Wayne Taylor Racing – First Across the Finish Line with the Shaw SDHmini Handheld Hygrometer

Moisture meters may not be the first thing that spring to mind when you think about motorsport, with its roaring engines and screeching tyres. But for the Wayne Taylor Racing team, moisture control plays a vital role in performance optimisation—especially when it comes to tyres.

Why Moisture Matters in Motorsport Tyres

Tyre performance is critical to race success, and one of the key variables that affects it is pressure consistency. That pressure can fluctuate due to moisture inside the tyre. Though tyres are fitted “cold”, they heat up quickly during a race. Any moisture inside the tyre turns to vapour as it heats, altering the internal pressure. This causes handling inconsistencies that can undermine performance.

Uniform gas composition across all four tyres is the goal, but moisture disrupts that balance. Racing authorities also set strict minimum pressure standards for safety—standards that must be maintained or the team risks time penalties.

Moisture not only impacts tyre performance but can also interfere with tyre pressure monitoring sensors. This may result in poor-quality data or sensor damage, potentially leading to costly, unplanned pit stops.

The Role of the SDHmini Handheld Hygrometer

Trackside conditions are variable, so some moisture is inevitable. However, measuring it accurately is key to managing it. That’s where Shaw’s SDHmini handheld hygrometer comes into its own.

By providing reliable trace moisture readings, the SDHmini enables teams to control pressure variations and reduce race-day performance risks. It’s compact, fast and robust—ideal for use in high-pressure trackside environments. The unique desiccant head keeps the sensor dry, delivering consistent and accurate results without delay.

Key Features of the SDHmini and SDHmini-Ex

• High accuracy (±2 °C dewpoint) with Shaw’s trusted aluminium oxide sensor

• Fast, repeatable readings using the integrated desiccant dry-down assembly

• Rugged IP66-rated housing for all-weather performance

• Bluetooth connectivity and data logging for enhanced analysis

• Long-lasting battery – over 150 hours of continuous operation

• Can be paired with the Portable Sample System (PSS) for even greater control over sampling conditions

Wayne Taylor Racing’s adoption of the SDHmini illustrates how even the smallest details—like controlling tyre moisture—can make the difference between finishing the race and finishing first.

For motorsport teams aiming to optimise every variable, Shaw’s SDHmini delivers the winning edge.