This week's episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast is something rather special. David Emmett talks to Peter Bom, former crew chief and data recording engineer in Moto2, Moto3, and WorldSBK, and analyst and commentator for Dutch Eurosport. Recorded in the paddock at a newly-reopened Assen circuit (opened following special COVID-19 protocols), and therefore subject to a bit of background noise.

The podcast is an absolute treasure trove of information on the role of data in motorcycle racing. From how things have changed when Bom first started to work for the Ten Kate team through to today, from going to a couple of channels recorded to hundreds of channels recording every possible thing that can be measured.

Peter Bom talks about how he got into working with data, how he manipulates data to look for the information which can help him improve the bike, and about talking to riders and interpreting their input. Bom has worked with some big names, including Cal Crutchlow, Chris Vermeulen, and Stefan Bradl, and he discusses how good their feedback was.

He also explains to me why building your own data recording set from cheap sensors and a Raspberry Pi is not the same as using a proper 2D sensor kit. And he gives advice on how to get into racing for anyone who fancies themselves as the next great data engineer in MotoGP.

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