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1798: Is driver allowed to have/use electronic timer.


1970A
27-Nov-2023

We noticed that at some (Skill) Events, the timer is located in such a way that it's not visible to the driver. So we got the idea for the second driver to have simple electronic countdown timer attached to the wrist. Similar to like people attach phones when jogging. 2nd driver starts it at the start, and than both drivers can see it and know the time left.

At one of the events we were told it's not allowed. But I can not find anything about that in the rules. Seems like if it's not allowed, than any hand watches should not be allowed, which is silly.

Answered by committee
29-Nov-2023

There is no rule that prohibits Drivers from using a timer during a Match. Per clause A of rule <G8>, if a cell phone or other communication device is used as a timer, it must have all communication features turned off (e.g., be in airplane mode). Note that the official Match timer will still be used to determine the end of the Match (clause A of <SC1>) and the timing of the Driver switch (<G11>) in cases where an unofficial timer is also present.