Early arrival
Reaching a time control before the prescribed due time. When 'early arrival allowed' is stated, arriving early is not penalised – only lateness counts.
Early arrival (German Vorzeit) means reaching a time control before the actual due time (Sollzeit). Normally arriving too early is also penalised, because it undermines even-paced driving. But if the supplementary regulations state 'Vorzeit erlaubt' (early arrival allowed), arriving early goes unpunished and only lateness is penalised. This is common at relaxed, touring-style events. The related concept is 'free check-in', where reporting early is likewise permitted.
Glossary from A to Z
Related terms
Regularity rally
Classic-car motorsport where precision counts, not speed: hold prescribed average speeds and target times as exactly as possible.
Time card
Control card issued by the organiser on which arrival and passage times are recorded or stamped at the controls.
Passage control (PC)
A control that only confirms passage – usually by a stamp on the time card. It proves the prescribed route was followed. Also called a transit control or stamp control.