Open Road Race Timer
for race speeds 60 to 170 mph
$14.99
7.5for iPhone, iPad and more
Age Rating
Open Road Race Timer Screenshots
About Open Road Race Timer
The Open Road Race Timer is designed for high speed automobile racing on closed highways. The race objective is to travel a course of known length at a set rate of speed. That combination of speed and distance translates into a target time to reach the finish line.
Your starting time will also be assigned as some minute or half minute after the hour in which the race begins. Set the conditions of speed, distance and compute the time in the app Setup and let the app count down to the start of your race.
If the computed time is not identical to the official time down to the ten thousandths of a second, touch the "Distance" button to activate the plus and minus below the time to make fine adjustments. Time is the most critical variable for displays and computations.
The clock will countdown to an automatic start. If possible, synchronize your app's clock to the offical race clock before you start.
Alternatively, you may show a Start Now button on the main screen by chosing the option on a switch in Settings and use this button to initiate the start. Caution, however, the automatic countdown timed start is much more precise and reliable than any human could possibly be.
Speeds can be set at 5 mph increments from 60 to 170 miles per hour. Shorter distances and slower speeds can be used for practice.
Settings allow you to change the precison of various displays. Also, there is a setting that determines whether the app stops computing at the Finish Line based upon either the official time or the official distance. By default, the choice is to stop app computations when the distance to the official finish line reaches zero.
Optionally, you may input the Finish Line GPS coordinates. For your convenience, four preset Finish Line coordinates are included for both the Northbound and Southbound segments of Big Bend and Silver State Classic courses, but verify these coordinates with the race organizer.
If you chose the Finish Line coordinates option in the Setup, then the Time Error to the Finish Line is computed when you are within one-half mile of the Finish Line.
For races with out and back stages where the total error is the average between two runs, you can use this time to judge the best time target +/– on the return stage.
GPS inputs trace the path along the rally route. Measurements of actual versus ideal time and distance will be shown in seconds ahead or behind schedule. Also, you may record time and distance covered and the error against the ideal course time and distance by touching the Add Split button. Also, you may set automatic split computations at increments of 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes.
You may fine-tune the app's distance between GPS receiver and front wheels (if necessary) and clock time figures to the rally's official measures with the options in the Adjustments popup. Unlock to make adjustments and lock to save the changes you make and to prevent inadvertent changes.
If the app's Time of Day (T.O.D.) clock shown at the bottom of the map view (or in the center of the display in the iPad version) does not match the rally's official clock, you may synchronize the two clocks by making small adjustments as required.
App Settings allow you to change the display of Time, Speed, and Distance as well as permitting the display of Time error to be in whole numbers or decimals.
For better GPS reception and improved accuracy, third-party wireless GPS receivers are recommended. This app has been tested with Bluetooth connectivity to a Dual XGPS150A GPS Receiver. This app works with both iPhones and iPads, even those without Cellular connectivity. However, there can only be one Apple device with Bluetooth activated within range of the Dual Receiver. Place devices not running this app in Airplane mode and be sure that the Dual Receiver is connected with the device and app you are using.
Disclaimer: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
Your starting time will also be assigned as some minute or half minute after the hour in which the race begins. Set the conditions of speed, distance and compute the time in the app Setup and let the app count down to the start of your race.
If the computed time is not identical to the official time down to the ten thousandths of a second, touch the "Distance" button to activate the plus and minus below the time to make fine adjustments. Time is the most critical variable for displays and computations.
The clock will countdown to an automatic start. If possible, synchronize your app's clock to the offical race clock before you start.
Alternatively, you may show a Start Now button on the main screen by chosing the option on a switch in Settings and use this button to initiate the start. Caution, however, the automatic countdown timed start is much more precise and reliable than any human could possibly be.
Speeds can be set at 5 mph increments from 60 to 170 miles per hour. Shorter distances and slower speeds can be used for practice.
Settings allow you to change the precison of various displays. Also, there is a setting that determines whether the app stops computing at the Finish Line based upon either the official time or the official distance. By default, the choice is to stop app computations when the distance to the official finish line reaches zero.
Optionally, you may input the Finish Line GPS coordinates. For your convenience, four preset Finish Line coordinates are included for both the Northbound and Southbound segments of Big Bend and Silver State Classic courses, but verify these coordinates with the race organizer.
If you chose the Finish Line coordinates option in the Setup, then the Time Error to the Finish Line is computed when you are within one-half mile of the Finish Line.
For races with out and back stages where the total error is the average between two runs, you can use this time to judge the best time target +/– on the return stage.
GPS inputs trace the path along the rally route. Measurements of actual versus ideal time and distance will be shown in seconds ahead or behind schedule. Also, you may record time and distance covered and the error against the ideal course time and distance by touching the Add Split button. Also, you may set automatic split computations at increments of 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes.
You may fine-tune the app's distance between GPS receiver and front wheels (if necessary) and clock time figures to the rally's official measures with the options in the Adjustments popup. Unlock to make adjustments and lock to save the changes you make and to prevent inadvertent changes.
If the app's Time of Day (T.O.D.) clock shown at the bottom of the map view (or in the center of the display in the iPad version) does not match the rally's official clock, you may synchronize the two clocks by making small adjustments as required.
App Settings allow you to change the display of Time, Speed, and Distance as well as permitting the display of Time error to be in whole numbers or decimals.
For better GPS reception and improved accuracy, third-party wireless GPS receivers are recommended. This app has been tested with Bluetooth connectivity to a Dual XGPS150A GPS Receiver. This app works with both iPhones and iPads, even those without Cellular connectivity. However, there can only be one Apple device with Bluetooth activated within range of the Dual Receiver. Place devices not running this app in Airplane mode and be sure that the Dual Receiver is connected with the device and app you are using.
Disclaimer: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
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What's New in the Latest Version 7.5
Last updated on Sep 30, 2022
Old Versions
- Fixed bug that sometimes causes average mph display to produce odd results.
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Version History
7.5
Sep 30, 2022
- Fixed bug that sometimes causes average mph display to produce odd results.
7.4
Jul 28, 2022
- Major update to the Dual SDK version 2.2 that permits more effective data validation and Bluetooth connectivity. Thus, this app can now be used with iPads that do not have Cellular capability. Remember to put other iOS devices in Airplane mode, while using this app on iPad.
- Fixed bug involving display of user-defined finish line coordinates.
- When using preset or user-defined finish line coordinates, the app will compute distance to the finish line that, in turn, is used to compute time error to the finish, plus or minus, within 0.5 miles of the finish line rather that 1.0 miles in previous versions.
- Notable improvements in processing valid GPS data derived from Apple and Dual.
- Minor GUI changes.
- Fixed bug involving display of user-defined finish line coordinates.
- When using preset or user-defined finish line coordinates, the app will compute distance to the finish line that, in turn, is used to compute time error to the finish, plus or minus, within 0.5 miles of the finish line rather that 1.0 miles in previous versions.
- Notable improvements in processing valid GPS data derived from Apple and Dual.
- Minor GUI changes.
7.3.1
Jul 14, 2021
- Minor changes to accommodate iOS 13 and 14.
7.3
Jan 22, 2020
- The major code improvements and additions are designed to adjust the GPS coordinates of a moving vehicle owing to the time between reception of new GPS signals and to the time lag between the time the signal was generated from satellites and the time when processing actually occurs in the app.
- Users may now adjust the location coordinate by the distance between the GPS receiver in the car (either the iPhone or iPad or some third-party GPS receiver) and the position on the car where a rally may measure time or location at timed controls (sometimes this is the front of the car or the center of the front wheels).
- All three of these potential errors in coordinate measurement are discussed at length in a 6-part thread in the Facebook "Road Rally Tech Talk" forum.
- If available to the app, compass coordinates are available to verify location when the car is stopped.
- Various improvements to the processing of information from the Dual 150 and 160 GPS Receivers.
- Changes to processing of Apple internal GPS signals to account for spurious readings when horizontal accuracy is poor or when the vehicle is stopped or moving very slowly.
- Various changes and improvements in the GUI to improve display and readability.
- Users may now adjust the location coordinate by the distance between the GPS receiver in the car (either the iPhone or iPad or some third-party GPS receiver) and the position on the car where a rally may measure time or location at timed controls (sometimes this is the front of the car or the center of the front wheels).
- All three of these potential errors in coordinate measurement are discussed at length in a 6-part thread in the Facebook "Road Rally Tech Talk" forum.
- If available to the app, compass coordinates are available to verify location when the car is stopped.
- Various improvements to the processing of information from the Dual 150 and 160 GPS Receivers.
- Changes to processing of Apple internal GPS signals to account for spurious readings when horizontal accuracy is poor or when the vehicle is stopped or moving very slowly.
- Various changes and improvements in the GUI to improve display and readability.
7.02
Oct 14, 2019
- GUI changes necessitated by iOS 13.
7.01
Sep 5, 2019
- ESSENTIAL REQUIRED UPDATE. Fixed bug in this version 7.01. The longitude of the Southbound finish line of Silver State should have been -115.219650.
7.0
Aug 22, 2019
- To improve the accuracy of Time Error as you approach the Finish Line, there is now an option in the Setup that allows you to insert and use the GPS latitude and longitude coordinates of the Finish Line. Be sure to use the Official GPS coordinates provided by the race organizer and insert the coordinates to six-digit decimal precision when possible.
- If this option is chosen, Time Error computations will use the GPS distance to the Finish Line once you are within one mile of the Finish Line GPS coordinates.
- Additionally, the current official Finish Line GPS coordinates for both the Northbound and Southbound legs of the Big Bend and Silver State Classic races are provided as options. Choose user-defined coordinates or preset coordinates by turning on the slider button to the right of the option display. Turning off all the slider buttons will ignore the coordinate options, while turning any one on will indicate that you have made the choice in the Setup display and on the main display at the bottom of the Splits table.
- Various GUI tweaks and enhancements.
- If this option is chosen, Time Error computations will use the GPS distance to the Finish Line once you are within one mile of the Finish Line GPS coordinates.
- Additionally, the current official Finish Line GPS coordinates for both the Northbound and Southbound legs of the Big Bend and Silver State Classic races are provided as options. Choose user-defined coordinates or preset coordinates by turning on the slider button to the right of the option display. Turning off all the slider buttons will ignore the coordinate options, while turning any one on will indicate that you have made the choice in the Setup display and on the main display at the bottom of the Splits table.
- Various GUI tweaks and enhancements.
6.4
May 16, 2019
- A new Settings option has been added. This option gives you the choice of stopping the app computations when the distance between the car and the finish line reaches zero as determined by the GPS distance traveled over the course or when the time on the course counts down from the official time to zero.
- The default Setting is for the app to stop when the distance traveled counts down to zero, which should be when the car crosses the official finish line.
- This option is designed to help teams adjust time targets for the second leg of an out-and-back race like the Big Bend ORR. The total time error for this two-stage race is the average time of the out and back stages.
- There is now a display of the distance "to go" until the finish line shown above the map display.
- Improvements have been made to allow selected time, speed, and distances in the Setup screen to persist in the app Documents folder.
- Minor GUI enhancements and code improvements to improve performance.
- The default Setting is for the app to stop when the distance traveled counts down to zero, which should be when the car crosses the official finish line.
- This option is designed to help teams adjust time targets for the second leg of an out-and-back race like the Big Bend ORR. The total time error for this two-stage race is the average time of the out and back stages.
- There is now a display of the distance "to go" until the finish line shown above the map display.
- Improvements have been made to allow selected time, speed, and distances in the Setup screen to persist in the app Documents folder.
- Minor GUI enhancements and code improvements to improve performance.
6.3
Mar 14, 2019
- Top speed has been increased from 160 mph to 170 mph
6.2
Sep 28, 2018
- Location Services must be turned on to use the app regardless of whether the GPS signal comes from Apple's internal receiver or a third-party receiver like the Dual 150 or Dual 160. Also, Bluetooth must be turned on to use the Dual GPS receivers.
- So, to remind you that the GPS signals must be gathered, processed, and settled down before leaving the starting line, the app now defaults to showing the GPS information view superimposed over the map.
- Several GUI changes/improvements to both the main view and the Driver's popup view, most notably the addition of up and down arrows where red indicates that you are ahead of the target pace and green indicates that you are behind the target pace and should speed up.
- Settings of Time, Speed, and Distance will persist after having been set, but notice that the starting time does not persist. So, if you go back and forth between the setup view and the main view, the time to start may change. Be careful to set the correct starting time.
- So, to remind you that the GPS signals must be gathered, processed, and settled down before leaving the starting line, the app now defaults to showing the GPS information view superimposed over the map.
- Several GUI changes/improvements to both the main view and the Driver's popup view, most notably the addition of up and down arrows where red indicates that you are ahead of the target pace and green indicates that you are behind the target pace and should speed up.
- Settings of Time, Speed, and Distance will persist after having been set, but notice that the starting time does not persist. So, if you go back and forth between the setup view and the main view, the time to start may change. Be careful to set the correct starting time.
6.1
Sep 3, 2018
- It's back. By popular demand, we have returned the "Start Now!" button that allows manually overriding the automatic countdown start time. However, we caution that the app countdown is more precise and accurate than any human action could be, so be aware.
- Since we strongly recommend using the automatic countdown start time, the option of showing and using the "Start Now!" button is available in the Settings. The default is no "Start Now!" button.
- To further improve the precision and accuracy of the app, we have expanded the adjustable precision of both the Time and the Distance. New buttons allow for fine adjustment +/- and holding down a button will allow it to increment or decrement in a fast continuous pace, so you don't have to touch buttons multiple times to get the result you want.
- The lower end of the Speed range is now 60 miles per hour and the lower end of the Distance range is 5.0000 miles. These changes are designed to allow users to practice at lower speeds and shorter distances, if they wish.
- Since we strongly recommend using the automatic countdown start time, the option of showing and using the "Start Now!" button is available in the Settings. The default is no "Start Now!" button.
- To further improve the precision and accuracy of the app, we have expanded the adjustable precision of both the Time and the Distance. New buttons allow for fine adjustment +/- and holding down a button will allow it to increment or decrement in a fast continuous pace, so you don't have to touch buttons multiple times to get the result you want.
- The lower end of the Speed range is now 60 miles per hour and the lower end of the Distance range is 5.0000 miles. These changes are designed to allow users to practice at lower speeds and shorter distances, if they wish.
6.0.2
May 28, 2018
- Code improvements to shorten calculation time and to improve timing accuracy.
- Changed the odometer adjustment factor from increments of 0.001 to increments of 0.0001 to allow for more precise calibration of GPS odometer measurement to official course distance.
- Reduced the target speed that can be set to 70 or 75 mph to allow for testing at speeds less likely to be ticket-worthy.
- Also reduced the target distance to 5 miles for shorter test courses, if desired.
- Changed the odometer adjustment factor from increments of 0.001 to increments of 0.0001 to allow for more precise calibration of GPS odometer measurement to official course distance.
- Reduced the target speed that can be set to 70 or 75 mph to allow for testing at speeds less likely to be ticket-worthy.
- Also reduced the target distance to 5 miles for shorter test courses, if desired.
6.0
May 4, 2018
- Major rewrite with respect to the precision and accuracy of the time used for computations and actions within the app. Now, precision is measured to milliseconds.
- In Open-Road Races, time is the critical variable. The course distance and the target speed is know to the race team before they start. So, the time to reach the finish line can be computed to the precision allowed by the known mileage by the formula Time = Distance / Speed. Now, in the "Setup Now" popup, you may fine-tune the computed Time by first touching the Distance button to activate the plus and minus buttons for changing the displayed time by increments as small as 0.01 seconds.
- Since time is now computed to millisecond precision, the "Start Now" button for manual starting is unnecessary and has been removed. The clock counting down the time to the finish line will start at precisely zero automatically.
- Previously, the app settings were not always taking effect, so there is now a popup view of four setting options that can be selected or changed at any time.
- In Open-Road Races, time is the critical variable. The course distance and the target speed is know to the race team before they start. So, the time to reach the finish line can be computed to the precision allowed by the known mileage by the formula Time = Distance / Speed. Now, in the "Setup Now" popup, you may fine-tune the computed Time by first touching the Distance button to activate the plus and minus buttons for changing the displayed time by increments as small as 0.01 seconds.
- Since time is now computed to millisecond precision, the "Start Now" button for manual starting is unnecessary and has been removed. The clock counting down the time to the finish line will start at precisely zero automatically.
- Previously, the app settings were not always taking effect, so there is now a popup view of four setting options that can be selected or changed at any time.
5.1
Apr 25, 2018
- Now a Universal app for both iPhone and iPad platforms
- Numerous GUI changes and code improvements
- Numerous GUI changes and code improvements
5.0.2
Dec 7, 2017
- Modified alert button font styles for better clarity
5.0.1
Nov 18, 2017
- Added code to ensure that background location tracking will take place for at least 3 minutes permitted by Apple.
- GUI modifications for improved readability.
- GUI modifications for improved readability.
5.0
Oct 27, 2017
- Changed minimum required iOS version to 10.3 to resolve some issues and to accommodate new technology.
- Reduced from 10 meters to 1.5 meters (33 feet to 5 feet) the minimum distance computed from a pair of GPS coordinates suitable for incrementing distance. This improves displayed distance measurement to 0.001 mile accuracy, which is especially important at speeds less than 15 mph (not much of an issue at the speeds required of this app).
- Various changes to accommodate iOS 11.
- Reduced from 10 meters to 1.5 meters (33 feet to 5 feet) the minimum distance computed from a pair of GPS coordinates suitable for incrementing distance. This improves displayed distance measurement to 0.001 mile accuracy, which is especially important at speeds less than 15 mph (not much of an issue at the speeds required of this app).
- Various changes to accommodate iOS 11.
4.4
Aug 10, 2017
- The "Reset or Stop" button now has two options: reset the app to initial conditions to start a new race or stop the current race leaving the error displays, distance, time, and splits in place.
- GPS Info button shows information for either the Apple GPS or Dual GPS devices, whichever is currently operating.
- Heading has been changed to Bearing and is now computed from GPS coordinates rather than from Apple's built-in magnetometer.
- Minor GUI modifications.
- GPS Info button shows information for either the Apple GPS or Dual GPS devices, whichever is currently operating.
- Heading has been changed to Bearing and is now computed from GPS coordinates rather than from Apple's built-in magnetometer.
- Minor GUI modifications.
4.3
Jun 7, 2017
- To eliminate "mileage creep" while stopped, the threshold for computing estimated distance between GPS ticks has been set a speeds greater than 15 miles per hour.
4.2
May 26, 2017
- While stopping isn't likely on an Open Road Race, this update cures a quirk that allowed the distance to increment between GPS signals while the car is stopped. This looked odd, but it did not affect essential computations.
4.1
Apr 14, 2017
- Fixed some missing links between app Settings and app code.
4.0
Apr 12, 2017
- Added estimate of distance travelled between GPS distance signals. This improves the accuracy of the distance measurement and importantly reduces the rapid changes in time and distance error computations and displays to make it easier to maintain a desired pace.
- Added app Settings accessible through the "sprocket" Settings button in the upper menu. Setting options allow you to change the display of Time, Speed, and Distance as well as permitting the display of Time error to be in whole numbers or decimals.
- Added app Settings accessible through the "sprocket" Settings button in the upper menu. Setting options allow you to change the display of Time, Speed, and Distance as well as permitting the display of Time error to be in whole numbers or decimals.
3.0
Jan 23, 2017
- Substantial redesign of the GUI for better readability and to display more prominently key indicators of race progress. In particular, errors in time and distance at the set speed are displayed on to the right and left of the average speed, now showing in the center of the screen just below the title.
- The Driver's display now shows the errors time, speed, and distance as well as the time remaining to complete the course.
- A "Start Now!" button has now been added to allow you to override the automatic starting time. However, use this button with caution, because the finger touch may not be as precise as an automatic starting time if the app's internal clock has been correctly synchronized with the official race clock.
- Various code improvements and tweaks.
- The Driver's display now shows the errors time, speed, and distance as well as the time remaining to complete the course.
- A "Start Now!" button has now been added to allow you to override the automatic starting time. However, use this button with caution, because the finger touch may not be as precise as an automatic starting time if the app's internal clock has been correctly synchronized with the official race clock.
- Various code improvements and tweaks.
2.4
Nov 22, 2016
- Added option to adjust Time of Day (T.O.D.) clock to match official rally clock, if necessary.
- Adjustments, if any, to odometer or time are shown in the right-hand corner of the lower toolbar.
- Table of splits is wider and has a larger font for better readability.
- Adjustments, if any, to odometer or time are shown in the right-hand corner of the lower toolbar.
- Table of splits is wider and has a larger font for better readability.
2.3
Oct 22, 2016
- Change the minimum distance to 10 miles and the maximum speed to 160 mph in response to customer suggestions.
- Some GUI changes to better accommodate different iPhone models and iOS 10.
- Some GUI changes to better accommodate different iPhone models and iOS 10.
Open Road Race Timer FAQ
Click here to learn how to download Open Road Race Timer in restricted country or region.
Check the following list to see the minimum requirements of Open Road Race Timer.
iPhone
Requires iOS 13.6 or later.
iPad
Requires iPadOS 13.6 or later.
iPod touch
Requires iOS 13.6 or later.
Open Road Race Timer supports English
