Why did you build this?

I have a hard time watching an interval start race without doing splits and I was not pleased with the available options for this purpose.

I've been around Nordic ski racing for a very long time, know lots of people who are still full-time in that world, and I hope that creating a great solution for me will also create a great solution for others.

How did you build this?

Much of the code was written with a huge assist from AI, specifically Claude.  I did not discover Claude Code until the very end of my process, but it would have been a game changer if I had.  I do have a past history in web programming in html, css, php, and a bit of javascript so I was able to adjust styles, layouts and other things on my own to get things to where they are now.  Specifically the code is written in React-Native, tests were performed in Expo Go, compiling and building the app used EAS Build.  The biggest struggle was learning my way through the app submission process on the iOS store where I was rejected and had to change my app name from SplitTimer to RaceTrace to differentiate it from the various interval timers that are already available in the store.

Where will it go from here?

I plan to offer the app with an annual subscription model.  Once we move from Beta to final mode, I plan to save updates for an annual cycle.  This will keep me sane, and also allow users time to give feedback and feature requests that I can consider for the next season's version.  Skiers think in terms of seasons and this app will too.

I know there will be pressure to further build out race timing features, but I plan to always keep the app focused on coaches and on on-course split timing.

I have a list of features I'd love to see, the first of which will be the ability to parse and import pdf start lists.  I am sure I'll hear of many other ideas from coaches, parents, spectators, and I can't wait to consider other ideas.

How much will it cost?

Our plan right now is to offer the app for an annual subscription fee of $15.  I've set that price because I think it is fair to the user and might allow me to recover my direct development costs (hardware and software) within the first year.  Final pricing decisions will be made as soon as I get to that stage win the App Store and know exactly what those options are!

Can I get in on the Beta version in TestFlight?

The answer is probably yes.  Email me.