FAQ

A rolling start is one of two modes of initiating a race; the other mode is the standing start.

There's no need to hire a timing official for rolling starts.

• Rolling Start: In a rolling start, the vehicles are already in motion when they cross the start line (DSS). It is a Special Section start (DSS) without a start referee.
  *The actual start time at the DSS (start waypoint) will be identified automatically by the competitor's GPS. Timing starts at the DSS validation circle entry point.
• Standing Start: In a standing start, the vehicles begin the race from a stationary position at the DSS. Usually with the help of the start referee.
  *Timing begins at the time set by the start referee (GPS position at the DSS is ignored for standing starts).
• Finish: in all cases timing ends at the ASS (finish waypoint) validation circle entry point and is identified automatically by the competitor's GPS (rolling finish).

There are two types of rolling start on RoadbookRally.com platform:

• Open Rolling Start: Competitors can begin at any time after the designated "First Competitor Start Time" of the section. There is no need to set specific start times for competitors (use rolling start with time window for that). Competitors will gain access to the roadbook after the "First Competitor Start Time" for the section.
• Rolling Start with Time Window: Competitors can cross the DSS at the given time window (managed under the Event "Start list" tab). Competitors will receive a time penalty for starting (crossing the DSS) outside of their given time window (60 minutes). Keep in mind: sometimes the roadbook will start with a liaison. Sometimes with the DSS. You have to plan your arrival and start times accordingly.

The Special Section start time window is essentially the time frame within which competitors must cross the start line (DSS) to officially begin the Special Section. Here are some points to understand about the Special Section start time window:

• Purpose: The start time window serves several purposes. It helps prevent congestion at the starting line by spreading out the competitors' departures over a period. This ensures a smoother start to the section and reduces the likelihood of accidents or bottlenecks.
• Flexibility: The start time window allows competitors some flexibility in choosing when they want to start within the designated timeframe.
• Preparation: Competitors should arrive at the beginning of the section (roadbook’s first row) well before their designated start time window to allow for warm-up and any necessary preparations. This ensures that they are ready to start when their window opens.
• Enforcement: Event organizers can enforce the start time window. Competitors who start before or after their designated window may be subject to penalties or disqualification by the organizer.

Roadbook/track configuration rules: DSS shouldn't be placed at an intersection or a parking lot or anything like that. Ideally, the rolling start (DSS) should be located on a straight line/road to be as accurate as possible. The actual start (DSS) must be at least 300m distance away from the roadbook starting point. This means you would need to edit the roadbook so that the roadbook starts with a ~300m liaison and a bit later there would be a DSS waypoint, to force the rider to cross it while driving. Reason: to prevent unintentional start "detections" from competitors waiting in the start area.

Roadbook/section access: By default, all competitors will be able to register for the event but they will not get access to any sections/roadbooks. The organizer will be able to control when and who gets access to the section (roadbook).
Organizer will have to set a "start time" for each competitor individually (for each section). The roadbook becomes available 20 minutes (configured by the event organizer) before the competitor’s start time. 12 hours after the start time roadbook access will be removed.
For example, if you set the start time for competitor #10 at 25.11.2023 10:25, then he will get access to the roadbook at 25.11.2023 10:05 (20 minutes before his planned start time).
The competitor has to cross DSS between 25.11.2023 10:25 and 25.11.2023 11:25 (his rolling start time window is one hour)
For results calculation, the actual precise start time will be identified automatically by the competitor's GPS at the point where he crosses the DSS "validation" radius.

Event replays for sections with a "rolling start" are available only after the end of the event (to be fairer for everyone). Replays for sections with a "standing" start are available instantly, but with a 10-minute delay. Event organizers can access replays anytime. Competitors can access their own replays instantly.

Lean more: What should be considered when designing track/roadbook?