[This is the email I sent out to the team regarding the upcoming race.]
I don't know about you guys, but I'm starting to lie awake at night anticipating the race. I'm sure that won't make it any easier to get up and hit the road at 5 AM Friday. If anyone wants to drop stuff off for loading Thursday night, feel free.
Weather is looking great for the trip and race.
Remember our priorities:
1- Safe and fun.
2- Everyone gets a turn.
3- Finish the race.
4- Compete.
At the track:
Altamont is in the middle of a giant windmill farm, so be ready for windy, dusty. weather. I wore a mask most of day 2 last year. I also wore ear plugs spectating and driving.
You'll want a comfortable chair.
Photographing the track from the pit side of the track is hindered by the chain link fence and RVs parked right against the fence. Theres a small set of bleachers that help get a view above the fence. Photographing from the grand stands may be better. (Let's try to get
footage when the flag drops.)
Rotation:
Driver order will be:
Larry
Andy
Jerry
Pauly
This order is partly because Jerry will be using my shoes (and any other equipment of mine that fits), so he'll needs to race opposite me to give more time to gear up.
We need to keep a clip board to track wipe-outs (think 'video highlight reel') and the times of driver changes. We can download all the data of lap times after the race, but a stop-watch could be useful to gage lap times.
For the first rotation, drivers should hit the pit on the first yellow flag after 45 minutes, or in 60 minutes if there is no yellow. First rotation should be pretty conservative driving. learn the lines. keep the car intact for the next driver.
After the first rotation, try to stay out as long as fuel allows. Of course feel free to pit any time you think it's best for the car, or if you want to end your turn early. Fatigue and mental state have a real affect on your driving. If you feel that your driving sucks, come
in and take a break.
In the pits:
We need at least 2 crew always on deck (in the pit or watching the track) watching for the car to come into pit. One of us can wander off for whatever reason, but get back to the stand or pit ASAP.
During pit stops, one crew start fueling immediately. Next driver mark their start time on the clip board. Drivers assist each other with driver exchange. Driver report any mechanical issues. One crew inspect tires and car, pry out fenders as necessary.
After the car leaves the pit, prep for the next refueling. Put tools away. Next driver gear up. Previous driver take a brake, (hit the toilet, eat/drink), then get back where you can watch the car.
If we get radios (and can hear them), they should be used minimally; to call a driver in, or if someone is clocking laps we can call out a driver's new fastest lap time. ie: "Paul, that was your fastest lap. 59 seconds". If we don't get radios, drivers will need to watch the
clock.
Everyone bring a bag or box where you can keep your gear. Don't let stuff get disorganized.
Let's help the Snowspeeder guys as much as possible. We'll be relying on them for power, welder, tools, and secure storage. They could use a had with fuel and such.
On the track:
Keep an eye on the temperature. Normal is just below half, maybe higher under racing conditions. We should have a fan switch installed before the race. Verify that it is on as soon as you get in the car.
Keep an eye on fuel.
When you go out for the first time, stay wide for a couple laps. Don't let the closeness of the cars freak you out. Once you are comfortable, find a good car to follow. Try to mimic their line.
Remember to yield the apex to cars that are ahead.
Everyone is bound to hit the dirt at some point. Don't make a habit of it. One spin-out costs more than several laps of slow driving.
Don't take risks near barricades. Hitting a barricades is not acceptable by the race officials and less so by the team. If you hit one, come in and switch drivers immediately.
Note the 'lousy driving' section of the official rules. (
http://www.24hoursoflemons.com/rules/) They are stern and affect the whole team.
Watch for flags. If suddenly cars become easy to pass, you probably didn't notice a yellow flag. If you realize you have passed under yellow, let the car(s) back in front of you.
The course is dynamic. Oil spills and displaced barricades change the course often.
Don't take anything personally on the track. All opponents are you friends when you are off the track. (You never know who you'll need parts/tools from.)
Team V-RAM is having a ball, but we've been baffled by an over-heating problem we now think may have resolved with a new radiator cap. [duh]
The Snowspeeder was one of the fastest cars on the track for about 2 laps but, they had some wrong bearings on their rods after their rebuild and they are out of the race with and engine disassembled in their tool trailer. Bummer.
The race is hilarious. Here's my pick for best in show.
The trip was mostly fine. The big events were a May snow storm over one of the eastern Nevada passes, and the first In-N-Out Burger I've had since last October.
Car is decalled and loaded. We roll at 5 AM tomorrow. I'm almost done packing.
Weather forecast says I have one more day to paint. Thursday I should have our vinyl graphics to finish the car. Then we need to pick up the trailer and load the car after work, then pack. We leave at 5 AM Friday. We really want to get to Altamont in time to drop the car Friday night.
