What happens Race Day

Sign-up

Each racer fills out a race entry form (Onion skin) to enter the event, and number is assigned to the racer based on which class they select. The racer is then asked to take their motorcycle to the "Tech Test" area with his/her helmet and racer number. Each racer address and racer number is entered into a computer program. This program will act as a mailing list and will also produce a file containing "Racer Number" and "Racer Name" for the scoring program to use. This allows the scoring program to show racer names on the results. If a promoter already uses a mailing list program, and does not wish to use this one, a regular text file may be created with "Racer Number" and "Racer Name" so that the scoring program will still have this information.

Tech Test

(This procedure will change if tags are distributed to racers on a permanent basis.)

Each racer pulls into the "Tech Test" area. The attendant will verify that the racer's number on their helmet, if not the racer is sent back to get it. An RFID tag is then mounted to the top of the front fender of the motorcycle with Duct tape. The person attaching the tag makes sure that the fender has no dirt or residue from product like WD40. Occasionally, contact cleaner is needed to remove the residue.

Click here to learn more about Tag Installation.

The racer will then be asked to pull into the main check with the RFID tag centered with the antenna. The racer is told to stop at this position during the race. Since the position of the handlebars are almost always lined up with the beginning of the chute, it useful to point this out to the racer so that they will stop at the appropriate place during the race.

At this point the scoring system is reading the Tag ID that is encoded in the RFID tag. The attendant will look for the racer's number on the helmet and enter it into the computer. This links the Tag ID number to the racer number. The racer number and position number "1" is shown on the display so that the racer can see how it will look (Of COURSE they will be in FIRST place during the race too!!).

While in the main check, the attendant explains "Stop here during the race. When you see your number and class position on the display, you can go. You do not have to stop at the woods checks, but they are tight so go through them slow." The racer then pulls out of the main check and is done with the Tech test.

Race - Woods Check

During the race, the racer will go through the woods checkpoints without stopping. There will be Sharp turns before and after the woods checks so that the racers are forced to slow down. These checks may be left un-attended, but it is usually better to have someone there in case a racer accidentally runs into the structure and damages it. An image of what the palmtop at the woods check shows after racers have gone through the check is shown below.

Race - Main Check

When entering the main check, the racer will stop at the chute where the reading antenna and display is. As soon as the racer pulls in, the racer's number and class position will be displayed. The racer then proceeds out of the check.

Below are images of what the palmtop display and printer show after a racer has been checked. The palmtop shows racer number, position, laps completed, lap time, time to next racer, actual time and time from leader. The printer shows the racer number, position and number of laps completed.

At the end of the race, the racer can also see his/her unofficial class position. The racers then pull out of the main check where the electronic tag is removed.

Although a printed paper backup will be created, it is usually best to have a written backup as well. If a system can be devised that allows someone to closely monitor the paper backup (In case something happens to the printer), the written paper backup may not be needed.

After race is over

After the last rider has come through the main check, all of the data is retrieved for each checkpoint. The data is transferred from each palmtop to the main computer by means of a PCMCIA card (preferred) or a serial port. This data will consist of the actual check data from the race, as well as a file from the main checkpoint that contains each Tag ID and the Racer Number that corresponds to it. The file created with each Racer Number and Racer Name must also be available from the program used at sign-up, or entered by someone into a text file.

The scoring program is run against the data. A special report may be run on the data at this point to have the computer check each racers checkpoint times. This will allow the computer to mark any racer that has questionable checkpoint times. The "Winners by class" report is then displayed on the screen. Any racer that either skipped a check or has a questionable checkpoint time will have a mark next to their name. These racers should be checked individually to see if there lap/check times look reasonable. If not, their positions should be adjusted appropriately.

After the results are verified, they may be printed out. Usually the "Winners By Class" and "Overall - Time Adjusted" reports are posted. Any racer questioning the results can be shown checkpoint times detailed by class or by racer.

After race day

Detailed results are posted on the internet. If a internet site is not available, results could be mailed to each racer. The detailed results should consist of at least these items; Winners by class, Overall - Time adjusted, Lap times, Graphs by class.

For questions or comments about the electronic scoring system,
email efessler@npc.net

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