Time Card

A Time Card is an official document used in rally racing to record when a competitor arrives at and departs from each checkpoint and stage throughout the event, helping track their progress and ensure they follow the schedule.

In rally motorsport, competitors race against the clock on special stages while also traveling between these stages on regular roads. The time card serves as the official record keeper for all of this activity. Think of it like a punch card at work, except instead of tracking when you arrive at your job, it tracks when you arrive at every control point during a rally.

The co-driver, who sits in the passenger seat and navigates, is responsible for managing the time card throughout the rally. At each time control—a checkpoint where officials monitor competitor arrivals—the co-driver hands the card to a marshal who stamps or writes down the exact time. This happens multiple times during a rally event, creating a complete timeline of the team's journey.

Time cards are critical because rallies operate on strict schedules. Teams must arrive at each control point within a specific time window, usually within one minute of their scheduled time. Arriving too early or too late results in time penalties that are added to the team's overall score. Since rallying is won by the fastest time, even small penalties can mean the difference between winning and losing.

When a team reaches a special stage—the timed racing sections where competitors drive as fast as possible—their start time is recorded on the time card. After completing the stage, the finish time is also recorded. Officials use these times to calculate how fast the team completed that particular stage. Between stages, the time card lists how much time teams have to reach the next control point while driving on public roads at legal speeds.

The time card also serves administrative purposes beyond just recording times. Many time cards include sections for damage declarations, where teams must report any damage to their vehicle. This helps officials track the condition of competing cars and ensure safety regulations are followed.

Without a time card, a team's results cannot be officially recorded, making it arguably the most important piece of paper in rally racing. If a time card is lost or damaged during an event, it can lead to disqualification or significant penalties. Co-drivers typically keep the card in a safe, accessible location throughout the rally.

While the basic concept of the time card remains consistent across rally events, the specific format and procedures can vary depending on the rally organizer and the level of competition. However, the fundamental purpose stays the same: providing an accurate, official record of each team's timing throughout the entire event.