GSRMatt

I've been wanting to run one for a while, and it looks like they're coming back our way towards the end of the year, one event in Atlanta on Oct. 27 and another in Jacksonville on Nov 3rd. Its between $250 and $350 per driver, depending on how many drivers per team and which race. Everything is included - kart, safety equipment, track, I think a drivers school. The one in Atlanta is 6hrs and the one in Jacksonville is 8hrs. I couldn't imagine running more than 20 or 30 minutes at a time, and I don't know exactly how much fuel they carry, but each driver is probably looking at 4 stints. The karts are 270cc powered (I think they're 4-cycle, 11hp, kinda like the mini-cup engines) and use a clutch...not quite a full shifter, but a race kart nonetheless. They've also got nerf bars all the way around to prevent someone climbing up over your back.

Conechaser

hrm, i may seriously be interested in this, depending on how it falls in with my school schedule. Any certain license or anything required?

GSRMatt

No experience necessary. There is sometimes a school and always practice and qualifying before the race.

Conechaser

cool, i've been autoxing for 2yrs now. And have done a driving school at TGP twice. So i know the basics of racing and what not, of course my Accord is A LOT differ than a kart though...

Catch 22

I'd be up for the Atlanta event.
Any idea where it will be held?

Trey

Count me in for the Atlanta event, like Scott said, where would it be, and where do we sign up at?

TIA,

madhatter

I have read up on these guys who run this. It is a true "arrive and drive". Team entry fees can be split up amongst the team, which can make it affordable if you have enough. And trust me, 30 minutes on a kart, and you will be beat up pretty badly. Multiply that by 6 hours, and you get the idea. So teams of 6 or so are not uncommon. These are much faster than the karts you will find at Goldspeed or the like, (which I have done enduros with) and the price is a little higher, but this appears to be really worth the price of admission. I am interested.

GSRMatt

Sorry, thought I put the link in my first post. http://www.endurancekarting.com

At 11hp the karts aren't superstars, but they do make a lot more torque across a larger range than a 2-cycle. The chassis is similar to any other race kart, probably set up for a bit more weight though.

For a 6hr its 250 per person, or 1280 per team, divided by how ever many drivers you have. I'd think 45 mins to an hour would be about right per driver, spread across the event. Less than that and its not worth the price, more than that and you probably won't last. Especially if you've never driven a race kart before, I'd suggest starting to get into shape, and doing a bunch of situps to strengthen your abs.

THe karts apparently go 8hrs on tires and 2hrs on gas, so pit strategy is purely how long the drivers can last. I imagine the races are won by the ironmen, just reducing # of stops.

Not sure where they are hosting the event in Atlanta. The one in Jacksonville is on a kart track, same place they run some SKUSA events. Their site actually lists the Atlanta event as TBA, the magazine article says on the 27th. I'll try to get more info.

SPiFF

Count me in for Atlanta. Hey Roadracer .. I think we should get Blake on our team.

Hracer

I will be most likely running this event also. For those familiar with these people, we already setup a team including Shane, Clint, myself, my cousin and one other person who races karts. I've been going to Goldspeed since '99 and I've done a few hour enduros in the past. Time does fly until the last few minutes of the race, but the whole key is to get into a rhythm and never lose focus.

This is an email I received about this kart race. It should answer a few questions:


Here is information about the Atlanta 8 hour.
> >
> >Lamar County Speedway is one of the finest outdoor kart facilities in the
> >South East. Come experience the thrill and speed of true wheel-to-wheel
> >racing in top quality equipment, with professional race personnel, and
> >plenty of competition to keep your adrenaline pumping for the full 8-hours.
>
> >
> >We Supply Everything!
> >
> >You'll be competing in brand new European Dino Karts powered by a 270cc
> >Honda engine producing 10HP, with a one-speed wet centrifugal clutch
> >engaging at 1800 rpm's.
> >
> >That's right.........just show up and drive!
> >
> >We supply everything. You will not get any greasy hands - our professional
> >racing mechanics do all the work. You don't have to know anything about
> >setting up for racing, as we do all the testing to set up the karts
> >optimally. All karts are equally prepared; so all participants have an
> >equal chance for winning. This is going to be a full day of excitement,
> >both on and off the track. Experience the thrill of endurance racing with
> >friends, colleagues, or we'll set you up on a team for you. Find out why
> >Michael Schumacher and so many others still drive karts in their spare time
>
> >to keep their driving skills sharp!
> >
> >We offer a kart racing school and lapping day on Friday October 26th. This
> >will give you plenty of seat-time as well as thorough instruction on the
> >fastest line and little racing secrets on how to maintain fast lap times
> >while still being consistent. These techniques will also make your everyday
>
> >driving more fun. Pit stop strategies and team strategies will also be
> >fully discussed. The price for Friday's school and lapping day is only
> >$295.00, which includes professional racing instruction with lots of
> >lapping, as well as exciting wheel to wheel racing. You will sleep well
> >that night and you will be looking forward to the race the following day.
> >
> >Want to participate in this exciting race? Here are the details:
> >
> >Schedule:
> >
> >October 26th Kart Racing School
> >
> > 7:30 AM Race School registration opens.
> >10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Racing School
> >
> >-Learning the line
> >-Passing techniques
> >-Pit stop strategies
> >-Lots of lapping
> >-Wheel to wheel racing
> >
> >Race Practice and Qualifying (Included in your race-entry fee)
> >
> >3:00 PM Race Registrations opens
> >5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Race Practice and Qualifying
> >
> >Saturday October 27th.
> >
> >6:30 AM Race Registration Opens
> >7:30 AM Track walk
> >8:00 AM Drivers Meeting
> >8:20 AM Practice for drivers that did not practice Friday
> >9:00 AM Start: Inaugural Atlanta 8 Hour
> >5:00 PM Checkered flag
> >5:15 PM Victory Ceremony for overall winners and class winners.
> >
> >Included in the entry price is the use of karts, driving instructions,
> >practice, professional mechanics, gas, entrance fee and more. Unlike any
> >other racing series, you will not be held responsible for crash damage.
> >
> >Safety and fun are our primary priorities; therefore the karts are equipped
>
> >with safety-bars to avoid the possibility of touching wheels. Many years of
>
> >testing insure that these bars do not in any way impair the handling of the
>
> >karts.
> >
> >Race Classes:
> >We will be having four classes and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies to each
> >participant in each class - so there is a good chance you will be walking
> >home with a trophy.
> >
> >GT1 is the "pro-class" - for people racing with more than one year of
> >wheel-to-wheel racing experience.
> >GT40 - the average age for the team-member is 40 or over.
> >GT2 is the "rookie-class" - for people with less than one year of wheel to
> >wheel racing experience.
> >Big Boys GT - average weight of the team participants is 190 pounds or
>over.
> >
> >Track configuration:
> >As one of the best tracks in the South East, this track offers a
>challenging
> >variety of turns and the safety of spacious run-off room. The track is wide
>
> >with 9 high speed and low speed turns arranged to challenge racers. The
> >facilities encompass pit areas and concession stand. The results are an
> >exciting "driver's track" that promotes close racing, rewards consistent
> >good driving and penalizes mistakes and risk miscalculations.
> >
> >Please see attached for track-map and the track configuration that will be
> >used.
> >
> >Directions to the track
> >
> >From Atlanta, GA:
> >1. Take I-75 SOUTH.
> >2. Take the exit number 77 on the RIGHT towards GRIFFIN/JONESBORO. Drive
> >0.4 miles.
> >3. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto TARA BLVD. Drive 6.2 miles.
> >4. TARA BLVD becomes US-41 S/US-19 S. Drive 32.7 miles.
> >5. US-41 S/US-19 S becomes US-341 S. Drive 2.8 miles.
> >6. Bear RIGHT to stay on next road. Drive a short distance.
> >7. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto GA-36. Drive 4.3 miles to your destination at
> >930 Highway 36 W
> >
> >From Macon, GA:
> >1. Take I-75 N.
> >2. Take the GA-83 exit, exit number 62 on the RIGHT, towards
> >FORSYTH/MONTICELLO.
> >3. Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. Drive 0.1 miles.
> >4. Turn LEFT onto GA-83. Drive 0.7 miles.
> >5. Turn RIGHT onto US-41. Drive 13.3 miles.
> >6. Turn LEFT onto GA-36. Drive 5.5 miles to your destination at 930 Highway
>
> >36 W.
> >
> >From Columbus, GA:
> >1. Take US-80 E
> >2. Stay straight to go onto GA-96. Drive 20.0 miles.
> >3. Turn LEFT onto US-19. Drive 28.1 miles.
> >4. Turn RIGHT onto GA-74. Drive 0.2 miles.
> >5. Turn LEFT onto GA-36. Drive 11.0 miles to your destination at 930
> >Highway 36 W.
> >
> >Hotels:
> >Complete Hotel information is available upon request.
> >
> >A couple of FAQs:
> >
> >What is the racing format?
> >In the morning there will be a 30 min team practice. After practice there
> >will be a one-hour Endurance Karting race to determine the starting
> >positioning. The finishing positions of the race will determine the overall
>
> >winner and class winners.
> >
> >As part of the racing excitement strategy, teams plan their own pit-stops
> >(driver changes and fuel stops - the kart will run 3 hours on a tank of
> >fuel). The team calls the fuel-stops and the fueling will be performed by
> >the racing mechanics from the organization - good racing strategy will make
>
> >an impact in your finishing positioning as these races are very close -
>Even
> >in these long races teams will finish on the same lap or only a lap apart.
> >
> >What do I need to wear if I don't have racing gear?
> >If you don't have a driving suit, you can wear jeans, gloves (preferably
> >leather) and sneakers. We will provide you with racing suit and helmet at a
>
> >$10.00 rental fee.
> >
> >Can I bring friends and family to watch?
> >Yes, absolutely and they will have a good time too. It does not cost
> >anything for them to spectate. If they are entering the pit area, they will
>
> >have to pay for a $10.00 pit-pass, which covers the race-insurance.
> >
> >How do you keep track of scoring?
> >Timing and scoring are done with the AMB computerized system - the same
> >system used in CART and NASCAR. Each kart is equipped with a transponder
> >connected to a computer. Throughout the race, you have access to a monitor
> >(live timing and scoring) showing you each kart's position, number of laps
> >completed, current lap time, and best lap times - allowing you to monitor
> >the progress of your team and compare lap times among yourself and the
> >competition.
> >
> >Next step is easy:
> >
> >If you are interested in driving in this race, all I Initially need from
>you
> >is a phone-call or an e-mail saying you would like to enter either yourself
>
> >or a complete team - 4-6 drivers to a team. That will hold your spot for 5
> >days and then your participation will be permanently confirmed when payment
>
> >is received. The entry fee per team is $1,580.00 per team or $275.00 -
> >$325.00 if you sign up as a single driver, depending on how many drivers on
>
> >a team. Seats are booked on a first come, first served basis. Spots get
> >filled quickly and we typically sell out two weeks in advance. Therefore,
> >if you are interested, you should reserve your spot immediately to make
>sure
> >that you can race.
> >
> >If this letter does not answer all your questions, please do not hesitate
>to
> >call me. I will be happy to answer all your questions.
> >
> >Have a great day and don't forget to have fun!!
> >
> >
> >
> >Johan C. Schwartz
> >978-969-1911
> >endurancekarting@mediaone.net
> >www.EnduranceKarting.com

GSRMatt

OK so far we've got:

1 - Me
2 - 94 Accord (maybe)
3 - Trey
4 - RoadRacer
5 - Spiff

The info I saw said it was 6 hrs, this email says its 8. Hracer -- how many drivers would you suggest we have for an 8hr? Cost is $1580, so with 8 drivers thats about $200 each and with 6 drivers its $265. A team of six gets an hour and 15 minutes each, which is a lot of time in a kart.

I'd be driving up so I'd have to find somewhere cheap to stay too. Is this track in Atlanta or in a nearby city?

Does anyone else have time in a racing kart? Given the kart's mileage on fuel and tires I think whoever took the fewest pit stops for driver would win. I have no idea about the course, whether a good driver could make up significant time on a newbie or not. I have a hard time believing, as the website suggests, that most karts finish within one or two laps of the leader, unless the course is very long.