Driver-Centric Engineering: Inside Graham Blackwell’s Custom SDM-330 Wheel Integration
In motorsport, the sharpest edge doesn’t always come from outright power—it’s often in the details. And for Graham Blackwell, one of the UK’s most persistent sprint and hillclimb competitors, performance comes from years of refinement, adaptation, and data-led iteration. His latest step forward? A fully integrated, custom steering-wheel-mounted control setup built around the PLEX SDM-330 dash display—bringing display, driver inputs, and calibration control into one seamless unit.
A veteran of British sprinting with a hands-on engineering approach, Graham is the kind of competitor who rewires, redesigns, and rethinks every part of his machine. His current platform—a 2013 Mygale FF200 sprint car—may have started life in Formula Ford, but today it’s a pure reflection of personal vision and technical ambition.
Built to Compete. Engineered to Fit.
Graham’s Mygale runs a 1.6L Ford EcoBoost Turbo engine managed by a LifeRacing F88GDI4 ECU. Over the seasons, every part of the system—from paddle inputs to boost control—has been carefully refined. For 2025, Graham set out to improve one area that still felt fragmented: the driver interface.
The goal was clear—combine display, data access, and control inputs into a single, streamlined solution mounted directly on the steering wheel.
Working from a 3D STEP file, Graham developed a custom bezel that allowed him to integrate the SDM-330 dash display directly onto the wheel. The result was a clean, efficient package that replaced both his previous CAN display and the external input module, while giving him better control and real-time visibility.
“I wanted full integration—display, inputs, control—in one tight package. Once I saw what the SDM-330 could do, I knew I could make it work.”
Project Specifications
| Location | Leicester, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | 2013 Mygale FF200 (ex-Formula Ford) Adapted for British Sprint Championship regulations |
| Engine & Management |
|
| Driver Interface & Control |
|
| Instrumentation & Data |
|
| Use Case | National-level sprint and hillclimb competition (British Sprint Championship) |
| Notable Feature | Display bezel prototyped and refined by Graham using the official PLEX 3D STEP file—achieving a seamless custom fit and high reliability |
| Display Highlight | Combines display and ECU control functions into a single, ergonomic unit—replacing two previous modules while improving visibility and usability |
| @mygaleff | |
| Website | www.zetecinside.com |
From Concept to Control: The Custom Wheel Display
What makes this install special is its combination of DIY engineering and race-ready performance. Using a joystick controller and four rotary switches mounted in his custom bezel, Graham can now navigate screen pages and directly adjust calibration settings, launch control, and traction levels—all with both hands on the wheel.
The PLEX SDM-330 allowed Graham to eliminate two separate components from his setup: a Race Technology DASH4PRO CAN display and an ECUMaster CAN-SWITCH board that previously handled paddle inputs and rotary switches. Thanks to the SDM-330’s built-in digital and analog inputs, he was able to consolidate display, data logging, and control into a single device—simplifying wiring, reducing hardware, and gaining flexibility.
“Once I realized the SDM-330 could handle both display and input logic, it made sense to merge everything into one compact system. I sourced a joystick for navigation, mapped the calibration switches, and that was it.”
Beyond consolidating his previous systems, the SDM-330 gave Graham the tools to refine his setup even further—on his own terms:
-
The bright, high-contrast antireflective display ensures that critical data remains easy to read, even in the unpredictable light of sprint venues and hillclimb stages.
-
With WiFi-based configuration, Graham can tweak settings and layouts quickly—without removing panels or plugging in cables—saving time between runs and during test sessions.
-
The combination of digital and analog inputs allowed him to streamline the wiring and integrate all driver functions directly into the display—simplifying the overall system and reducing potential failure points.
For a pragmatic competitor who builds, tests, and tunes every aspect of the car himself, this level of flexibility is key. The result isn’t just cleaner—it’s more efficient, more personal, and built exactly how he wants it.
A System that Works—Before the Start Line
The 4.3″ SDM-330 now plays a key role in Graham’s workflow. Not just during runs, but even before them: adjusting launch parameters, checking temperatures, or refining gearshift strategies. All from within the cockpit—no extra wiring, no additional boxes, no compromises.
“The PLEX system lets me tune from inside the car. That wasn’t possible before. Now I’ve got better control and fewer components. It’s cleaner and more capable.”
Why PLEX?
Graham first heard of PLEX through fellow racers and a friend running one of our displays on a high-powered road car. Impressed by the features and modularity, he decided to try it out for himself.
“The software is powerful. There were a few moments I didn’t know how to set something up, but I sent an email and PLEX support got back to me with clear instructions. That let me keep going, which is what matters when you’re deep in a custom setup.”
Next Up: The 2025 Season
Graham’s new setup is ready for its first full season in 2025. And with onboard footage and live use of the SDM-330 planned, we’ll be watching closely as the data—and results—come in.
At PLEX, we build tools for racers like Graham: savvy, technically curious, and always pushing to get more from their setup.
About Graham Blackwell
With over two decades of competitive experience, Graham Blackwell is a fixture in the British sprint and hillclimb scene. His motorsport journey began in 2002 behind the wheel of a heavily modified Mk1 Ford Fiesta in the Sports Libre class—a format that sparked his passion for creative engineering and limitless experimentation.
Since 2016, Graham has been campaigning a 2013 Mygale FF200 (EcoBoost 1.6T), steadily evolving it into one of the most technically refined privateer sprint cars in the UK. His transition to single-seaters brought immediate results: a 4th-place finish in the 2021 SBD Motorsport UK HSA British Sprint Championship and a strong run at the 2022 season, where he led mid-season by nine points. His ability to bounce back from setbacks—like the high-speed pushrod failure at Kirkistown—underscores his hands-on capability and race-day resilience.
What sets Graham apart is the way he blends precision and instinct. He analyzes performance data, studies in-car video, and dives into regulations to unlock strategic advantages. As he puts it, “I’m one for trying things out, bucking the trend, and continually improving the car—turning the boost up and having a bit of fun.”
While sprinting remains his main focus, he has also proven himself in hillclimbs, including appearances in the BARC Wales Pembrey Summer Sprint Weekend with his Mygale EcoBoost G19 in the 5E class.
Follow-up Graham’s project & updates here:
Explore the PLEX SDM Dash Displays
Delivering Performance & Precision Since 2014
Since launching our first dash display, the groundbreaking PLEX SDM-500®, we’ve remained committed to doing things the right way. Our goal is simple: to provide Dash Displays & Loggers that set the standard for quality, performance, and functionality.
By putting our customers first, we ensure our products are built to last and designed to help you see what matters most—when it matters most. Whether it’s tracking vital data or optimizing performance, our displays are engineered for reliability and precision, every time.
View the complete Dash Displays category page here or visit the dedicated product pages. below.
STAY UPDATED ON WHAT MATTERS TO YOU!
Subscribe for product updates,
exclusive insights & special offers.
2.8” uSDM-200
4.3” SDM-330
5” SDM-550
7” SDM-700R
uSDM-200-DL/G
SDM-330-DL/G
SDM-550
SDM-700R
Knock Monitor V3
PCA-2000Plus
PLEX KNOCK MONITOR V3
PLEX PCA-2000Plus
Device Configuration SW
PCA-2000Plus System
PCA-WIN 2.0 SW
Pressure Sensors
PLEX PBC v2 KIT
PLEX EXP-Boost
PLEX PDA-WIN 2.0 SW
PLEX PDA-WIN PRO 2.0 SW
Combustion Analysis SW