Spectator Timing

[marcb]

Hello everyone,
as a developer of a high-end stopwatch app, I was recently asked by an apparent rally fan (WRC in particular) for a more niche spectator timing app. The app would allow the fan to measure and compare performance of cars right where he was standing during any special stage. Information would include relative performance compared to the first car (likely assuming a set start time gap of say 3 minutes) as well as averages previously observed.

I am wondering: Is this really something that spectators want? There seem to be a few (really crappy, old) apps out there with rather limited capabilities. Do spectators really measure and compare times at their location while the special stage is in progress. How do they do it right now? Aren't there official split times that are broadcasted through an app live already?

Would be great to get some comments. Thanks for any feedback!
Best,
Marc

[wwbroe]

Hello everyone,
as a developer of a high-end stopwatch app, I was recently asked by an apparent rally fan (WRC in particular) for a more niche spectator timing app. The app would allow the fan to measure and compare performance of cars right where he was standing during any special stage. Information would include relative performance compared to the first car (likely assuming a set start time gap of say 3 minutes) as well as averages previously observed.

I am wondering: Is this really something that spectators want? There seem to be a few (really crappy, old) apps out there with rather limited capabilities. Do spectators really measure and compare times at their location while the special stage is in progress. How do they do it right now? Aren't there official split times that are broadcasted through an app live already?

Would be great to get some comments. Thanks for any feedback!
Best,
Marc

Hello Marc,

I certainly take interval times whenever i am on a special stage to compare different driver's times. I have always done that, before it was with a simple chronograph, now i amusing an app on my smartphone (Best Timer), but it just eats my batteries so fast you can't believe it. For that reason i am not using the app frequently, i still take times with my chronograph, if i don't forget to take it with me.
Would be great tough to have a decent app on the phone.

[CWJ]

Actually all you need is any running watch. Depending on the starting order and your stage - km - position you will have an easy idea / survey about the stage ranking. Just push the button when the cars leave your field of sight so you can njoy live spectating before. I never did a picture, movie or split time website during my stage visits. Afterwards I get stage results by SMS service thats simply enough and mostly the same I knew from my watch

[Hartusvuori]

I do take splits quite often too, but like others, I keep it simple too. I have now just cheap kitchen timer (worth about 50 cents). I start it when first car passes and compare times to that. It gives an accuracy of about one second which is enough to give an idea if you follow some drivers' times. It's also handy, because I can attach it with a magnet to a chair, iPad cover, etc. I also use it for safety. When we leave stage after top crews and walk along the stage, I can see more accurately whether it'd be wise to jump to the forrest again.

In general I have nothing against using an app, but problem is as mentioned, it eats up battery. Normally you're away from electricity for half a day, so you like save the battery and use it for something more purposeful. If we'd live in a dream world, why not have an app that would position you in the stage map, use official event time and provide all necessary split time features. But for the time being I'm happy with more simple solutions.

(Once in Barum Rally organisers had a split time screen on a spectator area. That was super service. Weird how it isn't more frequently used.)

[tc10a]

Most accurate split timing system is to use time-stamp on images from DSLR Cameras

[Mk2 RS2000]

I just look at my watch and do mental arithmetic.

[dimviii]

I just look at my watch and do mental arithmetic.

+1

[seb_sh]

I'm usually just focused on watching so don't really think about estimating times.

[Rallyper]

Estimating times on stages is easy. Just use your own watch, have a landmark just before when car goes out of sight. Watch while using own watch...

[dimviii]

I'm usually just focused on watching so don't really think about estimating times.

you can watch while timing without loosing even a second. You havent got to watch the chronograph just to push a button.