Another note:

Some of the non-SWRA events use a countdown clock to start the race. It consists of an audible countdown from like 20 seconds, and possibly some sort of start clock. Obviously one can't be past the start/finish line before zero. Most often everyone flys a normal, high course until about 10-15 seconds before the clock is up. They'll go up high and dive to the start from around pylon 2. Rules usually state that one can't do a loop or quick turnaround if they are going to cut the start. If they do, they have to swing all the way back around the second pylon.

Michael