Pace notes

In stage (best-time) rallies, the crew's self-made notes on the route, gathered while slowly pre-driving a special stage. The co-driver reads them out during the stage – jokingly called the 'prayer book'.

Pace notes (German Aufschrieb) are common in stage rallies run on best time. They are self-made notes on the course that the crew gathers while slowly pre-driving a special stage (WP): corners, distances, hazards and the manoeuvres to perform. During the stage itself the co-driver reads these notes out continuously so the driver knows the road without seeing it in advance. In German they are jokingly called the 'Gebetbuch' (prayer book), because the co-driver almost recites the instructions. In pure regularity or touring events, pace notes are not used.

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Related terms

  • Special stage

    A defined section of route where the crew's precision is measured (abbreviated SS).

  • Leg

    A major self-contained section of a rally, usually a day's running between two main halts; called Etappe in German.

  • Plot and bash

    A British navigation style where the navigator plots the route instructions – handed out only at the start or en route – onto the map while moving, and the crew presses on.

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