All -

I knew I would get some replies with concerns about safety. First: I
thank you for your input and caution. Please understand that I will
be taking all of this into account; and its always good to hear
_friendly_ reminders about these factors. :-)

My intention, as stated, is to do something that is "fire and
forget". And I will NOT be compromising the race in order to catch it
on film. The idea is to use the footage as an educational /
motivational tool for other young XC pilots, IF I can. I'm an IT
person when I'm not flying, so I'm very comfortable with the
technology and I think I can rig it all up a few weeks before-hand and
not have it be a distraction.

If I don't have it all set up and tested before I trailer down to
Warner Springs in April, I will NOT attempt to set it up at the
competition site. Furthermore, if the camera doesn't work the first
time I press the power or record button, it will be discarded /
ignored. The competition itself is undoubtedly top priority - I'm
there to have a safe and fun time flying; I'm not there to be a
filmmaker.

Paul - thanks for the info; I'm looking to spend $500 - $800 (maybe a
little more if I find something to-die-for; but NOT $1600). :-P

Also, for any system that needs a "head unit", I can use a remote
camera and plug its output into my camcorder (secured and unreachable
behind the seat). The camcorder is a hard-drive-based one that can
record for a pretty good length of time; but I'd rather not deal with
it if I don't have to.

Thanks all, I appreciate any further suggestions,

--Noel