How Scoring Works
Great Race is about precision, not top speed. Your goal is to arrive at hidden checkpoints as close as possible to the correct time.
Lower scores are better.
Three Seconds Late = Three Seconds
Know the Language
Stage
A day's competition.
Leg
A scored portion between timing checkpoints.
Timing Checkpoint
A hidden location that records your exact crossing time.
Observation Checkpoint
A staffed operational checkpoint where instructions may be given.
Ace
A perfect leg with a score of zero seconds.
Cumulative Score
The score used for overall standings under the current rules.
Why Your Car Has Its Own Timing Personality
Rally calculations assume a vehicle can change speeds instantly. Your car cannot.
Every time you accelerate, brake, stop, or turn, your specific car gains or loses a small amount of time. Performance charts help your team understand those differences.
Understand the time your car gains or loses while changing speed.
Understand how braking, pausing, and accelerating affect timing.
Measure how your normal cornering technique affects elapsed time.
The Charts Are Only as Good as the Team
Performance charts work best when the driver accelerates, brakes, and turns consistently. That is why practicing together before the event matters.
Driver & Navigator Basics →
Small Delays Happen
Traffic, turns, and normal vehicle performance can cause small timing gains or losses. Experienced teams learn techniques for correcting them safely.
Do not sacrifice safety in an attempt to recover time. The Rally School video library includes a dedicated tutorial on making up time.
Watch Making Up TimeWhat Is the Age Factor?
Great Race applies an Age Factor as part of scoring so older vehicles can compete alongside newer eligible vehicles.
A vehicle's Scoring Year may be affected by certain modifications, so always refer to the current Event Regulations for the official calculation.
View Event Regulations →What If Something Outside Our Control Happens?
Certain qualifying delays beyond a team's control may be eligible for a Time Allowance Request. Mechanical problems, navigation mistakes, and other team-caused delays generally do not qualify.
Learn the process before you need it.
Watch the Time Delay Form TutorialFollow the Competition
Complete scoring procedures, Age Factors, penalties, and championship calculations are governed by the current Event Regulations.