Ski Challenge Pacesetting
The Pacesetter for each run in each race will be someone participating in that race who has been assigned a Pacesetter number. We will try to have four or five racers in each race who carry a pacesetting number to help determine the average par (zero handicap). The racer whose number is used for pacesetting will score points as a reward for having his or her time and handicap used for races throughout the season. Those points can be used to purchase Ski Challenge gear or apply toward next season’s race fees or end-of-season races. This system will not affect the scoring system or the reporting of the scores to NASTAR; it will simply make someone in the race the pacesetter and eliminate the need for one person to make multiple runs until a usable time is achieved for each course.
A pacesetter’s handicap represents the difference between his or her ability and the National Standard expressed as a percentage. When a pacesetter races a course to set the Par Time, their time is divided by their handicap, and the result is the calculated Par Time or the National Standard.
NEW FOR 2025 FROM NASTAR
There will be no pacesetter trials for the 2025 season. NASTAR will determine pacesetters’ handicaps based on past race data and pacesetting. We use this pacesetter handicap to determine a par for the race. A pacesetter’s handicap represents the difference between his/her ability and the National Standard expressed as a percentage. When a pacesetter races a course to set the Par Time, their time is divided by their pacesetter handicap, and the result is the calculated Par Time or the National Standard.
The Par Time or National Standard is the Zero Handicap that all participants compete against. Based on over 100 million race results from 25 NASTAR seasons, this calculated value represents the fastest racer in the U.S.
NASTAR will launch a new Automatic Pacesetter Adjustments process, a groundbreaking feature designed to ensure greater accuracy and fairness in our races. This enhancement refines the core of what makes NASTAR special: the consistency and reliability of our National Standard via Pacesetting. GO HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Does a handicap change with your age and gender?
Absolutely not! A handicap is a percentage. It is straight math. We take your time and compare it to the par time. Then we determine the percentage slower your time is compared to the par time. So, the person in the race with the lowest time has the lowest handicap in a given run. Age and gender DO NOT change earned times or handicaps!
What do age and gender do then to affect scoring?
Once a handicap is determined, we then take that handicap and look at your age and gender to determine what medal you earn. This is where age and gender make a difference. As you get older (or if you are very young) you can have a higher handicap to receive better medals. If you’re a female, you can receive a medal using a higher handicap than a male would need to receive the same medal.
BECOME A PACESETTER
If you are interested in being in the pool of pacesetters for the 2025 season and are not already listed, contact the Ski Challenge Office. We recommend pacesetters have a rated average handicap of 13 or below.
Pacesetting Trials
There will be no pacesetter trials this season. We will start the season using the pacesetting handicaps that NASTAR has assigned. If you do not have a pacesetting number and want to become a pacesetter, contact the Ski Challenge office at [email protected]. Pacesetters are racers who consistently score a 12 or lower handicap. If you are currently listed as a Ski Challenge pacesetter and would like to be removed from the list, contact Ski Challenge.
PACESETTER POINTS & HANDICAPS
Updated: February 17, 2025| LastName | FirstName | Pace Hcp | Pacesetter Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURGESON | STEPHAN | 7.39 | 6 |
| DOWNS | KIERAN | 8.97 | |
| EWALD | ERIC | 10.74 | 2 |
| GERLACH | TIM | 10.13 | 5 |
| JAHNKE | RYAN | 12.44 | 1 |
| JANSEN | PAUL | 6.78 | 10 |
| KNACK | SPENCER | 4.71 | |
| LARSON | ANDREW | 10.1 | 1 |
| LAWSON | BRITTON | 9.9 | 4 |
| MARTINSON | KYLE | 7.37 | |
| MATTICE | MATT | 4.66 | |
| MORALES | THOR | 7.89 | 7 |
| OHLAND | CHRIS | 4.56 | |
| OLSON | BARRY | 13.84 | 6 |
| PETERSON | JEREMY | 9.48 | 6 |
| PIERCE | TYLER | 2.34 | |
| PREM | CHRIS | 1.56 | |
| QUIST | MARSHALL | 3.92 | |
| RYVLIN | ANDREY | 12.58 | 8 |
| TAYLOR | IAN | 1.33 | |
| TOMAS | GENE | 12.28 | 5 |
| TRENARY | RICK | 13.64 | |
| TURNER | JIM | 6.45 | 1 |