question about solo challenge

[LongDogRacing]

Looking at the rulebook section on Solo Challenge, it's not quite clear whether there are three groups, GTO, GTU, and GTL.  (well, at least not clear to me )

Is that the case?

Thanks!
--Justin

[G-reg]

One group only.

[PJ721]

yup one group....bike just has to meet requirements for one of the classes...

[LongDogRacing]

So, bottom line is that my little SV won't necessarily be winning a solo challenge if i'm up against dudes on liter bikes....

[MotoGuy]

Depends on the rider and the track. I've seen GTL bikes finish in the top 5 overall, even podium. Anything can happen in endurance racing.

[SVbadguy]

In 2006 on my SV I won at Barber and 2nd at Summit Point and VIR.   It depends who you're racing against.

[LongDogRacing]

Thanks Travis, thanks Motoguy!  I'm thinking about giving the solo challenge a try!

[PJ]

Go for it. Endurance racing is a blast. And the most bang for the buck for racing track time.

[DakotaCBR]

Could someone explain how exactly the solo challenge works? I'd like to do Daytona in Feb.

Distance, time, number or refuels (if any)

If refuels are needed, what is the procedure to do so?

Do I need a crew and what kind of manpower are we talking? One guy for fuel and one guy for the fire bottle?

Anything else that is important?

Thanks.

[kl3640]

Could someone explain how exactly the solo challenge works? I'd like to do Daytona in Feb.

I'll try.

Distance, time, number or refuels (if any)

200k (# of laps varies, of course) or 2hr time limit, whichever comes first.  This year I believe that only 1 of 8 races didn't complete the full distance.  You don't have to refuel at all if you can pull it off.  This year's champ did every race without needing to refuel, including fuel costly tracks like Road America and Daytona.

If refuels are needed, what is the procedure to do so?

You set up your pit stall with your "crew" (i.e., your buddies or whoever you can scrounge up to help you that day).  Generally an EZ-Up and a cooler full of water/gatorade or something is a good idea.  Quick repair tools/replacements are a good idea as well.  You must have at least 2 x 5 pound or 1 x 10 pound fire extinguishers (some tracks include those on the hot pit wall).  When you come in, the bike must go up on the rear stand and the ignition must be turned off, with the rider off of the bike, before fueling commences, and it must remain that way until fueling is complete.  The person who is manning the extinguisher must be ready with the pin pulled.  All pit crew must be in long pants, over 18 years old, and have closed-toe shoes.  A good idea is to have one person for fuel and one for the extinguisher, at a minimum.

Do I need a crew and what kind of manpower are we talking? One guy for fuel and one guy for the fire bottle?

see above

Anything else that is important?

Lots of things that are important.  I would suggest that you find someone who has done it successfully and learn from that person - maybe even pit with/next to someone who has done it during the March Daytona kickoff.  Things that you might want to consider are an endurance fuel tank, a quick-fill system, whether you want to use the same bike for Solo as you use for Sprints or not, a good training program, your budget (the series runs from as far West as OK and KS to as far North as Road America to as far East and South as VIR and Daytona) to cover a transport vehicle/lodging/fuel, tire budget, your time to do all of that travel, and so on.

Thanks.

I'd be glad to talk with you if you like, I did the whole series this year - it was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work, so there is a reason that I probably won't be doing the whole series again this coming year.

[DakotaCBR]

Thanks man, that helps a lot. I'm interested in running it at Daytona this Feb and maybe in October, we'll have to see. Planning on going to Daytona in Feb?

[kl3640]

Thanks man, that helps a lot. I'm interested in running it at Daytona this Feb and maybe in October, we'll have to see. Planning on going to Daytona in Feb?

You're welcome - let me know if you have any other questions.

Yes, I am pre-entered for CCS Sprints at Daytona, though I don't know yet if I'll be racing Solo, Team, or any ASRA.