Adrenaline

Stopwatch timing (also called Manual Timing or Spacebar Timing) is a timing method perfect for smaller races that is best used with keyboard shortcuts but is available on any device include handhelds. Tap the drop gate button or use Alt+Enter to start the race, then tap the cross button or hit spacebar to record each finish line crossing. Rider numbers can be assigned later, and everything is fully editable.

What is Stopwatch Timing?

Stopwatch timing is a manual timing method where you record crossing times without any timing hardware other than your personal device. It's fast, simple, and with a computer keyboard does not require looking away from the race track.

Key Characteristics

All functionality designed to be look free

Alt+Enter: Drop the gate and start the race
Spacebar: Record each finish line crossing
Numbers assigned later: Focus on crossing times first, assign rider numbers after
Fully editable: Timestamps, numbers, and order can all be adjusted
Best for small races: Recommended for races with under 10 riders

Recommended for: Races with fewer than 10 riders. For larger fields, close finishes become harder to track accurately with manual keyboard timing.

Things Getting Messy? Switch to Manual Scoring Anytime

If your stopwatch timing gets chaotic (too many missed crossings, wrong numbers, can't keep up), don't worry! You can switch to Manual Scoring at any time without resetting or losing your race. Simply click "Manually Enter Final Positions Instead" and enter the finishing order directly. No need to salvage bad crossing data—just scrap it and move on.

Keyboard Controls

Alt + Enter - Start Race

Press and hold Alt + Enter to drop the gate and start the stopwatch. This begins the race timer and enables crossing recording.

Spacebar - Record Crossing

Press Spacebar each time a rider crosses the finish line. The system captures the exact timestamp. You don't need to identify the rider immediately—just record the crossing.

Tip: Keep your eyes on the finish line, not the keyboard. Hit spacebar for every crossing and assign numbers later during review.

How to Use Stopwatch Timing

Step 1: Select Duration/Laps

Before starting, configure your race format:

Fixed Duration: Set a time limit (e.g., "5 minutes + 2 laps" or "10 minute race")
Fixed Laps: Set a lap count (e.g., "5 laps")
No limit: Open practice—race until you manually end it

Step 2: Drop the Gate (Alt+Enter)

When racers are ready:

Focus on the Adrenaline race page (make sure the browser window is active)
Press Alt + Enter
The stopwatch starts immediately
If you set a fixed duration, the countdown timer begins

Note: The keyboard shortcut only works before the race starts. Once live, use your spacebar for crossings.

Step 3: Record Crossings (Spacebar)

As riders cross the finish line:

Press Spacebar for each crossing
The timestamp is automatically recorded
Don't worry about identifying the rider yet—just capture the crossing time
All crossings appear in the "Crossing Order" list in chronological order

Step 4: Assign Rider Numbers

After recording crossings (or during the race):

Look at the "Crossing Order" section
Each crossing shows the timestamp and an input field
Enter the rider's number plate for each crossing
The system automatically calculates laps and running order

Step 5: Edit and Finalize

Review and make corrections:

Click any timestamp to edit the crossing time
Change rider numbers if you made a mistake
Delete crossings that were recorded in error
Undelete crossings if needed
Once everything looks correct, finalize the race to lock in results

The Crossing Order Editor

The Crossing Order Editor is where all your recorded crossings appear. It's the central tool for reviewing, editing, and managing race timing.

Crossing List

All crossings are listed chronologically with their timestamp. Each entry has a field where you can enter or change the rider number.

Edit Timestamps

Click on any timestamp to edit it manually. This is useful if you hit spacebar too early or too late.

Edit Number Plates

Click on the number field to change which rider is associated with that crossing. The running order and lap counts update automatically.

Delete/Undelete Crossings

Mark a crossing as deleted if it was recorded in error (false trigger, test crossing, etc.). Deleted crossings remain visible but are crossed out and don't affect results. You can undelete them later if needed.

Manual Crossing Entry

If you missed a crossing, you can manually add one by clicking "Add Crossing" and entering the timestamp and rider number.

Real-Time Running Order

As you assign rider numbers to crossings, Adrenaline automatically calculates:

Current position: Where each rider stands in the race
Lap count: How many laps each rider has completed
Lap times: Individual lap times for performance analysis
Laps remaining: How many laps left if you set a fixed lap count
Leader indicators: Who's in first, second, third, etc.

Spectators watching the race see the running order update live as you assign numbers to crossings.

Race Flags

While the race is live, you have access to flag controls:

Yellow Flag

Signal a caution period. Click "Yellow" to display the yellow flag to spectators.

Red Cross Flag

Indicate medical assistance is needed on track. Click "Red Cross" to signal officials and spectators.

White Flag

Signal the final lap. This can be triggered automatically (when laps remaining reaches 1) or manually by clicking "White" if you want an early finish.

Checkered Flag

The race winner has finished. This displays automatically when the leader completes all laps (or crosses after white flag in time-based races).

Red Flag

Stop the race immediately due to an emergency. Click "Red" to halt timing. You'll have options to restart or finalize the race from the current standings.

Best Practices

Small races only: Stopwatch timing works best for 10 or fewer riders. Beyond that, crossings happen too quickly to track accurately.
Clear finish line view: Position yourself where you can clearly see riders crossing the line.
Don't identify while recording: Just hit spacebar for each crossing. Assign numbers during or after the race.
Practice the spacebar rhythm: Get comfortable hitting spacebar quickly and accurately for close finishes.
Review immediately: After each lap, quickly scan the crossings to assign numbers while it's fresh in your mind.
Use video backup: If possible, record the finish line with a camera for review in case of disputes.
Edit freely: Don't worry about mistakes—everything is editable. Adjust timestamps and numbers as needed.
Test first: Practice with the keyboard controls before race day to get comfortable with the workflow.

Switching to Manual Scoring

If stopwatch timing becomes too difficult (too many riders, too many close finishes), you can switch to Manual Scoring:

Before the race starts, click "Manually Enter Final Positions Instead" to switch to Manual Scoring mode. This lets you enter finishing order directly without tracking individual crossings.

See the Manual Scoring KB page for details on that workflow.

Common Questions

Alt+Enter isn't working. What's wrong?

Make sure the browser window is active (click on the page first). The keyboard shortcu only works when the Adrenaline race page has focus and the race hasn't started yet.

I missed a crossing. Can I add it manually?

Yes! In the Crossing Order Editor, click "Add Crossing" (if available) or contact support to manually insert a crossing with the appropriate timestamp.

Can I record crossings without assigning numbers immediately?

Yes! That's the recommended workflow. Just hit spacebar for each crossing and assign rider numbers later when you can review them calmly.

What if I accidentally hit spacebar?

No problem. Just delete that crossing from the Crossing Order Editor. Deleted crossings are marked but remain visible in case you need to restore them.

Can I edit timestamps after recording?

Yes! Click on any timestamp in the Crossing Order Editor to adjust it. This is useful if you hit spacebar slightly early or late.

How many riders can I time with stopwatch timing?

We recommend 10 or fewer riders. Beyond that, finish line crossings happen too quickly to accurately record with manual spacebar presses.

Can spectators see crossings as I record them?

Yes! Spectators see the crossing order update live. However, they won't see which rider crossed until you assign the number plate.

What happens if I change a rider number after assigning it?

The running order and lap counts recalculate automatically. Adrenaline updates all lap times, positions, and lap charts in real-time as you make edits.

Stopwatch Timing