# Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead

> Advanced car enthusiast tool for sensor data recording, lap timing, and performance analysis. (iPhone/iPad app by Harald Schlangmann.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-laptimer-petrolhead/id338257907 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Harald Schlangmann](https://appshunter.io/developer/307688601)
- Category: Sports, Navigation
- Price: $19.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.80/5 from 152 App Store ratings · 174 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 80 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish, Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan)
- Released: 2009-11-24
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-laptimer-petrolhead/id338257907/reviews.md

## What is Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead?

Harry's LapTimer is the advanced tool for car enthusiast. It records all types of sensor data provided by your iPhone/iPod/iPad (or external sensors), combines them, and makes them available to optimize your drive. Over time, you will get insights on your car and in your driving, not known before.

LapTimer offers more than 1300 predefined tracks world wide. With its assistants, it is extremely easy to setup - just click your track and drive. It fully automates your lap timing using GPS, and presents the results to all kinds of media.

You are not limited to track driving only. For example, you may define your home and working locations as a 'track', collect statistics on different ways chosen, and analyze / optimize the time used every day. 

Want to show your drive to your friends? LapTimer Petrolhead and above generates beautiful in car video recordings with all kinds of data overlaid, ready to be presented - e.g. on youtube. Even without video, recorded data can be analyzed using purpose designed views, making it easy to analyze and improve your driving performance.

Using online racing, you can use LapTimer in competition. LapTimer offers a Hall of Fame, allows watching you and your friends on track - all in real time. Compare your sector times, braking / acceleration points, and learn from each other. 

You can start with your plain iPhone in the beginning and add external GPS and OBD II sensors later, step by step, and as you need it. LapTimer itself comes in three different editions: LapTimer Rookie is the entry level with all you need for lap timing; LapTimer Petrolhead is the advanced version including lots of video features, and LapTimer Grand Prix is the edition for professionals including Multi Cam recording, Health Kit integration, and advanced sensor and analytics functionality. 

Please note that functionality depends on your device, the LapTimer edition chosen, and sometimes even external sensors added (like OBD II). Please visit our web page to get the full story. All edition can be upgraded later, all editions come with native iPhone and iPad support. 

There are quite expensive stand alone solutions for track days available. Be smart and own the leading edge tool simply by using your iPhone and LapTimer. Besides the professional area, there is no known solution that offers more functionality than LapTimer does - across the market. As our ambition is to offer the best tool, LapTimer is enhanced continuously.

Please visit http://www.gps-laptimer.de for detailed information on versions, FAQs / documentation, in depth technology background information, online racing, and supported device configurations. Join our user community on http://www.gps-laptimer-forum.de to be involved in future development - all with first class support.

## Key features

- Records sensor data (GPS, OBD II)
- Automated lap timing with 1300+ predefined tracks
- In-car video recording with data overlays
- Real-time online racing and competition
- Driving performance analysis and optimization
- Step-by-step sensor integration

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $19.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grand Prix Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #57 in Top Paid · Sports (US App Store)

## What do users think of Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 📊 Comprehensive data logging and telemetry analysis
- 🎥 Excellent video overlay capabilities with telemetry
- 💰 Affordable alternative to expensive professional systems
- 🛠️ Highly responsive developer with active support
- 🏁 Accurate lap timing when properly configured
- 📱 Feature-rich functionality for track day enthusiasts
- 🔄 Frequent updates and continuous improvements
- 🌍 Extensive track database with global coverage
- ⚙️ Support for external GPS and OBD2 devices
- 👥 Strong community and user support network

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 🎮 Confusing and unintuitive user interface
- 📍 Unreliable GPS tracking without external devices
- 🔌 Poor Bluetooth connectivity with accessories
- 📹 Video export causes app malfunction
- ⚠️ Inconsistent reliability across different tracks
- 🔧 Requires extensive setup and configuration
- 📚 Inadequate documentation and tutorials
- 🌡️ Phone overheating issues during use
- 🔄 Requires app restart after video operations

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when overlaying videos
- Video playback fails in Photos app until phone reboot
- Lap data not recording at certain tracks
- GPS location not recognized at specific venues
- Timer fails to start or record laps inconsistently
- Screen freezes during lap analysis
- Video recording stops mid-session
- App locks up entire phone requiring hard restart
- Inaccurate speed and elevation data
- Inability to delete laps without app hanging
- Track loading failures and truncated track names
- Overlay settings reset after each use
- Incompatibility with newer iOS versions
- External GPS and OBD2 connection drops

**Most requested features**

- Ability to pause timer between sessions
- Automatic video overlay for all laps without manual processing
- Better track variant identification in database
- Improved nearby track suggestions based on location
- Dark mode option
- Call blocking during track sessions
- More Canadian track coverage
- Custom vehicle profile support for newer models
- Simplified user interface redesign
- Better export format compatibility for Mac users

## Recent user reviews (10 of 174)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-laptimer-petrolhead/id338257907/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Not able to sort and weird functions

*2026-05-17*

Lots of weird buttons that is unclear what it does to your videos. Pushed something trying to export and all of them disappeared. Not able to sort by best time, only by date/time. Records upside down and can’t automatically set to upright position, but all screen info is upright.

### 2/5 — Too buggy and unreliable for video

*2026-05-13*

I bought this many years ago and used to work great. but over the years Harry has added so many features that the app has become extremely unreliable. He really needs to restart and build an app that is much simpler and easy to use, and reliable. The biggest problem I have right now is that when I record a video, it is extremely difficult to extract the video including overlay data onto my iPhone. I have to first narrow things down to a specific lap, and then when I try to export that to my iPhone it fails 9/10 times. Even when it succeeds, it takes 5-10 minutes to export each lap video. Far too painful.

### 1/5 — Barely Functional App

*2025-07-06*

I can overlook Bluetooth connectivity issues for the data and overlay, although I purchased and use recommended gps and OBD2 devices. Those are spotty at best. The app does fine of data logging and the video looks good. But when you overly and export a video the app basically won’t do anymore video viewing or exporting. Then in the photos app you can’t view the video that was exported (or any other video in your library) until you reboot the phone. The app did this with my iPhone 15 Pro and now the same with my brand new 16 Pro. I’ve deleted the app and moved on. Payed a bit more for the Garmin Catalyst but it’s much better. Harry’s lap timer is nothing but headaches.

### 1/5 — Absolutely Worthless App

*2024-03-23*

Purchased this app that was referred by a friend who races but come to find out all of the local tracks are Not on that app. To get all of the maps you have to purchase the other Harry’s Track app. They know this but decide to screw people out of their money hoping people will purchase both apps. I could never get the first Harry’s app to work so beware!!

### 5/5 — Sehr gute App

*2023-08-10*

Ich habe die App schon seit Jahren in Benutzung. Habe sie früher zur Rundenzeiterfassung beim Moto Cross benutzt, dann beim Speedway und jetzt beim Flattrack fahren. Einfach Start-Ziellinie auf neuem Track setzen, Namen vergeben und ab gehts. Verwende ein altes IPhone mit Quadlock Halter >>> funktioniert perfekt und hält wunderbar.

### 1/5 — Not working

*2022-09-01*

Bought this App and inapp Video package. Completely not working, gopro 8 is Not being controlled. Contacted harry and was told to Start recording manually. Video cannot be added manually afterwards as the App shows no files on the phone. I want a refund

### 5/5 — Club racer essential.

*2022-07-12, version 24.6.1*

Must have app for track day enthusiast. It’s the Strava of motorsport.

### 1/5 — Conditionally not working

*2022-05-05*

Yeah. Nothing works at Thunderhill here in Northern California. I Requested my money back and no response. Can’t even review how good it works if it doesn’t even record where I am. Checked all setting for gps and location but nothing worked. I’ll invest in a Garmin or something real.

### 1/5 — barely ever works

*2021-12-11, version 24.5*

timer barely ever works properly and video is equally bad or worse.  on three attempts  it says i have recoded video yet the play back function doesnt work.  very frustrating when i have now missed recording three full events. such a shame as used to be good 10yrs ago.

### 1/5 — Use To Be Good Updates Don’t Work

*2021-11-16*

This app use to be pretty good but now they have not kept up with new phone operating systems and seems like this app has run its course. 

I just did an event at Sebring and none of the data works. The lap anylasis screen freezes up and forget about seeing your video or overlaying data. None of this works anymore!!! 

On Harry’s Laptimer Facebook page all these screen lock up freezing issues are noted but it’s also mentioned there is no fix. They mention a work around but that really doesn’t work due to screen freezing and app completely locking up. 

Beware do not waste your money or time with this app.

## Frequently asked questions about Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead

### What does Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead do?

Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead is an advanced tool for car enthusiasts that records various sensor data from your device and external sensors. It uses this data to provide insights for optimizing your driving, automate lap timing on over 1300 tracks, and generate in-car video recordings with data overlays.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include automated lap timing using GPS, the ability to record and analyze sensor data, creation of in-car videos with data overlays, and real-time online racing with friends. It also allows for step-by-step integration of external sensors like OBD II.

### How much does Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead cost?

The app is available in different editions, with LapTimer Rookie being the entry-level option. The Petrolhead edition includes video features, and the Grand Prix edition is for professionals. While the base app may be free, advanced features and editions likely involve in-app purchases or upgrades.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is designed for iPhone, iPod, and iPad, offering native support for both. Functionality can depend on the specific device, the chosen LapTimer edition, and any external sensors that are added.

### Can I use this app for daily driving analysis, not just track days?

Yes, the app is not limited to track driving. You can define your home and work locations as 'tracks' to collect statistics on different routes, analyze your daily commute times, and optimize the time you use each day.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 25.1.0 — 2026-06-25

User Interface
- fixed dragging POIs in Map
- added option to scroll buttons in case available buttons do not fit screen width
- fixed misplaced sector indicator in Timer View

CarPlay
- fixed crash when app is started from CarPlay
- fixed negative height display in CarPlay

Sensor support
- added support for Haze GNSS sensors
- added OBD support for Hybrid battery SoC plus tank gadget allowing to toggle between tank and battery level
- added heading support for NMEA sensors w/o RMC (like Columbus)
- fixed a scripting error in RaceboxMini sensor implementation
- made hundreds seconds handling for Racebox Mini more robust
- fixed a bug in CSV headers

### 25.0.1 — 2025-05-14

- redesigned CarPlay startup
- fixed a bug crashing LapTimer when started with CarPlay connected
- some minor interface changes and fixes
- switched to Inches for very precise accuracy displays

### 25.0.0 — 2025-05-06

- new: support for Apple CarPlay added
- reimplemented support for RaceBox Mini, Mini S and added RaceBox Micro
- added support for RTK GNSS sensors
- added support for Columbus P-70 Ultra sensor
- change accuracy precision to centimeters / inches
- added support for NetRTK / NTRIP casters
- completely new and full localizations for Japanese, Chinese (traditional, simplified), Spanisch, French, Italian
- made NMEA parser more resilient to changing sentence pattern
- updated list of iPad/iPhone models (M4 iPad, iPhone 16)
- fixed a bug in day / night weather icons
- fixed a problem that positioned forward / backward buttons wrongly in Lap Details
- fixed order of parameters in Sensor Configuration dialogs 
- improved BTLE write operations
- improved NMEA sentence displays
- dozens of minor fixes, improvements, features

### 24.9.0 — 2024-05-06

- fixed a bug in gear calculation
- replaced deprecated acceleration framework
- added support for Vgate vLinker FD+/MC+/BM+ OBD adapters
- fixed and improved VBO import
- rechecked Racebox integration to deliver high update rates

### 24.8.2 — 2023-06-29

- Added support for Racebox Mini S
- Added an Expert Setting to adjust the number of minutes recent fixes are displayed in Map View

## Apps similar to Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead

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| [Timer for Workouts - Repeat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-for-workouts-repeat/id481226913) | 4.6 (1,388) | Free | Sports |
| [LITPro - GPS Lap Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/litpro-gps-lap-timer/id940870782) | 4.6 (327) | Free | Sports |
| [Simple Interval Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-interval-timer/id458334253) | 4.9 (5,318) | Free | Sports |

## More apps by Harald Schlangmann

- [Harry's LapTimer Rookie](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-laptimer-rookie/id307688598)
- [Harry's Sailor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-sailor/id319244049)
- [Harry's GPS/OBD Buddy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-gpsobd-buddy/id320423931)
- [Harry's LapTimer Grand Prix](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-laptimer-grand-prix/id363556704)
- [Harry's Camper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harrys-camper/id952167017)

All apps by Harald Schlangmann: https://appshunter.io/developer/307688601

## Related topics

[harrys laptimer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/harrys-laptimer) · [team lap timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/team-lap-timer)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*