Sandblast Rally: New Scoring Tablets Shine in Testing!

The sands of South Carolina recently played host to more than just hard charging rally cars, side by sides, and bikes!  They were also the proving ground for NASA Rally Sport's latest tech improvement: new scoring tablets. We're thrilled to report that the testing at Sandblast Rally was a resounding success, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to efficient and accurate event management.

For those who may not be familiar, these tablets are crucial for collecting scoring information and publishing results efficiently on event day, as well as enabling volunteers who are new to rally to correctly enter information after some quick training. At Sandblast, the new tablets demonstrated a marked improvement in performance compared to previous e-reader systems. The speed and responsiveness were noticeably enhanced, allowing officials to keep pace with the fast-paced action of the rally.

Of course, no test is without its minor challenges. We did observe some screen glare under the bright South Carolina sun. To address this, we're implementing matte finish screen covers, which will significantly reduce reflections and improve visibility. This is a simple but effective solution that will make a big difference for our competitors in future events.

Another area we identified for improvement is tablet protection. Rally environments can be tough on equipment, and we want to ensure that these valuable tools are well-protected. To that end, we're looking for a volunteer with 3D printing capabilities to help us create durable cases for the tablets. This will help prevent damage while using a custom solution that minimizes cost and makes it easier to charge and transport 40 or so tablets for each event. If you have the skills and are interested in contributing, please reach out to us at perry@nasarallysport.com!

Overall, we're very pleased with the results of the scoring tablet testing at Sandblast Rally. The improvements in performance and efficiency are tangible, and we're confident that these tablets will enhance the experience for both competitors and officials alike. We're always looking for ways to improve our events, and this is just one example of our ongoing commitment to innovation.  We are procuring another 20 tablets so that we will have a full set at McCreary Gravel Rally.  

If you would like to sponsor our next batch of tablets at any amount, we will gladly add your name or business name to the decals on the tablets or discuss other opportunities for advertising with us.  Reach out to perry@nasarallysport.com

We want to thank all the volunteers and officials who helped with the testing at Sandblast. Their feedback and dedication are invaluable in helping us refine our processes and make NASA Rally Sport events the best they can be.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to refine our systems and prepare for McCreary Gravel Rally. We look forward to seeing you on the stages!