Start time
Also: Start slot, Due start time
The clock time at which your crew starts the rally or a test. All later due times are based on it.
The start time is the clock time at which your crew officially starts the rally, a leg or a test. The organiser sets it and it is usually written on your time card.
How start times are given
Crews usually start one after another, often at one minute intervals and in order of start number. Car 1 might leave at 9:01, car 2 at 9:02. Depending on the regulations, the order may change on later days.
Why it matters
All your later target times follow from it. If the allowed time to time control 2 is 45 minutes and you started at 9:12, you are due there at 9:57. Write the start time down wrong and you calculate with the wrong numbers all day.
Starting a test
Before a regularity test you often get a separate start time, sometimes to the second. A marshal counts you down or a start light shows the moment. Start your stopwatch exactly then, and sync your clock with the official time beforehand.