GrandPrix Race Manager

Description

GrandPrix Race Manager Version 17.0

GrandPrix Race Manager™ is an application that will help you manage your Pinewood Derby®, Awana® Grand Prix, Space Derby®, Raingutter Regatta, and other similar races by Royal Rangers, Royal Ambassadors, Lutheran Pioneers, YMCA Adventure Guides, Christian Service Brigade, CRC Cadets, Master Clubs, and other organizations. GrandPrix Race Manager handles registering racers to determining award winners, making your race more organized, shorter and enjoyable for all. GrandPrix Race Manager is highly customizable and easy to use.

*** Our competitors may claim that they provide the leading race management software, but we feel that the software should do the talking! Download our demo and theirs and see for yourself who provides the best software on the market. In addition, we provide quick and professional support for our software to help you have a smooth race. ***

Key Features

Key Features:

Flexible and Easy to Use
- Step By Step Use - The software indicates the steps to take to run your race. Check off each step as you complete it.
- Adapts to Different Types of Races - Customizable for racing cars, semi-trucks, Space Derby® rockets, Raingutter Regatta boats, and other race vehicles.
- Not Tied to One Specific Way - The software gives you the flexibility to run a race in many different ways. The software will not dictate how you should run your race.
- Customize to Your Organization - You can define your race groups and subgroups to be whatever you want.
- Number of Lanes - Supports from 1 to 8 lane tracks.
- Large Font Screens - Roster, Racing, On Deck, Standings, and Awards screens have fonts large enough to display to an audience on a large TV or projection system.
- Highly Customizable - Many options are provided to allow you to customize the software to better suit your needs.
- Lite and Pro Versions - A Lite Version of the software is available for those users that need just the basics. A Pro Version is available for those needing more flexibility and features. Compare Lite and Pro Versions
Racer Registration
- Simple Racer Registration - Manually enter racers or import racer information from an existing spreadsheet or database. You can also import racer data from or export data to DerbyDMV.
- Vehicle Number Flexibility - Racers can choose their own vehicle numbers or they can be assigned by the race staff or by the software.
- Racer Photos (Pro Version) - If you wish, you can add photos of each racer or of their race vehicle. You can even capture the photos directly from a web cam or video camera.^** These photos will be displayed on the Racing, Heat Winner, Track Record, and Awards/Standings screens.
Race Scheduling
- Static Scheduling - The software has built-in generators for Perfect-N Type and Lane Rotation schedules.
- Dynamic Scheduling - Built-in Dynamic scheduler maximizes the number of racers to win at least one heat. Competition gets tighter for all racers as the race progresses, since racers are matched up based on performance.
- Other Scheduling Methods (Pro Version) - Compatible with other non-elimination scheduling methods such as Stearns, Round Robin, Chaotic Rotation, and others via import or manual entry.
- Master Scheduling (Pro Version) - Collate your group schedules for a round into a master schedule. Keeps racers more involved and not waiting for their group's turn to race.
  Note: Master Scheduling does not work with Dynamic scheduling.
- Ad-Hoc Scheduling (Pro Version) - You can even race without first building a schedule, for ad-hoc racing.
- DOES NOT support Single, Double or Triple Elimination - Find out why
Race Scoring - Score by points or by elapsed time.
- Times Scoring - Score by your choice of Cumulative, Average or Single Fastest elapsed time. You can even ignore each racer's worst time, so one bad run doesn't hurt them!
- Points Scoring - Points are awarded based on finish order.
- Auto or Manual Entry - Results can be entered automatically, via one of the supported timing systems, or manually.
Running the Race
- Race Rounds - Run any number of rounds for each race group. You can also run a Grand Finals round of the top finishers from each race group. See our Suggested Race Format for one possible way to run a race with our software.
- Full Featured Racing Screen
  - Displays current heat's racers and their lane assignments. Also displays results for each racer once heat is completed.
  - Displays "On Deck" racers.
  - Displays the list of top times (Pro Version).
  - Displays the track record time and record holder (Pro Version).
  - Automatically receive input from a timing system, if one used.
  - Run head-to-head tiebreaker heats, if needed.
  - Play sound effects.
  - Re-run a heat, if necessary.
  - And more...
- Tiebreakers (Pro Version) - If you have a tie in the standings, you can apply a set of tiebreaker rules to break it without any further racing. You can also break the ties in head-to-head fashion.
Hardware Interfaces
- Timing Systems - Supports several popular timers, including Fast Track, NewBold Timers, RaceMaster, SmartLine, The Champ, and The Judge. It can also be configured to work with many other serial timers, even many DIY timers (Pro Version).
  Important Note: We make no guarantees on how well serial timers not specifically listed above will work with this software.
- Start Light "Christmas Tree" - Supports triggering a compatible drag racing style start light "Christmas Tree" via the serial port.
- Solenoid Start Gate - Supports triggering a compatible solenoid start gate via the serial port.
Awards and Standings
- Awards Management - Define an unlimited number of design, speed and other awards. Designate the winners of each, after they are determined.
- Certificates - Print out awards and participation certificates.
- Awards Ceremony - Display the awards and speed standings during your awards ceremony.
Reports
- Variety of Reports - Numerous reports are provided, from rosters to race statistics and everything in between. You can easily post these to your website.
- Export Reports - Reports can be exported in a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file format so you can create your own custom reports.
- Customizable - Several reports provide customization options.
Other Features
- Race Statistics - Detailed statistics are provided for groups, racers, lane, and overall race performance measures.
- Supports Power Point Presentation Remotes - Your MC or race director can control the large-font screens using one of these types of remote control.
- Supports RaceFX Software (Pro Version) - If you have our RaceFX Version 7.0 or above installed, then GrandPrix Race Manager can automatically control the playing of sound effects during the race.
- Supports RaceReplay Software (Pro Version) - If you have our RaceReplay Version 5.0 or above installed, then GrandPrix Race Manager can automatically control the video recording and replay from the racing screen.
- Supports DerbyWeb Add-On (Pro Version) - DerbyWeb add-on interfaces with your GrandPrix Race Manager data file and allows your race crew and spectators to access specific race data via tablet computers or smart phones.
And much more...

Notes:
** Snapshot feature requires a compatible video camera or webcam and a connection to your PC. See the Requirements tab for specific hardware needs.

Supported Timers

Supported Timers:


Fast Track	NewBold Timers	RaceMaster	SmartLine	The Champ	The Judge

Note: The manufacturer for RaceMaster timers is no longer in business.

Timer Compatibility:

Refer to the Timer Compatibility Matrix on what GrandPrix Race Manager features each of the above timers support.

Note: GrandPrix Race Manager can also be configured to work with other serial timers and even DIY systems. (Pro Version)

Customer Comments

See how GrandPrix Race Manager features compare to competing software packages on our Software Comparison page. Decide for yourself which will best suit the needs of your race.

A portion of the profits from this software are donated to our local Awana club. Awana® is an international organization which seeks to teach girls and boys about the Gospel of Christ and to train them to serve Him through bible verse memorization, bible teaching, games, and other activities.

GrandPrix Race Manager is a trademark of Lisano Enterprises Inc.
Awana is a registered trademark of Awana Clubs International.
Pinewood Derby, Space Derby and Cub Scouts are registered trademarks of the Boy Scouts of America.
Windows and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

What's New

Upgrade Policy:

Upgrade Now

Registered users of Versions 12 and above of this software are eligible to purchase the upgrade. Anyone purchasing an earlier version of this software within 90 days of the newest version being released can contact us for a free upgrade.

What's New with Version 17.0:

GrandPrix Race Manager™ was originally written for use in our Awana Grand Prix races at Gateway Church of El Cajon, CA. Then it was offered as shareware for a couple of years before being rewritten as a commercial grade application and launched as Version 2.0. Each year we continue to improve the software and have used it to run our own Awana and Cub Scout races each year. Countless race coordinators have given their feedback and suggestions over the years, which has helped make GrandPrix Race Manager into a quality race management software package and an outstanding value for the price.

Version 17.0 is part of the fourth generation of this software (V1 Shareware, V2-6, V7-15, V16-?). This generation is a major overhaul of the software to accomplish two main goals. The first is to make the software as user friendly and intuitive as possible. The second is to make the software compatible with both Windows and macOS. This was a major undertaking, as the software had to be written in a different programming language, but we are proud of the results and believe that you will find the software even more useful and easier to use.

New or Improved Features for All Users
- MacOS Support
  - GrandPrix Race Manager now supports macOS Sierra 10.12 and above.
  - Note: Perfect-N Type scheduling is not currently supported with the macOS version. We recommend using the Phase Shifted Lane Rotation scheduling instead.
- Main Screen
  - If a recent file no longer exists, it will be removed from the recent files list.
- Overview
  - Clicking on the shortcut button for Step 5 will open up the Organization Structure Wizard, if no groups have yet been created.
- Software Settings
  - Moved the Enable Subgroups option to the Standings tab as it only applies when scoring by times.
- Advanced Software Settings
  - If subgroups are not enabled, the subgroup labeling option will not be displayed.
- Competition Groups
  - After adding or editing a group or subgroup record, the row just added/edited will be selected.
- Registration
  - Added the ability to renumber vehicles in bulk.
  - Added an option to display the racer’s First Name then Last Name (instead of Last Name first) on the racer entry form and the racer list display.
  - After adding or editing a racer, the row just added/edited will be selected.
  - When all race groups have been scheduled, the Register Racers step in the overview will be automatically checked as completed.
- Schedules
  - When all race groups have been scheduled, the Complete Race Schedules step in the overview will be automatically checked as completed.
  - Added the number of heats to the Schedules Data section for easy reference.
- Racing
  - Added the total number of heats completed and not completed to the Racing tab for easy reference.
  - When all groups have been raced, the Run the Race step in the overview will be automatically checked as completed.
  - Modified the Auto Advance feature to display the next unrun heat.
- Serial Timers
  - Added a warning if below a specified minimum time, in case an outrageous time is received.
- Intermission
  - When running with extended desktop, you will be able to browse other screens while the Intermissions screen is being displayed to the audience.
- Awards
  - Added the ability to filter the awards list, on the Awards tab of the Main screen, by Award Type.
  - When adding or editing an award, the row just added/edited will be selected.
- Reports
  - Added the data filename to the default reports filename.
  - Fixed the issue with racers that have not passed inspection being displayed on vehicle stats reports.
- General
  - For the Major Delete Warning, added a dramatic sound effect to stress the importance of the warning.
  - For popup list of Rounds/Groups/Subgroups, sets a default value.
  - Enhanced the update installer to provide more info on an available update.
  - Several other less notable improvements and fixes were implemented.
New or Improved Features for Pro Users
- DerbyWeb
  - Made sure when opening a data file that the DerbyWeb settings will get automatically updated.
  - Added an auto data refresh feature to reflect any data changes that are done using DerbyWeb.
  - Added refresh buttons to the Competition Groups, Registration and Awards tabs, if the user wants to do a manual refresh.
  - Added the ability to reset the password for the DerbyWeb admin account back to the default password.
  - Anytime a data file is created or another data file is opened with GrandPrix Race Manager, DerbyWeb‘s main-local.php file will be automatically updated.
- Snapshots
  - Moved the button to select an existing photo to the racer entry dialog to simplify things.
  - Add photo rotate buttons for use, if needed.
  - Will remember the last used camera, if multiple exist.
  - Overhauled the snapshot feature to fix the freeze issue that some were experiencing.
- Schedules
  - Made several improvements to the Manual schedule generator screen.
- Racing
  - Added the ability to set a Logo on the Racing screen. User specifies logo image, background color and max size in the Advanced Software Settings screen.
- Top Times
  - Excluded racer times will not be added to the top times list.
  - When adding or editing a top times record, via the Top Times Settings screen, the row just added/edited will be selected.
- Track Records
  - Excluded racers will not be able to set a track record.
- Standings
  - Added the ability to disable the auto standings calculations after each heat. The user can then manually initiate the standings calculations when racing is complete.
- Data File Merging
  - Improved the data file merging so you can run a really large race group by using separate data files to make for smaller races and then merge the data all together for standings and reports.
- General
  - When loading racer photos, EXIF orientation information will be applied, if available.
  - Several other less notable improvements and fixes were implemented.

Version 16.0 Changes

Screenshots

Screenshots:

To view the GrandPrix Race Manager screen shots, click on the images below to enlarge.


Overview	Competition Groups	Registration	Scheduling


Heat Results	Standings	Awards	Racing Screen (Audience)


Standings Screen (Audience)	Awards Screen (Audience)	Software Settings	Hardware Settings


Reports Settings	Reports Screen	Awards Certificates

Videos

GrandPrix Race Manager Instructional Videos:

Intro to GrandPrix Race Manager

Step 1 - Create a Race Data File
Step 2 - Software Settings
Step 3 - Report Settings
Step 4 - Hardware Settings
Step 4b - Hardware Settings (Custom Timer) - How to setup the software to interface with a non-supported commercial or DIY serial timer.
Step 5 - Define Competition Groups
Step 6 - Define Awards (optional)
Step 7 - Register Racers
Step 8 - Create Race Schedules
Step 9 - Run the Race
Step 9b - Starting a New Round and/or Grand Finals Round (optional)
Step 10 - Awards Ceremony (optional)

Reports - How to generate and export reports.
Partial Heat Rerun - How to rerun a heat without rerunning all of the racers in that heat.
Timer Malfunction - How to deal with a timer communications failure during your race.
Add a Late Racer - How to add a racer to your schedule after racing has already begun.
Exclude Racers - How to allow a racer to run but not show up in the standings.
Exclude Grand Finals Winners - How to keep the Grand Finals winners from showing up in the standings for their original race groups.

Interface to RaceFX - How to interface GrandPrix Race Manager and RaceFX to automatically play sound effects during the race.
Interface to RaceReplay - How to interface GrandPrix Race Manager and RaceReplay to automatically record and do a video replay of each heat.

Requirements

Minimum Software Requirements:

32 or 64 bit Microsoft Windows (Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10) or macOS Sierra 10.12 or above
2.0 GHz Dual Core or better CPU*
4 GB of RAM*
200 MB of hard drive space
800x600 screen resolution
Web Browser to view the Help files (Internet connection is not required)

* If running DerbyWeb or RaceReplay on the same computer as GrandPrix Race Manager, we recommend a 2.0 GHz Quad Core or better CPU with at least 8 GB RAM.

Hardware Requirements (Snapshot Capture Feature)

A Webcam connected to the PC via a USB port.
Or a Video Camera connected to the PC via a FireWire* cable
Or a Video Camera connected to a compatible Video Capture Device.

* FireWire is also known as IEEE-1394 or i-Link®

Downloads

GrandPrix Race Manager Downloads:

Downloads

Overview

Category: GrandPrix Race Manager
Number of Subcategories: 10

Subcategories:

	Version 17.0

	Version 16.0

	Version 15.0

	Version 14.0

	Version 13.0

	Version 12.0

	USB to Serial Adapters

	Custom Timer Settings

	Report Drivers

	Schedule Imports