Harrys Laptimer Petrolhead App Reviews

This app is for anyone who wants to spend all day at the track squinting at their phone and trying to figure out why their sensors aren’t working instead of driving.

I’m completely blown away by the features and functionality of this app, and the documented support. There are so many things you can do with it, an incredible array of supported accessory devices, and with all the complexity available there is documentation and online support that makes it easy to work with. Best value it track software out there.

I want to return this. Where’s the “give me back my money” button? So frustrating.

Been a user for few years and it’s quite honestly one of the best lap timer solutions (and not just among mobile apps). Other professional setups will cost you over $1000 when you factor in hardware but this app will fine on its own give you nearly same level of data acquisition. Best of all is Harry’s dedication to the community. He personally responds to all troubleshooting requests despite the majority of questions being repeat asks already covered in his FAQ and provides regular feature updates to the software. Anyone complaining about user difficulty didn’t spend the 5 mins to read the user guide.

Let's see: Awful interface, very unstable, exceptionally difficult to use, inaccurate, full of bugs, overly complex, expensive. These are some adjective that describe the app. Only one tutorial that is available online that is both outdated and useless. Great idea for an app awful execution

This seems expensive for an iPhone app, but you're basically turning your iPhone into a $1000+ racing telemetry unit. I haven't tried the video overlay function yet, but if it works as advertised, (and by all reports, it does so quite well...), you're getting the equivalent of a $2000+ system. Kind of a no-brainer. Costs roughly gas money for half-a-dozen laps around my home track. If I had ANY complaint at all, navigation through all the various feature menus is a touch confusing -- but I think that's mostly because this thing is so crazy packed with features that it's hard to organize all of it into a logical format. If you look back at all the version releases, it keeps doing more and more. If he adds any more features, it's liable to drive the car for you! Phenomenal app. If you've got an iPhone and even do one HPDE/PDX/Track Day, you should have already downloaded this thing...

This app is one of the most amazing apps available for the iOS platform. The amount of functionality it provides eclipses what you'd expect on a desktop application, let alone a mobile device. Bottom line is, if you want to record vehicle data, either on the track or street, and combine that with video, this app can drive it all. Issues? Harry maintains a great forum for his products and is extremely responsive. The amount he charges for these apps is a complete bargain.

The most irritating thing is that this seems to be the best app for this sort of thing. The user interface is some sick, cruel joke. The app locks up from time to time. The list of tracks truncated the useful information (Buttonwillow clockwise vs counter clockwise). The settings are impossible to understand. The problem is, if you can get it set up and working the results are brilliant. The overlay of the track map, accelerometer and speed over video are great. Unfortunately, you can't hit a button to automatically overlay ever lap, you have to manually go through and overlay each one. Adding insult to injury, the overlay settings are reset every time you go in to overlay, so you have to remember every time to reset the lead in and out to zero and disable that stupid count-down thing. Trying to load maps is an excercise in frustration. First of all, I'm usually near a track when I want to load it, why not show me the nearby tracks? When tracks nearby have variants, the most important part of the track name is the part that differs (for Thunderhill, is this with the bypass or without? For Buttonwillow, is this clockwise or counter clockwise?). The track list shows the names and truncates the interesting bits. Tapping on the track usually results in loading the details page instead of loading the track.

Attempted to log lap times at ButtonWillow raceway. Would not recognize the track, and app kept crashing. Worst $$$ spent

I am indeed an admitted Petrolhead, and as such, was looking for a way to get data displayed on my GoPro videos of track days. I cannot believe there is any app better than this one. The richness of this app continues to surprise me. Tying devices together like an OBD II plug, external GPS, GoPro Hero3 camera, is no easy feat. Granted some of the features are a bit difficult to find, but they are there. I feared when rendering an overlay onto a 2GB GoPro video on my iPhone 5, but the stability of the app is top notch. Great job, Harry! I'm now a big fan and will evangelize this app to my Petrolhead friends!!

Is what we need for trackday use

Awesome app, wish there was a way to cut off incoming calls while using it

I've been using various editions of Harry's for 3 years and have maybe 200 laps recorded at various track days. Let me say that this app has done wonders for my driving. Compared to just using a camera this gives you hard data about speed and cornering forces, and the camera gives you the line that you took. I consider this a must have for anyone serious about doing track days or autocross events. It does take some time to get familiar with and find the perfect mounting location for your phone, but once you get familiar with it the app is no more intrusive than a video camera when leaving the pits. Plus this app is being very actively developed, so I feel confident that the money I spent won't be wasted.

Looks to have great potential. Tried it out, but with mixed results. Got another track weekend coming up, hoping for a better outcome.

I rely on this app for all track day events and it works extremely well. I have been pleased with all the telemetry and the ability to control my GoPro for 2 camera overlay video. Just be sure you have a mount that allows for good ventilation because your phone will get hot. I use one with "fingers" and even in 100+ weather the phone keeps running with video being recorded.

Finally got to test this out last weekend and I keep finding more and more cool things that it does. The video feature with data overlay has to be the best part, but I also like the Google Earth export as well. We put it up against the transponder times and found that with the UltiMate GPS module added on (didn't test without it), it was within 0.01 to 0.004 seconds each lap (transponder measures to the thousandth, while Harry's is to the hundredth so some rounding may be occurring). We also compared the output to expensive data/video logger setups and it was either just as good or better. The only thing we didn't have (though it looks like Harry's supports it) is OBD data from the car. But really, somebody just needs to make a Bluetooth sensor for the accelerator/brake that Harry can work in. The only reason I didn't give this five stars is due to the UI. It's a bit clunky and hard to move around some times (Harald, I'm a designer and would be happy to consult with you on this). My only other gripe (not even enough to factor into the 4 vs 5 star decision) is that it sometimes had trouble marking a new lap if I pulled into the hot pits, not crossing start/finish. Not sure if this was due to a GPS mapping issue (at Auto Club Speedway) or an issue with the software. I'd also like to see it split out sessions better (any laps that are not back-to-back). Overall, if you race, or do track days, this app is well worth the $20. At the minimum, invest in a serious iPhone mount (I got the RAM suction mount - $30, and it worked great). I'd also suggest the UltiMate GPS module ($100) if you want better accuracy.

I use this at Sebring and it is incredible. Captures excellent data, takes great video, overlays statistics on the video and is outstanding with the TomTom iPhone holder for attachment to the windshield. Could not be more satisfied...and a real bargin when compared to the hardware alternatives. Also, very easy to set up and use.

Had some user related errors on my part, but this thing is fantastic fun! With the addition of a GoPoint OBD device it gets even better. The learning curve isn't very steep though some patience is required, at least on my part. However, if you have any questions the support on the forum is exceptional…no, outstanding! I think Harry has a few clones because responses to questions and troubleshooting via forum is instantaneous. Thanks Harry!

The app to have for track day data. Combined with a gopro, unless you're a hardcore racer, you have everything you'd ever need. Harry is always available to contact for help or for you to suggest ideas. Anyone who can't figure out the interface more than likely hasn't taken advantage of the extensive resources available to help.

I have been using this app, along with an external 5Hz GPS (XGPS150A). Lap times reported by HLT are within 1/100 of a second of my transponders. This app is so feature rich, I'd easily pay double the price. Best of all, Harry offers the best support I've ever experienced. He answers all my dumb questions. He's reconfigured tracks (direction) for me within minutes. He's always available on his forums. I guarantee no other track app is as feature rich as HLT, nor has the customer support to match Harry's.

I just made my purchase and have not used it yet. I have heard great things already and am excited to give it a go. I had some questions and was able to get answers back quickly via Facebook. Thanks again for all the help Harry!

I have used this app at two different Colorado tracks. I had some set up issues but Harold was very responsive in helping me. My friends have some different apps and I think this is the best one.

I'm very happy with the app overall but when I delete a lap from the lap list it stays deleting forever, I have to exit the app and close it. Also I would like to see my mph in more spots of the track not just the ones it chooses to show me, I'm using homestead miami speedway if that is of any relevance.

Used it for the first time this past weekend and loved it. Only thing I would recommend is the ability to pause the time keeper or create sessions since everytime I clicked stopped when I came into the pits, I had to load the map again to start time keeping which was an extra step I don't think we should have to do.

App always works great at tracks like Auto Club Speedway--times very close to official times, records every lap no prob. Very sporadic for AX--records laps arbitrarily, sometimes it works, other times inexplicably not recorded. I wouldn't pay $20 for it unless u track alot.

More bugs than a Motel 6!! And every update adds more of them. Have the app on the 6plus. Everytime i want to record the app crashes in the middle or just when i want to turn it off after the run. Im first time at sonoma with ZERO footage after trying to record for a full track day. It crashes and restarts the whole phone way too often. I cant erase videos because it crashed immediatly if i go in the housekeeping screen. It also crashes right after overlapping a video "succesfully".. If the app wouldnt be all that buggy it would be great.

This app does it all and a must have for any track day. Forget spending up to $1000 for a GoPro camera and data acquisition system then spending an hour integrating video with data. This does it all. An external gps mount is recommended for greater accuracy.

...is the reaction I get everytime I show a track day video with overlaid data from this app. Really amazing what you can do with an iPhone. Do yourself a favor and play around with this *before* you get to the track. If you try to set it up for the very first time 15 minutes before the call to grid, it can be too much to take in. One of my favorite tracks (ORP) has very spotty cell service, so you need to have the track downloaded and selected before you get there. App works well as is with just a mount and a power cord, but I've enjoyed adding a BT-1 OBDII link, a Dual GPS puck and an Olloclip wide angle lens to improve data capture and cockpit video.

Creat app. Has improved my lap times.

So I did a track day at Thunderhill and while I wasn’t expecting to break any track records, I was expecting accurate information. It measured my top speed on average 7mph slower than my car instrumentation. I compared to what my GoPro was filming, it was timing my laps over 8 seconds on average slower. I can’t explain how disappointed I was. I guess you get what you pay for. Buyer beware that if you want accurate information, this is not the app for you.

Great work on keeping the app up to date and always adding useful features. 🚗💨 👍

This is both the most expensive app and the most impressive app I own. Harry had created something better than most expensive professional telemetry systems that cost $$$. Times using GPS, records videos, produces professional looking videos with overlaid data, all from one app. Highly recommend to maximize your fun at your next track day or auto cross. Happy driving!

I reviewed other versions of this app in the past, and this review is going to be more of the same praise. Harry's GPS Lap Timer provides as comprehensive a solution as the iphone can handle, performing much of the same functionality as the vastly more expensive dedicated timing solutions, requires virtually no setup at the track, and just flat works! Used the Petrolhead version at Indy Motor Speedway this past weekend (my 7th event this summer), and impressed my garage-mates with the timing and video the app produced. Additionally, I had a question over the weekend that I posed to Harry; he responded very quickly, and I was up and running for the next session. Brilliant app and fantastic customer service!

I'm really enjoying getting to use Harry's. Lots of features and ability. I strongly recommend this app to anyone who enjoys track time.

I kid you not- as a weekend track addict (I try and do about 6-8 weekends a year) I find Harry's Lap Timer to be the best investment I have made that has made me improve my times! Being able to capture consistent data points, sector/lap times and being able to overlay video (with MultiCam support of GoPro!) allows one to see where they are doing well and where one can improve. My favorite things about the app: * support for OBDII sensors * support for external GPS * support for multi cameras (iPhone, iPad and GoPro cameras) * in-device support for overlaying multiple videos, data points from sensors on to track map * ability to set a Reference lap and compare all other laps to it Only a fellow track addict can develop such an app - and it shows how well it's been written!

This is a great app - I've used it for over a year and it gets better and better with every [free!] upgrade (v17 due any day). I've recommended it to a dozen others who also love it. One watchout - get to know the app BEFORE any real road/track event. It does take some simple experimenting to get it right. Thats not to say there is something wrong with it...just like anything else, learn how it works. The best part is you can easily and automatically "make a track" anywhere (parking lot, the block around your house) to check out how it auto starts/stops, overlays, etc... And use that opportunity to try different mounting positions in your car and how it works. I have a windshield mount and use the front camera, and a rollbar mound but use the "reverse" camera in that view (so I can press the buttons). It is not 100% perfect (nothing is), but for just $20 versus $$$hundreds...how can you compare?!?

I was looking forward to this app helping me to improve my times on Streets of Willow. After 3 sessions of running I gave up, the app never worked! A guy at the track said it works sometimes. Very disappointed! Wish I could get my $ back.

Tons of functions, video is great. Ensure you have a charger and lots of storage space to capture laps with this app, amazing capabilities need power and room. Thank you Harry!

I use this app to review my autocross runs during every event. The video with overlay is valuable info and very cool to watch! This app is a big factor in why I switched to iPhone. Works great with the recommended Dual XGPS150a, although an occasional reboot of the iPhone and GPS is needed, I think the external GPS is at fault but can't say for sure. Keep up the updates and great work.

A great easy to use app for those getting into MotorSports! Very accurate when used with an external GPS!!!

Fantastic app, very accurate lap times, and great telemetry data. The UX is pretty clunky and could use a design overhall.

The basics work super easy and it's fantastic. The custom stuff and more advanced features come with a learning curve. The developer is very active on the forums as are other users which is another bonus! I've used it with success on 3 tracks and just created my first custom/road set to test out.

To say this app is anything less awesome is insane. In my opinion this has been the best purchase I have made from the App Store. The app itself has helped me to become a better driver at autocross events as well as hpde events at the local race track. It allows you to overlay data from sensors you have plugged into your car or phone that help create videos that blows my friends and family away. I highly recommend this app to any weekend racers out there. You will not regret it.

I just tried this app during a Grand-Am test at Road Atlanta and I'm shocked and how well it works and how user friendly it is. This is my profession and I would recommend this app to anyone!

Harry's program is fantastic. Always updating & great alternative to very expensive trac mate etc.

The best timing app or AutoX and track days, and helped me win my first race by keeping me on pace for 20 laps

So many bugs in each version/update! Now I can even add a 2016 Porsche cause it doesn't recognize it!!

Hands down, the best bang-for-the buck in data systems. Well worth the price of admission... even if you have to purchase an iPhone.

Easy to use and an excellent way to take a second look at what you did on the track!