Why Special Stages End With Two Separate Finish Points in Rallying

Two Checkpoints for Safety and Administration

In circuit racing, a driver takes the checkered flag and enters a slow-down lap, but stage rallying requires a different operational procedure. Competitors tackle timed special stages individually across closed public roads, often reaching maximum speeds right up to the end of the competitive run. Requiring a rally crew to stop dead the moment their timed run ends would be dangerous for both the car and any competitors starting shortly behind them.

To manage this risk, stage organizers split the conclusion of every test into two distinct checkpoints. The distinction of a rally flying finish vs stop control establishes a buffer that separates automated split-second timekeeping from mandatory administrative procedures down the road.

Crossing the Flying Finish

Approaching the conclusion of a stage, crews pass an advance warning marker featuring a yellow checkered flag roughly 100 metres prior to the line. Moments later, the car trips the actual flying finish, designated trackside by a red checkered flag.

Electronic beams or timing loops record the exact moment the car crosses the line at competition velocity to log the competitive stage time. Drivers do not brake sharply on this line. Instead, they must maintain vehicle control and progressively scrub off speed over loose gravel, mud, asphalt, or snow.

Procedure at the Stop Control

Positioned between 200 and 500 yards beyond the flying finish line, crews encounter the stop control, marked by a prominent red stop board. Here, the driver brings the vehicle to a full halt so trackside marshals can record or stamp the official finish time onto the physical time card.

Strict sporting rules govern this intermediate buffer zone. Competitors are prohibited from stopping before the red board, reversing, or performing repairs until they clear the end-of-control zone marker, typically set around 50 metres past the marshal post. Once paperwork is checked and signed off, the crew safely transitions back into regular road transit to reach the next stage.

Official reference: FIA World Rally Championship regulations.