Pacenotes

Pacenotes, also known as stage notes, are a detailed set of co-driver's instructions in rallying, providing a precise description of the road ahead. They are crucial for drivers to navigate high-speed stages safely and efficiently. Pacenotes typically contain information about the severity and length of upcoming turns, road surface conditions, potential hazards, and optimal driving lines.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of pacenotes is to allow drivers to memorize the route before the actual race, enabling them to anticipate upcoming turns and terrain changes without visually seeing the road ahead in real-time. This pre-knowledge is essential for maintaining high speeds and avoiding accidents on often unpredictable rally stages.

Creation:

Pacenotes are usually created during reconnaissance runs (also known as "recce") before the actual competition. The driver and co-driver drive the stage at a reduced speed, with the co-driver verbally describing the road ahead, and the driver noting the information down.

Content:

A typical set of pacenotes includes:

• Turn Severity: Described using numbers (e.g., "1" for a hairpin, "6" for a gentle curve) or descriptive terms (e.g., "tight," "medium," "fast").
• Turn Direction: "Left" or "Right."
• Distance: The distance between turns, measured in meters.
• Road Surface: Information about the road surface (e.g., "gravel," "asphalt," "mud," "ice").
• Hazards: Warnings about potential dangers (e.g., "jump," "crest," "ditch," "rock").
• Special Instructions: Additional information to clarify the nature of the road (e.g., "cuts," "opens," "don't cut," "narrow").

Delivery:

During the rally stage, the co-driver reads the pacenotes aloud to the driver, typically a few seconds ahead of time, allowing the driver to react accordingly. The rhythm and tone of the co-driver's delivery are crucial for effective communication.

Variations:

Different teams and drivers may use slightly different systems for creating and reading pacenotes, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Some drivers prefer numerical systems, while others prefer descriptive terms. The key is to have a system that is clear, concise, and consistent.