Quote:
Originally Posted by iceman
Hope this helps.
Typically we as starters "arm" the system once both cars are pre-staged. Once one car stages (three bulbs on) there is no stopping the system because auto-start has begun. I don't know about what NH does but our system is auto-start for pro's and sportsmen alike. We can and do override the system if one car breaks because there are two cars in the system. Also, if a car gets up on the "chip" and rolls the beams the starter can override then also.
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Autostart is not like firing a bullet that cannot be recalled once the trigger is pulled. You CAN stop the autostart system at any moment before the countdown actually starts, even in that short time period between the 4th bulb lighting and the countdown beginning.
The point is that the starter has total control over when the race begins. He can allow autostart to run the show, or he can override it. Autostart protects the starter from being accused of manipulating the race results by being overly slow ("he burned my down") or quick ("he quick-tree'd me") on the tree. It makes the starters job easier and the races more fair.