|
||||
(Check back here periodically as we will add information depending on the
quantity and types of questions that come in from e-mail, phone, and U.S. mail.)
In a 6-hour race you get about 2.25-hours of seat time, that includes the practice on Friday after racing school and the qualifying session on Saturday morning before the race as well as the actual race itself.
Seat time is determined by the number of entries divided by the total number of karts. There have been teams made up of two members for an entire 6-hour race but most of them are in very good shape and have been driving for over a year. Each team determines how much each driver will drive. In a six hour event you need to do 15 mandatory pit stops.
If there is a 6-hour event, there will generally be 4 drivers per team unless the team has paid for the seat and wants to run by themselves.
The rules for the pits are to be in the pits at walking speed, the incoming driver will meet the outgoing driver at the
beginning of the pit lane. The incoming driver will walk next to the kart until they arrive at the exchange point. At the exchange point the outgoing driver will move out and the incoming driver will get in. The kart will be driven at a walking speed until the end of the pit lane, then will merge into traffic. There are no rules for how long a kart must sit in the pit lane. The faster the pit stop, the better the team will likely place.
Q: What kind of karts are used?
We use the a DINO Racing chassis, with safety rails, to avoid interlocking of the wheels. Many years of testing insures that these bars do not in any way impair the handling of the karts. The karts are mounted with a torque 10 horsepower 270 cc Honda engine. The clutch is a one-speed oil-bath centrifugal clutch that engages the rear axel at 1800 RPMs. Top speed is 50 MPH.
RETURN TO TOP
A: Yes! All the karts are professionally race prepared and engines are tuned using electronic equipment.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: Can I make changes to the kart?
A: No, as this is a drivers series, kart set-up, maintenance and refueling during the race is done by Endurance Karting mechanics. All you have to do is to focus on the driving and the race strategy (the fun stuff). In the end, the victory will go to the team with the most consistent drivers and the best pit stop strategy.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: Am I responsible for any liability?
A: No, you are not responsible for any damage to the kart. Unlike any other racing series you only pay your entry fee and are not held responsible for kart damage.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: What if I have no racing experience?
A: Yes, absolutely. This series is perfect for male and female newcomers to the racing sport. We provide thorough racing instruction and, at some races, we hold a racing school the day before the main race. Also, if you are racing against experienced drivers, most of them are very willing to share information with you during the race. And when you get a chance, you can follow them around the track and learn the optimal racing line.
RETURN TO TOP
A: You will need to be 10 years old and 4'11" tall.
RETURN TO TOP
A: No worries. We have all you need if you dont. We have available the latest in driving suits, helmets, neck collars and gloves. The weekend rent is $10 for the suit or a driving jacket, $10 for the helmet (includes balaclava) and $5 for the neck collar or gloves. The optional rib protector is $10 and elbow pads are $5 a pair.
OUR ON SITE EQUIPMENT RENTAL TRAILER
HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO RACE
- Snell 95 Helmet (Mandatory)
- Helmet Support (Mandatory)
- Driving Suit/Racing Jacket (Mandatory)
- Racing Gloves (Mandatory)
- Rib Support (Optional)
- Elbow Cushion (Optional)
A: Consistency, good pit stops and clean driving. The team that is running consistent lap times combined with avoiding the black flag (penalty) and smartly timed pit stops will win the race. Often people with less experience than others are running up front, because they have smart pit stops, stay out of trouble, and learn the fast line around the track. We also give out prizes for different classes, so there is a good chance you can walk home with a prize.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: Do you change tires or brakes?
A: That depends on the length of the race and the track surface. If the race is more than 8 hours, there will more than likely be one tire change. The racing rotor and brake pads are very durable and it is very unlikely that brake pads will need to be changed.
RETURN TO TOP
A: Yes, there is a practice and qualifying before the race. For people with little or no experience we hold an instructional session.
RETURN TO TOP
A: We use the AMB real-time timing and scoring system. It is the same system that is used in F1, CART and NASCAR. It keeps track of every kart on the track. We have a monitor on site, so you at anytime can check your teams position, and compare lap times with your teammates and competitors...always lots of fun. How do you determine the starting grid? The starting order is determined according to lap times during the practice and qualifying session. Fastest lap time starts on the pole second fastest lap time outside pole and so on.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: How is a driver change performed?
A: Just like what you see in the endurance races on TV. The team member signals from the pit when it is time to come in. When the driver pulls into the pits, the replacing the driver is ready to take over and make the change. Always a good time planning for driver changes.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: How is a fuel stop performed?
A: Each kart can drive 2 hours on a tank of fuel. When you are ready to come in for a fuel stop you will notify the mechanics. During a fuel stop we also perform a timed safety check on the kart. That insures that all competing karts will get the same length pit stop.
RETURN TO TOP
A: We have as many as 22 teams running in the races. That provides for competitive racing and a great mix of racing people - some events have over 150 drivers.
RETURN TO TOP
A: The entry fee includes everything: the use of the kart, gas, tires, professional mechanics, insurance and the registration fee. All you need to bring is bring food and your competitive spirit.
RETURN TO TOP
A: We run rain or shine. The karts are fun to drive and handle very well in the rain.
RETURN TO TOP
A: Yes, absolutely. Just enter you name and you will be mixed with other drivers who are unable to put an entire team together. This is also a good way to meet new racing friends. Who do I contact if I have further questions. Please do not hesitate to call us at 704-655-8329 or contact us on our e-mail form with any questions that you have. By contacting us you will also receive information about upcoming events.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: How do you determine the starting grid?
A: The starting order is determined according to lap times collected by our computerized scoring system during the practice and qualifying session. Fastest lap time starts first in line on our exclusive LeMans-style starting grid; Second fastest lap time starts second in line; third starts third; and so on.
RETURN TO TOP
A: The LeMans Start originated in LeMans, France in the early years of this century when the drivers would line up across the track from their cars, which were also lined up, angled down the track in the direction they will race. The atmosphere is electric as the cars are moved into position and the drivers prepare for the sprint across the track. At the drop of the flag, the driver runs over to his idling racing machine, jumps in and drives away as fast as he can.
RETURN TO TOP
Q: What About Bumping And Banging?
A: Remember, racing is a sport of skill, patience and above all, smoothness. You can't win an EnduranceKarting.com race on the first lap but you sure can lose it there. And despite what you may have heard from the younger contingent of America's highest-profile racing series, it is not a game of bumping, pushing, or intimidation. The best are known for how little they telegraph their intent before they pull off that pass that leaves the defeated drivers shaking their awe-struck heads, thinking, "How DID they DO that?"
Bumping and banging and sometimes even rubbing (which, contrary to the statements of some, is NOT racing) usually escalates into retaliation heaped upon retaliation. And the retaliation may come later in the event when the former aggressor is not in the offending kart, taking out an innocent driver and spreading the discontent of how the race is being contested.
This will be a long race. What happens now may very well come back to haunt you later. We want everybody to be entertained and have fun racing. When people start using their karts as battering rams, the fun goes away.
And while you may get comfortable, even complacent traveling at the speeds our karts will attain, like any motorsport, you are traveling faster than the human body was built to move. Therefore, a sudden stop will likely hurt. We don't want anyone to get hurt.
Our officials are aware that sometimes we may not see the triggering incident. It is your job as a driver to keep your cool and report any untoward conduct to the race officials. We then disperse the information to our officials around the track and can't help but watch the offending kart more often. If you decide to retaliate on the track, it doesn't really matter whether we saw the first incident or not.
ANY time you lose control, you have handed the control of your life over to somebody else, whether it be God, Lady Luck, the race officials or the cosmic muffin.
The bottom line is we want everybody to have a good time racing our karts and the fun factor drops when people feel taken advantage of by somebody using the chrome horn.
Consequently, bumping and banging will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly and without appeal.
Though you may be lucky enough to simply get a furled black flag, (allowing you to continue without visiting the pits) your kart number becomes part of our further conversations and observations. WHETHER OR NOT the original driver is in the kart when subsequent infractions occur, the resulting official reaction will reflect the overall impression that has been established by that entire team's participation. Therefore, it behooves you to assist your teammates in maintaining cool heads, as well.
With your help, this will be a great event with memories to share far into the future. Email us at RaceInfo@EnduranceKarting.com with any questions, however, as the event draws closer, please consider we may be on the road so you may have to call us at 704-655-8329 if you have any questions that can't wait until registration.
A: We want you to have fun and enjoy yourself racing with EnduranceKarting.comฎ so we have put together a little checklist of items you may want to bring to enhance your experience with us.
THE number one thing to bring on a hot day in the beautiful countryside is WATER. Dehydration is a danger anytime you are doing anything strenuous but add a helmet and a driver's suit and you will be poaching in your own fluids before you get to practice. Water is best. Sports drinks are good, too, but colas and soft drinks are much less desirable for the body's liquid replenishment.
Aside from the physiological fact that alcoholic beverages both dilute the amount of useful fluid you take in and accelerate the dehydration process by acting as a diuretic (causing you to urinate away the liquid that was going to hydrate you), for our feelings on alcoholic beverages, see below under "Can I Have A Beer Between Stints?" Bring Water to drink.
Insect repellant, shade and sun block. It'll make those memories in the days immediately after the event, much more pleasurable.
Food and yes, more drink in case the track stands are closed.
Large plastic bags to store everything you do not want to get wet in the event of rain so you can concentrate on and enjoy the thrill of driving on slicks in the wet. Yahoo!
Rain gear. If we are graced by rain, it will make the waiting times between the Yahoos much more bearable.
Oh, and did I say, having plenty of Drinking Water on hand is a good idea?
Chairs: You will need them when you rest between driving stints.
Seat Padding: Although conformed somewhat to the roundness of the human body, the G-forces and undulations of the racing surface will cause some chaffing and wear on bodily areas not normally used in this manner. A little well-placed padding can go a long way toward avoiding mid-race distractions and post-race stiffness. Check with Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or Target for inexpensive stuff.
Driving Gear: You are welcome to bring your own driving gear. However, if you don't have a driving suit, you can wear jeans, gloves (preferably leather) and close-toed shoes. Helmets need to be full-face, Snell 95-rated or better. And include some Drinking Water in your gear.
Not allowed while driving: Shorts, short-sleeved shirts, sandals, open-toed or loose-fitting shoes.Can I Buy A Souvenir Of My Endurance Karting Experience?
Really good-looking Endurance Karting Tee shirts and hats ($10.00 each) are available to memorialize the exciting day you will be having at the track. Wearing this stuff will give your friends and relatives a chance to ask the question that will let you talk for hours about your great, talented drive!Can I Drink A Beer Between Driving Stints?
Bring Water to Drink. No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are permitted anywhere on our track premises at the risk of ejection and forfeiture of your entry fee. Obviously, drivers deemed under the influence of anything will not be allowed to compete and
Q: Who do I contact if I have further questions?
A: Email us at raceinfo@endurancekarting.com or call 704-655-8329
NOTE: All PDF Files require the AdobeReader. It's FREE from Adobe.
HOME
PAGE ABOUT US FAQS
MEDIA GALLERY
2002 SCHEDULE RACING SCHOOL CORPORATE
EVENTS
KIDS CAMP KART SPECS REVIEWS
PRICING ENTRY
FORM
LINKS OF INTEREST GUEST BOOK CONTACT
US
Endurance Karting
919 Southwest Drive
Davidson, NC 28036
TEL: 704-655-8329
Email: raceinfo@endurancekarting.com
Website: www.endurancekarting.com
©2002 Endurance Karting. All rights reserved.