Time Control

A Time Control is an official checkpoint in motorsport where race officials record when competitors arrive, ensuring they follow the event's strict timing schedule.

Think of a Time Control like a punch clock at work - drivers must "check in" at specific times throughout a rally event. These checkpoints are strategically placed along the race route and staffed by official timekeepers who monitor every team's progress.

The main purpose of Time Controls is to keep the entire event running on schedule. In rally racing, dozens of cars travel on public roads between racing stages, so organizers need to ensure teams don't speed on regular streets or arrive at locations too early or too late.

When a rally team approaches a Time Control, they'll see official signs marking the checkpoint area. The co-driver (the navigator) hands over their "Time Card" - a document that tracks their progress throughout the event. Officials then stamp or write the exact arrival time on this card.

Timing is crucial at these checkpoints. Teams receive penalties for arriving either early or late from their scheduled "due time." For example, if a team should arrive at 2:00 PM but shows up at 1:58 PM or 2:02 PM, they'll receive time penalties added to their overall race time.

You'll find Time Controls at various locations during rally events: before and after competitive stages, at service areas where mechanics work on cars, at regrouping points where teams wait, and when entering or leaving secure parking areas called Parc Fermé.

These checkpoints also serve as route verification, confirming that competitors followed the correct path and didn't take shortcuts. This system helps maintain fairness and safety throughout the competition.

Time Controls are essential for rally organization, creating structure in events that can span hundreds of miles over multiple days while using public roads between racing sections.