Record competitors’ times and positions in order to determine the event results
  • Timekeeping is an essential element of most motorsport events
  • The tools used range from simple hand-held stopwatches to complex electronic timing systems that can accurately measure to the nearest thousandth of a second
  • Licensed Timekeepers are split by their type of motorsport: Kart, Race, Rally or Speed
  • On a Stage Rally, Timekeepers are assisted by Timing Marshals who operate timing equipment at different points along the route.
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  • U18
    Participants can be under 18 years old
3

reasons you'll love it

1

Play a key role in motorsport events

2

Start from 16 years old

3

Enjoy great views of the track action

“Whether you’re using skills you already have, or learning new ones on the job, volunteering in motorsport is a great way to spend the weekend. You’ll meet new people, make new friends, and be part of running an amazing sport.”

Rachel Furn Bullard

Timekeeper

Timekeeping is a great way to get involved in motorsport and play a crucial role in the running of events.

At race and speed events, the role involves accurately recording competitor’s times during race and practice sessions. This can sometimes involve using sophisticated timing systems to measure lap times, sector times, and overall race times, which are then used to determine results, analyze performance, and manage the race.

Timekeepers also play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of events by monitoring progress, providing data to other officials, and managing any timing-related issues that may arise. 

Although as a Registered Marshal you can undertake roles as a Rally Timekeeper assisting with Timecards, etc. and progress through the Marshals Pathway to Rally: Grade 2 (Timekeeper).

There are also the unlicensed timing roles undertaken at for instance Trials where stopwatches or Apps can be used.

To apply to become a Licensed Trainee Timekeeper you need to first undertake a Taster Day in the discipline which you are interested in – ask your local club to organize with the Chief Timekeeper or if you don’t know who to speak to, email officials@motorsportuk.org

Once you have attended the Taster Day, please then request a Letter of Recommendation from the Chief Timekeeper that you worked with, and send this along with the completed New Officials Application form to officials@motorsportuk.org.

You will then be emailed a Trainee Timekeeper Record Book for the discipline that you undertook the Taster Day in, and receive a Trainee Timekeeper Licence in the post.

The length of time to progress from a Trainee Timekeeper to Timekeeper in Kart, Race, Rally or Speed will depend on how many events you are able to attend and how long it takes you to complete your record book and the online training module, however your Mentor will assist you through this process and will tell you when it is time to upgrade.

Timekeepers often train in different disciplines to enable them to assist at different types of events.

Once qualified for at least two years, and with the suggestion of your Chief Timekeeper, it is possible to undertake a further module to train to become a National Timekeeper (you will also need to undertake assessments as part of this training). Once all successfully passed you will then be able to be a Chief Timekeeper for the discipline which you have been assessed in.

It's free to register as a Timekeeper with Motorsport UK!

To get started fill out the New Officials Form at the link below and send it to Membership Services Team, having selected the Timekeeper Trainee box.

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