Electrathon America allows and encourages the use of electronic lap-counting systems. Hand counting may be effective with a small number of vehicles, but becomes increasingly difficult as the number of vehicles and track length increase. Electronic systems provide a more accurate record and can resolve close finishes that may be difficult to determine by hand.
When an electronic lap-counting system is being used, anyone wishing to transmit data or operate wireless cameras during the event shall notify the Event Steward before the race and obtain written approval on the registration form.
HAND COUNTING METHODS #
INDIVIDUAL LAP/TIME SHEETS #
The Individual Lap/Time Sheet is the preferred hand-counting method. When this method is used, the Timer shall start the official clock used by all Counters.
Ideally, one person should be assigned to count each vehicle. The video camera time display may be connected to a large monitor to provide Counters with a clear view of the official race time.
Each time a vehicle crosses the Start/Finish Line, the actual clock time shall be entered in the next available box on that vehicle’s lap sheet. Recording the time of each lap provides a complete lap record and is the preferred method for resolving lap-count disputes.
MULTIPLE-CAR LAP SHEETS #
The Multiple-Car Lap Sheet method requires fewer personnel. A minimum of two scoring teams shall be positioned on opposite sides of the Start/Finish Line, when possible. Each team shall consist of one Spotter and one Lap Counter.
The field shall be divided among the scoring teams by consecutive vehicle numbers, with a maximum of six vehicles assigned to each team. Additional scoring teams shall be added as necessary. The number of vehicles that can be reliably counted by each team may vary depending on the length and configuration of the course.
The Spotter shall call out the vehicle number each time an assigned vehicle crosses the Start/Finish Line. The Lap Counter shall record the lap in the appropriate box on the scoring tally sheet according to vehicle number and 10-minute time period.
At 60:00, as indicated by the Timer’s official clock and announcement, no additional laps shall be recorded on the tally sheet.
After 60:00, each scoring team shall record the order in which all vehicles cross the Start/Finish Line, by vehicle number, until each vehicle number has been recorded once two minutes have elapsed.
The order-of-finish record shall be used to determine the finishing order of vehicles completing the same number of laps. Any laps completed during the additional two-minute period shall be included in the vehicle’s total lap count.
