Off-Road Racer Podcast Episode 80: David Clay
RacingTrax: The Tech That’s Changing Desert Racing
In the latest episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with David Clay, founder of RacingTrax, the GPS tracking and communication system now embedded deep within the infrastructure of off-road racing. What started as one racer’s frustration with getting lost in the chaos of Baja has turned into one of the most significant safety and logistics breakthroughs in the sport.
A seasoned racer himself, David shares the story of how RacingTrax came to be—not from a business plan, but from a burning need to solve real-world problems. Losing trucks, missing pit stops, and risking lives in the vast and often unpredictable deserts of Baja became too common. Clay’s solution? Satellite-based communication that could not only track vehicles but also text, alert, and provide real-time positioning to race organizers and support teams.
The Safety Evolution
One of the most striking moments in this conversation comes when Clay reveals that no racer has died in a car outfitted with a RacingTrax system. While the dangers of desert racing remain very real—and are in many ways part of what makes the sport so raw and thrilling—RacingTrax has fundamentally changed how emergencies are handled. The system enables flipped or crashed cars to send alerts instantly, allows racers to use a “push to pass” function, and gives race directors the tools to credit time back to competitors who stop and help others in need.
UNLTD Off-Road Racing has fully adopted the RacingTrax platform, making it standard equipment at all events. It’s part of the organization’s broader commitment to safety, which includes clear enforcement of tracking protocols, responsive emergency crews, and a continuous investment in tech and personnel to make events as safe and professional as possible.
The Racer’s Role in Safety
At the end of the day, safety on course starts with the racers themselves. Drivers are expected to take caution around stopped vehicles, remain aware of their surroundings, and make smart decisions in unpredictable conditions.
UNLTD and RacingTrax work together to make sure racers aren’t penalized for doing the right thing. When a competitor stops to assist a crashed vehicle, promoters have the ability to award time back based on GPS and tracking data. It’s a simple but important way to reinforce the expectation that while racing is competitive, helping each other out on course is a priority.