Due Time

Due time is the exact scheduled moment when a rally crew must arrive at the next checkpoint, known as a time control, during a rally event.

In rally racing, competitors don't just race as fast as possible from start to finish. Instead, they follow a detailed schedule that tells them exactly when they should arrive at specific points along the route. This scheduled arrival moment is called the due time, and it's a fundamental part of how rally events are organized and scored.

Think of due time like an appointment you need to keep. Just as you might need to arrive at a doctor's office at exactly 2:30 PM, rally crews receive a schedule that tells them they must be at a particular checkpoint at a specific time, such as 14:30:00. Missing this appointment comes with consequences.

Rally organizers calculate due times based on the distance between checkpoints and the average speed crews are expected to maintain on road sections. These calculations ensure that competitors travel safely on public roads between the timed special stages where they race at full speed.

Arriving at a time control at or before your due time is the goal. If a crew checks in exactly at their due time, they receive no penalty. Early arrival also results in no penalty, though arriving too early at certain controls might mean waiting around until the next section begins.

However, arriving late is a different story. Every minute a crew arrives after their due time typically results in time penalties being added to their overall score. In rallying, the competitor with the lowest total time wins, so these penalties can be costly. Even a few minutes of delay can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Time controls are staffed checkpoints positioned throughout the rally route where officials record each crew's arrival time. Crews must stop at these controls, present their time card or electronic timing device, and have their arrival officially recorded before continuing.

Managing due times requires careful planning and navigation. Crews must account for traffic, road conditions, and mechanical issues that might slow them down. Professional rally teams use precise timing equipment and co-drivers who constantly calculate whether they're running on schedule to make their due time at the next control.

Understanding due time is essential for anyone interested in rally racing, as it represents one of the key differences between rallying and other forms of motorsport. While circuit racing is about crossing the finish line first, rallying is about precision, punctuality, and managing time as carefully as speed.