Fixed Laps Race Dashboard
The Fixed Laps Race Dashboard in RUFUS Race Manager (RRM) provides a complete real-time overview of races where participants must complete a predefined number of laps. Unlike classical races, where progress is measured by checkpoints and distance, Fixed Laps races revolve entirely around lap completion, lap times, and overall consistency.
This dashboard helps organizers monitor lap progression, validate performances, identify the winner as soon as the target laps are reached, and track lap-based rankings with precision.
Dashboard Overview
A Fixed Laps race dashboard includes:
Race title and lap objective
Process passings control
Checkpoint and Lap Gate indicators
Start time tools and floating passing editor
Dedicated race progress panel with checkered-flag state
Live race clock
Lap-based results table
The layout is optimized for loop-based racing, where repeated crossings of the Lap Gate drive the race’s structure.
Race Controls
Process Passings
The Process passings toggle determines whether the dashboard actively evaluates incoming detections:
Enabled → Lap counts and times update in real time
Disabled → Passings are captured but not applied, marked as RACE_CLOSED
Temporary deactivation is useful during warmups, testing, or after the race has finished.
Reset Race
This action clears all passings, and participants status, allowing corrections or a full restart if necessary.
Checkpoint & Lap Gate Overview
Below the race title, the dashboard displays the checkpoints associated with the race:
Sector checkpoints (optional)
Lap Gate (mandatory)
The Lap Gate is where laps are incremented. A green state indicator shows that each checkpoint is active and processing passings.
Start Time Management
The Fixed Laps dashboard includes RRM’s standard start-time workflow:
Set a specific timestamp
Use NOW at the actual race start moment
Adjust the start time post-start if needed
Changing the start time automatically recalculates:
Lap times
Total time
Ranking order
This ensures accuracy even if the start time was unknown or mis-entered.
Floating Passings
Timers can manually add passings when:
A chip fails to read
A correction is needed
A participant’s lap count must be adjusted
A timestamp may be manually entered or set to the current time.
Race Progress & Checkered Flag State
In Fixed Laps races, the Race Progress widget behaves differently than in classical races.
Instead of showing NOT STARTED / IN RACE / FINISH, the widget displays:
The number of laps completed by the leading participant
The maximum target laps for the race (if configured)
Progression expressed live as the leader advances
This gives timekeepers immediate insight into how far the race has progressed relative to its total lap objective.
Checkered Flag Activation
When the first participant completes the target number of laps, the dashboard:
Activates the checkered flag state
Highlights the first finisher
Marks the moment the race winner is determined
Freezes the leader’s lap count in the widget (e.g., 3 of 3 laps completed)
Other participants may continue arriving, but the race has officially reached its winning moment.
This behavior mirrors real-world loop racing formats (motorsport, criteriums, track endurance events) where the race concludes immediately for the leader but remains active for others to complete their remaining laps.
Race Clock
The race clock shows the total elapsed gun-time based on the configured start time.
Its behavior:
Displays a countdown if the start time is in the future
Begins counting up at race start
Continues running even after the first finisher crosses the line
The clock helps timekeepers identify pacing patterns and race duration without interfering with lap calculations.
Lap Results Table
The core of the dashboard is the detailed lap results table, which updates dynamically with each Lap Gate passing.
Columns typically include:
Position
BIB and Name
Laps completed (e.g., 3/3)
Lap Time
Total Time
Gap (time or laps behind the leader)
Interval (difference from previous lap)
Sector splits (S1, S2, etc.) when configured
Position change (POS. Δ)
Lap Pace
Best Lap
Key Features
Participants are ranked first by laps completed, then by total time
Checkered-flag winner is highlighted
Lap times and splits are color-coded for clarity
Sorting tools allow timers to inspect performance from multiple angles
This table is essential for validating results, analyzing performance, and resolving tie situations.
When to Use the Fixed Laps Dashboard
This dashboard is ideal for races where every participant must complete a defined number of laps, such as:
Circuit running
Cycling criteriums
Motor sport karting or car loops
Trail loop challenges
Obstacle course circuits
Stadium or track-based multi-lap events
The dashboard is designed for precision, speed, and clarity—especially when many lap events occur in rapid succession.
Conclusion
The Fixed Laps Race Dashboard in RRM is a powerful tool that gives organizers complete control over lap-based competitions. With live lap tracking, automatic checkered-flag detection, detailed split analysis, and flexible correction tools, it ensures accurate and transparent race management from the first lap to the last.
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