Timing and Configuring the Grand Prix Module (Corporate)

This article will explain how to Time and edit the set up of an event using Alpha Timing's Grand Prix module. The format can be used to generate an event with heats and final(s), configured to fit the total number of participants. 

Timing a Grand Prix

When creating the event, you can adjust the session start time, event name, the track configuration, kart class, kart assignment mode plus the option to ensure each driver uses the same kart for all sessions in the event. 

It is important you check the total number of drivers who will be competing for the whole event. When importing the event from Alpha Flow, this number (A) will be pre-configured so ensure that it matches the number of participants in the booking and if not add the missing drivers in the reception screen and re-import. 

You cannot update these settings once you have created the event, so make sure they are correct before you continue. 

Timing an event using the Grand Prix module is different from the usual Timing view. There is no Event Details section or Competitors page, only an Overview page. The module is divided into the following sections.

1. The session list
2. The live leader board
3. Live results of the current session
4. Results of the previous session
5. Grid for the next session, and Kart allocation (which if set to manual, can be pre-allocated at the start of the event or while timing another session).  

In the overview page, the name of the session appears in the Time Session button. Click this to start timing a race. If you want to run a heat out of sequence, you can select it in the session list and hit the Time Session button. 

If you need to amend any results after the session has finished to apply penalties or corrections, you can select the desired session from the session list. If you want to use the kart allocations from the previous session to the next race, you can tick the "Copy kart order from last race" button and the karts will be allocated in the order used in the last race. 

On the completion of a race the leaderboard will be updated. Once all drivers have completed their required races, the grids for the next round will be automatically generated. In the session list, it will change from "No Grid" to "Ready" under the session name.  If there are any drivers tied on points, the system will use their best lap times to decide a grid position and add drivers evenly to the next respective sessions.

A driver's points (and lap times if applicable) with a breakdown of the points scored in each session will be shown on the grid screen for the session.  

This process will repeat until the final round and the conclusion of the event. 

The live timing playlist looks different when using the Grand Prix Module. The screen will be divided into sections showing the current race, the results of the previous race, the next sessions grid and a leaderboard. 

Note: The live timing website is not different and shows only the current race as normal

Configuring your own Event

The default values like heats and their durations will be set automatically, however if you want to adjust these for a one off event you can. You cannot update these settings once you have created the event, so make sure the session start time, event name, the track configuration, kart class, as required including the kart assignment mode are correct before you continue. 

If you want to include some practices sessions you can do so by ticking the box next to the practice sessions configuration (B). Set the maximum number of karts to allow on the grid for the practice sessions (C) and the duration of the practice session (D) as usual i.e. 3L = 3 Laps, 3m = 3 minutes, 3m +1 = 3 minutes plus one lap. 

Next you need to configure how many heats each driver will compete in. Again set the maximum number of drivers per heat and the duration and the system will create as many heats needed to accommodate all the drivers and distribute them fairly. 

Select which points scheme to use for the Heats (E). If you add Quarter or Semi-Finals, it will use the same points scheme. With a Final, Semi-final or Quarter-finals grid calculation you set whether to use the total points overall in the leaderboard or only count the points attained from the previous round (F). 

For example if you set the below example to use previous rounds, the grids for the next round will be calculated using the points earned in all of the heats (as that is Round 1) with each subsequent round being a Quarter and/or Semi and/or Final. After Round, the points from Round 1 will be disregarded and the grid for Round 3 will use the points attained from only Round 2 calculate the grids and so on. 

When you are happy with your configuration click Create Event. The event will then be created in the Timing System ready to time the event. It cannot be altered from this point onwards, so if you need to amend the setup, you will need to create a new event.