Endurocross 2015!
Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 12:53 am
It's that time again!
Most local autocross clubs take the month of August off. We used to, as well. It's freakin' hot! But, you never realize how long the gap between July and September is until you try to do it without an autocross fix! 60 days without an autocross is just too much! You lose your "smooth"! You forget how to "late apex"! You begin to suck MORE instead of LESS! So, FAST normally does a casual "fun" event in August for those who are crazy enough to attend.
Our favorite casual event format by far is the Endurocross! What's that, you ask? It's an autocross where each run consists of multiple laps around the course! We usually aim for 4 laps, giving us 3-4 minute runs, which is enough to challenge the endurance of most mortals... and their cars.
Because we've done this event before (many times) and used nearly the same course the past few times we've done it at Brooksville, pre-event prep is at a minimum... in fact, it's mostly done! The course will require a slight revision due to starting at the cycle pad this year, but will be very close to the 2014 course that is shown here.
(edit: This is the revised course!)
Hi-Res PDF Version
Enduro 2015 Rules
This year, the course was tweaked to be just slightly simpler on the near-end turn-around, otherwise it's the same course we used in 2012! (last year, we used a modified version that allowed us to run it backwards) It's a really fun course that's not too difficult to drive, and works well for the multi-lap Endurocross format.
Registration is already open! The ONLY restriction on entry is "no first-timers". At least one event of experience should be enough to help you enjoy the event. And if you aren't sure of that... don't enter.
Entry is limited to 52 drivers (26 Early & 26 Late), so PLEASE do not publicize this event anywhere other than right here. The usual email notification has already been sent. We really want FAST regulars to have first crack at registering for this. Over 200 people have been notified of this very popular event that is limited to 52 entries. Let's give them (and you) a chance to register.
Register Here
The Enduro format runs non-stop from start to finish, but we're doing it as a Split Event, anyway. So, most of you will only have to spend HALF of your day out in the hot August sun! We'll be doing lunch, too. All without stopping the event. It's not as crazy as it sounds. For everyone but the driver on course, doing 3+ minute runs make the entire event seem to move in slow-motion. That's what gives it a great "relaxed" atmosphere that's so good for mid-summer. Well, that and the Reggae.
Be sure to pay particular attention to the registration times. The late session is starting a little earlier than usual this time because we're trying to wrap things up and be gone by 4pm!
By the way, don't bother requesting a timing, grid, tech or starter work assignment. Almost EVERYBODY will have to work course. With a worker pool of no more than 25 to cover 3 hours... and trying to keep work sessions to 45 minutes... with 4 single-person worker stations and a flagger... that all requires 20 workers. Doesn't leave a lot extra.
Tech inspection is done at/near the starting line before the first run and can be done by the group of drivers on grid. They can also handle gridding themselves. If we can't manage to get a car up to the starting line every 3 minutes, something is wrong! Timing will handle starting duties. "Yo, start already!"
Most local autocross clubs take the month of August off. We used to, as well. It's freakin' hot! But, you never realize how long the gap between July and September is until you try to do it without an autocross fix! 60 days without an autocross is just too much! You lose your "smooth"! You forget how to "late apex"! You begin to suck MORE instead of LESS! So, FAST normally does a casual "fun" event in August for those who are crazy enough to attend.
Our favorite casual event format by far is the Endurocross! What's that, you ask? It's an autocross where each run consists of multiple laps around the course! We usually aim for 4 laps, giving us 3-4 minute runs, which is enough to challenge the endurance of most mortals... and their cars.
Because we've done this event before (many times) and used nearly the same course the past few times we've done it at Brooksville, pre-event prep is at a minimum... in fact, it's mostly done! The course will require a slight revision due to starting at the cycle pad this year, but will be very close to the 2014 course that is shown here.
(edit: This is the revised course!)
Hi-Res PDF Version
Enduro 2015 Rules
This year, the course was tweaked to be just slightly simpler on the near-end turn-around, otherwise it's the same course we used in 2012! (last year, we used a modified version that allowed us to run it backwards) It's a really fun course that's not too difficult to drive, and works well for the multi-lap Endurocross format.
Registration is already open! The ONLY restriction on entry is "no first-timers". At least one event of experience should be enough to help you enjoy the event. And if you aren't sure of that... don't enter.
Entry is limited to 52 drivers (26 Early & 26 Late), so PLEASE do not publicize this event anywhere other than right here. The usual email notification has already been sent. We really want FAST regulars to have first crack at registering for this. Over 200 people have been notified of this very popular event that is limited to 52 entries. Let's give them (and you) a chance to register.
Register Here
The Enduro format runs non-stop from start to finish, but we're doing it as a Split Event, anyway. So, most of you will only have to spend HALF of your day out in the hot August sun! We'll be doing lunch, too. All without stopping the event. It's not as crazy as it sounds. For everyone but the driver on course, doing 3+ minute runs make the entire event seem to move in slow-motion. That's what gives it a great "relaxed" atmosphere that's so good for mid-summer. Well, that and the Reggae.
Be sure to pay particular attention to the registration times. The late session is starting a little earlier than usual this time because we're trying to wrap things up and be gone by 4pm!
By the way, don't bother requesting a timing, grid, tech or starter work assignment. Almost EVERYBODY will have to work course. With a worker pool of no more than 25 to cover 3 hours... and trying to keep work sessions to 45 minutes... with 4 single-person worker stations and a flagger... that all requires 20 workers. Doesn't leave a lot extra.
Tech inspection is done at/near the starting line before the first run and can be done by the group of drivers on grid. They can also handle gridding themselves. If we can't manage to get a car up to the starting line every 3 minutes, something is wrong! Timing will handle starting duties. "Yo, start already!"
yay! thanks Loren!
