Every second counts in motorsport and timekeepers are responsible for accurately recording competitors’ times and positions, helping to determine the results.
There’s a lot more to it than just using a stopwatch. Timekeepers now also use apps and electronic timing systems to measure down to a thousandth of a second, ensuring all competition at every level is checked as precisely as possible.
There are four main areas you can train in: Kart, Race, Rally and Speed, which includes events like hill climbs and sprints. You don’t need to be a maths whizz or a technology expert either, and your first steps into timekeeping can take you far in the sport.
This is a role for people who have a fascination with detail and love working with data behind the scenes – and here are five reasons why you should consider signing up…
1 Build your teamwork skills
Motorsport events rely on people working together, and timekeeping is no exception. You’ll work alongside other officials, communicate important information and help ensure the timing and results process runs smoothly. It’s a great way to strengthen communication, organisation and teamwork skills that apply beyond motorsport.
2 Join a community
Timekeeping is a brilliant way to meet people who share your passion for motorsport. Whether you’re starting out or learning from experienced officials, you’ll become part of a community that supports one another, shares knowledge and enjoys being involved in the sport – and you’re guaranteed to make friendships that last long beyond the event.
3 Create magic memories
The smallest margins make the biggest difference in motorsport – and as a timekeeper, you’ll be responsible for capturing the times that can make or break someone’s day. These are what determine the results and whether it’s a close race or a competitor chasing a personal best, your work helps capture every moment that matters.
4 Discover new technology
Timekeeping gives you an insight into the technology, processes and teamwork that make events run. In this role, you will see a different side of motorsport, discover what happens beyond the action on track and develop expertise with technology that you can use far beyond the motorsport events themselves.
5 Explore more motorsport
Timekeeping skills cross over all disciplines, so you can use them to learn more about motorsport. From karting and circuit racing to rallies, hill climbs and sprints, each discipline brings its own challenges that allow you to develop your knowledge and progress. There’s always something new to learn and another event to experience.
Ready to get started? You don’t need to be a motorsport expert to become a timekeeper — just enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a passion for the sport. Find out more here.