Generating and regenerating random grids in the Timing App

The Alpha Timing system uses a sophisticated grid calculator for Competition racing (not available for corporate karting). Heat grids can be generated (or regenerated) by clicking on “Heat grids” above the list of sessions.

Start by selecting the class (or classes if classes are to be combined) to generate grids for. The general section allows the name to be amended – this is used as a prefix for all sessions. You can then choose whether to use the Standard grid template typical for 2-3 Heats or use Rounds where typically there are 4 or more even numbered heats. Rounds will place drivers more evenly into the Heats, which is useful when running a two day event so as not to include a competitors in heats just on one day. 

If more than once class has been selected you can chose whether to generate split or mixed grids and can select the class order by dragging the class codes left or right.

The Practice session allows you to select how many practice sessions to create, and the duration of those practice sessions(s).

Next, in the heats section select the number of heats per driver, the maximum number of drivers in each race and the duration of the heats.  Then select the heat grid points (the points used to generate final grids), and the championship points for the heats (if applicable).

The finals section allows you to configure whether to run finals and if so how the grid should be calculated and how many finals should be run. If no finals are to be run, untick finals.

Once all parameters have been set, click the Regenerate button to generate the grids.  Once happy, click Update Grids to save the changes.  This will update any existing sessions, and create any additional heats that are required (e.g. if you entered 3 heats on the import screen and you now require 4 the 4th will be automatically created for you). 

Finally the grids can be printed using the print button.  Alternatively the grids can be printed later from the event details screen.

Note: The grids should be generated in the order the classes are to be run to ensure that the sessions are created in the correct order. 

Reordering sessions

Once the sessions have been created, the order can be changed by clicking on Event details, then clicking ‘Adjust session start times’ in the Tasks section (bottom right).  The sessions can be dragged up and down into the correct order.  Once in the correct order, tick Reset race numbers (if appropriate) and click the save button.