AV Case Study: Supercars Driver Elliot Barbour
Clear-Com FreeSpeak II Provides Communication Edge for Supercars Driver Elliot Barbour.
4 February 2025
For Elliot Barbour, motorsport is more than a profession — it’s a lifelong passion. Elliot’s journey has taken him from go-karts to GT racing, and now to the high-octane TransAm Series where he drives the Jands-backed Pioneer DJ Chevy Camaro. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on the details that make a difference — like rock solid communication systems.
FROM GO-KARTS TO GLORY
Elliot’s love affair with racing began as a child, inspired by his uncle’s exploits on the Thunderdome and his father’s involvement in motorsports. “I was an annoying little kid pestering my parents for a go-kart,” he recalls. His persistence paid off at age 13 when he began his racing journey in go-karts which laid the foundation for his transition to car racing at 16.
“I started in HQ Holdens, a one-make series featuring the classic HQ Holden cars,” Elliot explains. From there, he climbed the ranks, competing in Formula Ford, V8 Supercars Super2 Series, and even international GT racing. With victories at prestigious events like the Bathurst 12 Hour under his belt, Elliot has driven some of the most iconic circuits in the world. Now, as a TransAm driver, he’s part of a category where the focus is squarely on driver skill and teamwork.
“TransAm is somewhat like NASCAR,” Elliot says. “It’s a controlled category where all cars are mechanically identical. The racing is extremely close and physical — we’re often rubbing panels and re-stickering cars after races. It’s loud, exciting for fans, and just great fun.”
CRUCIAL COMMS
In the heat of a race, clear and reliable communication can be the difference between victory and defeat. “Communication is critical during races because there are so many moving parts, both on track and in the pits,” says Elliot. “Clear communication between me and my crew helps keep everything calm and efficient. If communication isn’t clear, it can create unnecessary tension.”
Elliot’s team uses a Clear-Com system which includes FreeSpeak II wireless belt packs and a transceiver, allowing the crew to communicate hands-free across the noisy and dynamic environment of a race weekend. “The ability to communicate without needing to press buttons is incredibly valuable,” Elliot says. “Mechanics can work under the car while still talking to the crew, and everyone stays informed without confusion.”
IN THE PITS
Andrew Attard from Jands, Clear-Com’s Australian distributor, explains the system’s impact. “For the first time at Bathurst, we implemented a portable rack system powered by Clear-Com. We chose a 9U rack on wheels so it could be easily moved without needing to be carried. It was designed to be battery-powered for up to an hour and fully deployable within minutes. The system integrates seamlessly with existing setups, combining race control communications with team comms in one streamlined solution.”
The FreeSpeak II system proved its flexibility at Bathurst and Adelaide where the team faced different logistical challenges. “At Bathurst, we could leave it stationary all weekend because we were based in a pit lane,” Elliot notes. “At Adelaide, where we had to move frequently, it was lightweight and easy to transport.”
HANDS-FREE
For Elliot and his crew, the benefits of hands-free communication extend beyond convenience. “In noisy environments like pit lanes or garages, having a system that cuts through the background noise is a game-changer,” Elliot says. “Stress levels are reduced because it allows everyone to focus on their tasks without being distracted or having to repeat themselves. By the end of a long day at the track, everyone feels less worn out because communication is smooth and efficient.”
Andrew elaborates on the technical advantages: “The system integrates a two-way radio with the FreeSpeak II, so mechanics don’t need to wear separate packs for team comms and race control. We also integrated a Listen Wi-Fi system with FreeSpeak II which allowed users to download an app onto their smartphones and listen in. It’s all about reducing complexity and improving workflow.”
INTEGRATION & SCALABILITY
One of the standout features of the Clear-Com system is its adaptability. “It’s essentially plug-and-play,” Elliot says. “It works with my helmet kit and car setup just like our previous radios but offers far superior functionality.”
Clear-Com systems are designed to scale easily, too. Andrew explains: “If you add a second car, you can simply increase the number of transceivers without needing another base station. It’s cost-effective and future-proof.”
Initially, the team approached the Clear-Com system with a degree of scepticism. “It looked high-tech compared to our basic two-way radios,” Elliot admits. “But once we set it up and saw how easy it was to use, everyone loved it. The system allows us to communicate clearly even over distances up to 100m, making tasks like retrieving parts from trucks much simpler.”
Andrew shares a similar perspective: “We conducted quick 5-minute training sessions to ensure the team could deploy the system efficiently. They adapted quickly and by 8:30am on track days, they’d already deployed the rack and were using their headsets effectively.”
BEYOND MOTORSPORT
While the Clear-Com system has revolutionised communication for Elliot’s team, its applications extend far beyond motorsport. “Clear-Com originally started in entertainment,” Andrew explains. “Over time, the technology has evolved to meet the demands of high-pressure environments like F1, the Olympics, and large-scale venues. Its ability to handle busy data and RF environments reliably sets it apart.”
For Elliot, the Clear-Com system is more than just a tool — it’s a competitive advantage. Every detail matters when racing at 200km per hour. Clear communication lets Elliot focus on driving while his team handles everything else. A small change that makes a big difference.
Elliot Barbour: supercars.com/drivers/elliot-barbour
Clear-Com: clearcom.com
Listen Technologies: listentech.com
Jands: jands.com.au
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