Gates

Gates are marked pathways or openings on a racing course that drivers must navigate through correctly, typically defined by cones, markers, or barriers positioned to create specific entry and exit points.

In motorsport, gates serve as invisible doorways that guide drivers along the intended course layout. Think of them like checkpoints that racers must pass through in the correct manner to complete their run successfully. Missing a gate or passing through it incorrectly usually results in penalties or disqualification from that attempt.

The most common use of gates appears in autocross and gymkhana events. Course designers place traffic cones in pairs to create these gates, forcing drivers to follow a precise path through the course. A typical autocross course might have dozens of gates, each requiring the driver to demonstrate car control and accuracy while maintaining speed.

Gates can vary in width depending on the difficulty level and type of event. Wider gates are more forgiving and allow faster approaches, while narrow gates demand greater precision and often require drivers to slow down. Course designers use this variation strategically to test different driving skills throughout a single course.

When a driver approaches a gate, they must pass their entire vehicle between the markers without knocking them over or going around them. In autocross, hitting a cone typically adds a two-second penalty to the driver's time. Going off course by missing a gate entirely often results in a "Did Not Finish" status for that run.

Some racing disciplines use gates differently. In rally racing, gates might mark specific sections where timing begins or ends. In karting, gates can define chicanes or slalom sections where drivers must weave through a series of markers in quick succession.

Understanding how to approach gates efficiently is crucial for competitive success. Experienced drivers learn to identify the ideal racing line through each gate, balancing the need for precision with the desire for speed. They study course maps before their runs to memorize gate locations and plan their approach to each one.

Gates also serve a safety function by keeping drivers away from dangerous areas like walls, spectators, or track workers. By creating defined pathways, course designers can control where vehicles travel and reduce the risk of accidents.