Why was my track not detected?

Track detection relies on GPS coordinates to identify which circuit you were racing at. If your track wasn't detected, here are the most common reasons and how to fix them.

Common Causes of Failed Track Detection

❌ GPS Wasn't Locked Before Recording

Your GoPro needs 30-60 seconds to lock onto GPS satellites after powering on. If you start recording immediately, the first part of your video won't have GPS data.

Solution: Wait until the GPS icon on your GoPro screen shows a solid connection before starting your recording.

❌ Recording Started Indoors or With Obstructed Sky View

GPS satellites can't be reached when you're inside a building, under a roof, or when the camera has no clear view of the sky.

Solution: Power on your GoPro outdoors with a clear view of the sky, wait for GPS lock, then start recording.

⚠️ GPS Disabled in Camera Settings

If GPS is turned off in your GoPro settings, no telemetry data will be recorded at all.

Solution: Check your GoPro settings menu and ensure GPS is enabled. See our GoPro setup guide for detailed instructions.

📍 Track Not Yet in Our Database

We're constantly adding new tracks to Race Ninja. If you're at a circuit we haven't mapped yet, automatic detection won't work.

Solution: Contact support with the track name and location. We'll add it to our database for future uploads.

How to Get GPS Lock

Power on your GoPro outdoors: Make sure the camera has a clear view of the sky - not under a roof, in your pocket, or in a bag.
Wait 30-60 seconds: Give the GPS time to lock onto satellites. Cold starts (first power-on of the day) take longer than warm starts.
Check the GPS icon: Look for the GPS icon on your GoPro screen. It should change from flashing to solid when locked.
Then start recording: Once you have a solid GPS lock, you're good to start your session.

Pro tip: Get into the habit of powering on your camera while you're still in the paddock before heading out to the track. By the time you're on track, GPS will be ready.

Known Track Should Have Worked?

If you were at a track we've already mapped (check our track list on the leaderboards page), but it still wasn't detected, there might be an issue with:

GPS accuracy on the day (weather conditions can affect satellite reception)
Partial GPS data loss during recording
Your first lap being used for warm-up (GPS might not have been locked at the start line)

We're constantly improving our track detection algorithms. If you have a video where the track should have been detected but wasn't, please contact support so we can investigate.

We're Always Adding New Tracks

Our database of mapped circuits grows every week. If your local track isn't supported yet, let us know and we'll prioritise adding it.

Still need help? Our team is here for you.

Contact Support