make a genuine change rather than chasing noise. This guide sets out a practical process our race engineer Aaron Harris uses when reviewing AiM data.

Before You Analyse Anything

• Confirm the session is complete and downloaded correctly. A partial or corrupted file will mislead any comparison.
• Record the context: track, weather, tyres, fuel load, and any setup changes made that session. Data without context is hard to trust.
• Keep the original file untouched. Work from a copy if you want to trim, rename, or annotate it.

Step 1: Start With a Single Fast Lap

Before comparing anything, look at one clean, representative lap on its own. Check that speed, RPM, throttle, and brake traces look sensible for that track, with no obvious sensor dropouts or spikes.

Step 2: Lap Versus Lap

Compare your fastest lap against a consistent reference lap from the same session, same tyres, and similar fuel load. Overlay speed, throttle, and brake traces on the track map to see exactly where time is gained or lost, corner by corner.

Small, repeatable differences matter more than a single outlier lap. If a gap only shows up once, check for a one-off mistake, traffic, or a track condition change before assuming it's a real setup or technique difference.

Step 3: Driver Versus Driver (When It's a Fair Comparison)

Comparing two drivers is only useful if the comparison is fair. Before drawing a conclusion, check that both laps used the same or comparable vehicle, tyre condition, fuel load, and track conditions. A driver comparison across different fuel loads or tyre ages will mislead you more often than it helps.

Step 4: Read the Traces Together, Not One at a Time

• Speed and RPM together show gearing and shift point effectiveness.
• Throttle and brake together show overlap, trail-braking behaviour, and how cleanly a driver transitions between the two.
• Steering angle with speed shows whether a slower corner speed comes from steering input, line, or hesitation.
• GPS position with all of the above pins the difference to an exact spot on track, which is what actually helps a driver change something specific.

Common Data Analysis Mistakes

Judging a driver from one lap

One lap can be affected by traffic, a small mistake, or a track condition change. Look for a pattern across multiple laps before drawing a conclusion.

Comparing laps from different fuel loads or tyre ages

Both meaningfully change lap time on their own. Note fuel and tyre condition alongside every session so comparisons stay fair.

Diagnosing a mechanical or engine issue from a single channel

Confirm the sensor, wiring, and calibration are correct before treating an unusual trace as a genuine mechanical finding. A wiring or calibration issue can look exactly like a real problem.

Ignoring GPS quality

Poor GPS reception or an incorrect track definition can distort position-based comparisons. Treat position data cautiously if reception was marginal during the session.

Keep Building a Useful Data History

Save sessions with clear file names (track, date, driver, session type) and keep notes on setup changes alongside them. Over a season, this history becomes genuinely useful for spotting real trends rather than one-off noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many laps do I need before I trust a comparison?

There's no fixed number, but look for a pattern across at least two or three comparable laps rather than relying on a single lap.

Can I compare data between two different AiM devices?

Only if both devices logged comparable channels with comparable sensor setups. Confirm channel names and units match before assuming a direct comparison is valid.

Why does my data look noisy or jumpy?

Check sensor connections, calibration, and sample rate first. Genuine mechanical or driver behaviour is rarely the first explanation for consistently noisy data.

Continue Your Race Studio 3 Learning

Head back to the AiM Race Studio 3 Knowledge Hub for installation, configuration, channels, and troubleshooting guidance.