Timing

How does the timing system work?

The timing system we have designed consists of two main components:

1. In-vehicle devices, equipped with efficient batteries, a GPS receiver, and a data transmitter utilizing internet from the GSM network

2. Data collection software that analyzes vehicle data and calculates the time taken to pass checkpoints, time control points, and, for example, BRD sections, which are sectional speed measurements.

Where can this system be used?

Using our system, we can measure time and speed in various configurations. We can provide live vehicle location and present location history.

Depending on requirements, time measurements can be compared to ideal times, showing the difference, or simply display the time a competitor needed to complete a section or special stage.

We always utilize system data and ready-made reports available within the system, or custom reports created at the organizer’s request.

Stage rallies

Speed rallies, such as RSMP or FIA series, consist of special stages where competitors strive for the fastest time. Timing on these stages is carried out using, for example, photocells, measuring to hundredths or thousandths of a second. Our system currently does not have such functionality. However, speed rallies also include road sections where crews must adhere to traffic regulations, and reconnaissance days, which involve test drives of the route performed in civilian cars and in compliance with regulations.

For these types of rallies, we perform traffic safety measurements:

1. We set up Sectional Speed Measurement on the route, in locations indicated by the organizer.
2. We control the direction of vehicle traffic, as driving against traffic is prohibited.

Off-road rallies, Baja

Off-road rallies, especially Baja rallies, are similar to speed rallies but take place on different, more challenging off-road tracks and often over longer distances. Timing there is also done using photocells.

However, off-road also includes smaller sporting events, time trials, and so-called ‘cross-country’ rallies. In such rallies, our system proves ideal. We measure the travel time, provide the time difference from the ideal times specified in the roadbook, and control speed on road sections.

Additionally, the system can replace traditional “stamps” that competitors must collect along the route. We provide not only the time when the competitor was closest to the stamp but also the distance to its location if they failed to reach it.

Regularity sections

Regularity stages are a key element of TSD (Time Speed Distance) rallies. In these stages, the crew driving the car is tasked with maintaining the speed set by the organizer. To make the task more challenging, these speeds vary within a single stage. The organizer indicates hidden checkpoints for competitors where we monitor the crew’s time and calculate the deviation from the ideal time.

Our system supports several types of stages:

1. Regularity stages with a standing start at the top of the minute, with automatic detection of the crew’s start time
2. Regularity stages with a flying start.

In both these types of stages, the ideal time is calculated cumulatively, meaning that if an error is made, the crew should attempt to make up for lost time and reach the so-called “zeros.”

3. So-called Jogularity stages with a standing start at the top of the minute, with automatic detection of the crew’s start time
4. So-called Jogularity stages with a flying start.

In these types of stages, the ideal time is calculated in sections, meaning that if an error is made, the crew can attempt to make up time until the nearest visible point marking the end of a section.

We are able to prepare any version of a regularity stage that an organizer may present to us.

We are familiar with stages where points are only accumulated after exceeding a certain value, or stages where each checkpoint is treated as a section submitted for overall results.

BRD sections

A very important feature of regularity rallies are Road Traffic Safety sections. It is critically important that crews participating in this type of rally comply with regulations, as rallies take place on public roads without closing local traffic. Recklessness, speeding, showing bravado, or any other disruption to the local community’s life will cause resentment among residents, municipalities, Mayors, and Village Heads, whose consent is often essential for organizing a rally. Breaking regulations is a swift path to banning such rallies.

Our system supports Road Traffic Safety (BRD) in the form of average speed measurement and direction control. The results for such sections can currently be presented in four versions:
1. a fixed penalty point for exceeding the set speed, e.g., 300 points.
2. a dynamic penalty point for exceeding the set speed, where the first transgression by a given crew is, for example, 300 points, the next 600 points, and the subsequent one 900 points.
3. a dynamic penalty depending on the extent of the transgression, where, for example, for every 1 km/h above the limit, there are 10 points.
4. a dynamic penalty depending on the extent of the transgression, but with a multiplier for each subsequent transgression by a given crew.

The point values (e.g., 300, 600 mentioned above) depend on the organizer and are defined within the system.

Time Control Points (TCP)

PKC is a mandatory organizational element of a rally. It allows for managing the rally schedule and consolidating times during the rally. Entries and exits from PKC are scored and contribute to the general classification. PKC also provides additional support for the organizer.

Our system features virtual entry and exit PKCs. They do not require manual operation during the rally.

Scoring is performed in the standard manner: there is a penalty for early entry to PKC and a penalty for late entry. The point value of penalties is defined in the system based on the rally regulations.

Passage points

The purpose of the PKP passage points is to verify whether crews are following the roadbook, in accordance with the rally regulations.

We have foreseen two types of scoring:
1. points are awarded if the vehicle appears at the point
2. points are awarded if the vehicle does not appear at the point

The point values for each such event are defined in the system based on the competition regulations.

Overall classification

Every type of rally is decided based on the overall classification. Group classifications or other categories defined by the organizer are also prepared (e.g., VW Cup or a cup for cars older than 35 years).

We prepare the overall rally classification, which includes the results from individual special stages and all penalties incurred from road sections and time controls.

Map view

Special Stages

If a rally has special stages where time is measured using stopwatches or photocells, the results from such stages can be added to the rally results.

We provide the rally staff with a form that allows them to enter results into the system in the form of points, time, etc.

Task Stages

Task trials are scored sections prepared by organizers of tourist and navigation rallies. They are used, for example, in MPPZ.

These often include descriptive tasks, quizzes, etc. We prepare forms within the system or integrate them with our system (e.g., Google, ClickUp) to enter participants’ answers into the general classification.

Floomli GPS Platform

The rally measurement system is built on the https://floomligps.com platform. This is a joint project where iTripcomputer provides rally expertise, and Floomli provides dedicated software, servers, and data archiving.

Floomli GPS is a modern, cloud-based telematics and GPS platform for monitoring vehicles and assets for both individual users and businesses. The system offers scalable software that grows with your needs — from simple monitoring to full fleet management and reporting.

The platform operates in Europe and globally, with the ability to track GPS devices without territorial restrictions.

The software is flexible: accessible via a web panel, mobile applications (iOS and Android), and as a white-label system under your own brand.
It supports many types of GPS devices (including over 50 models, as well as sensors and beacons), allowing for multifunctional applications and integrations with various IoT technologies.

Floomli provides a stable infrastructure with regular updates, security, and technical support for partners and users.
The solution enables flexible management of accounts, users, and roles, which facilitates operations for small businesses, large fleets, and resellers.
The platform provides alerts, reports, route history, and vehicle data analysis, helping to optimize operational costs and business decisions.

Separability of transmitted data

Organizer, FIA, PZM, Spectators, Competitors