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, vehicles begin the section from a stationary position at the DSS - under the supervision of a start referee.
  
  • Timing begins at the official start time set by the referee.
    (The GPS position at the DSS is ignored for standing starts)
  • There are three ways to handle standing starts:
    A) Assign start times in advance and leave them as-is.
    B) Assign start times in advance, then edit them manually in the system later if adjustments are needed.
    C) Do not assign start times initially — instead, set the actual start time manually as each competitor arrives at the DSS and begins the stage.
    
• 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's planned start at DSS" 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's planned start at DSS" for the section.
• Rolling Start with Time Window: Competitors must cross/validate the DSS within the specified time window. You need to set specific start time windows for competitors using the "Start List" page in the Event. Competitors will receive a 60-minute time penalty for crossing/validating the DSS outside their assigned time window. Keep in mind: sometimes the roadbook will start with a liaison. Sometimes with the DSS. You have to plan section/roadbook access/unlock time 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.

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.

Learn more:
How can competitors access event roadbooks?
How do I set the DSS (section) start times?
What should be considered when designing track/roadbook?