Results: laps and position, by lane, gallery

Second Enduro: home page

When: September 25th and 26th, 2009.  Practice Friday afternoon and evening.  Race begins Saturday morning.  See agenda below.

Where: Hosted by Brett Ginsburg on his six-lane Scorpion.
 


What: BSRT G-jets (non-magnet cars) - provided.  BYOB (Bring your own Body) -- see below.  Scale Auto has offered to pre-test and tune the cars to be as equal as possible.  A legacy is in the making.

Who: Six teams of three drivers.  Captains are needed to form teams.  Contact race directors AJ Hoyt (720) 917-4526 (cell), or Roger Thompson (303) 699-3339 to be a captain.  If you don't want to be a captain, but want to be on a team, contact AJ or Roger or a captain.

Racer Director announced: Jim Carter will be Race Director, AJ Hoyt and Roger Thompson will be assistant Race Directors.  Racer Director will conduct the distribute the car kits, tech the bodies, conduct the race meeting, keep the race on schedule and MC the raffle and awards presentations.  Most importantly, the Race Director will enforce rules and make decisions about track and lap counter problems should they occur.

Thank you to Rena Carter and Yumiko Thompson who have volunteered to help round up, prepare and serve food and beverages.

How: Captains will choose drivers, team name, car number, car color, and body type, then contact a Chairman to register the team.  Registration will be issued on a first come, first serve basis.  Duplicate body types will be allowed.  A registration will hold the team's place until it pays the entry fee, at which time the team becomes officially entered.   Car numbers, colors, and even drivers can be changed after registration as long as there is no conflict with another registered team.  If the entry fee is not paid by the deadline, the team could lose its place.  If a team discovers that the entry fee may be late, contact a Chairman as soon as possible.
Sponsors












Entry fee: $120 per team includes use of a brand new equally prepared car, spare parts, door prize, awards, food and beverage for the team for the entire day.   Entry fees are due July 31st, 2009.  Proceeds, if any, will be rebated.

Concessions: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Beverages will be provided for all drivers.  Dinner will be provided by Famous Dave's BBQ.

Awards and giveaways: Each participant will receive a commemorative box plaque.  There will be awards for Best Marshal and Best Sport as voted by participants.

Raffle and Door Prizes: the cars will be given away in a raffle after the race.  Raffle tickets will be given to all drivers as a door prize, awarded to lap total winners, winning team drivers, best marshal, best sportsman, and sold for $1 each.  See odds below.

Note: Although rules and format are subject to change, major changes are not anticipated.  Rules and format will be formalized with sufficient time prior to event.

More Questions?  See the FAQ
Registration is full. 
Name
 Captain and drivers
 No. Color
 Body
Sukafish
 Chris Beyers (c), Sheldon Brunn, Jon Soffa
 3
 Green
 Corvette
All-American Racers
 Geoff Campbell (c), Butch Bowden, AJ Hoyt 5
 Bronze
 Ford GT40
Team RAD
 Dave Goens (c), Roger Thompson, Alan Wolcott
 2
 Red
 Ferrari 512
Big Burg
 Brett Ginsburg (c), Phil Hilgert, Big Al
 8
 Yellow
 Ford GT40
J-Team Danny Johnson (c), Rick Coate, Scott Johnson  
 Lt Blue
 Ford GT40
PARC Team
 Pat Pansini (c), Ron White, Daryl Allen 63
 Silver
 Mercedes

Team 1
#3 Green Corvette
 Team 2
#5 Bronze Ford GT40
 Team 3
#2 Red Ferrari 512m



Team 4
#8 Yellow Ford GT40
 Team 5
Light Blue Ford GT40
 Team 6
#63 Silver Mercedes



Featured Cars:



Agenda

Friday

Track will be open from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for practice.  teams must bring their own practice cars.  Race cars will not be issued until Saturday.  Contact Roger or AJ if you need a practice car.  All teams will be required to submit car bodies and backup bodies to the Race Director for inspection and impounding.  Any number of backup bodies are allowed, one is recommended.  Backup bodies must be identical to original body.  Body rules.  Lanes will be assigned randomly by Race Director.

Saturday

7:30 a.m. - Venue opens - coffee, juice and pastries served, car kits randomly distributed - final practice begins.
8:30 a.m. - practice ends - team and car pictures
8:45 a.m. - racers meeting begins.
9:00 a.m. - race begins.
11:00 a.m. - Lunch served.
5:00 p.m. - dinner provided by Famous Daves
9:17 p.m. - race over - voting begins.
9:30 p.m. - raffle drawing and awards presentation.
General Rules

G1 - Cars and spare parts other than those issued will not be allowed on race day. 
G3 - One small pit box for tools and supplies will be allowed by each team.
G3 - Car failure or Body loss (cars will not be permitted to advance without a body) -- marshal shall give the car immediately to the driver without attempting to correct any problems.  The car may be serviced only in the pit area.
G4 - No food or beverage in race area except for passage between food serving area and pit area.
G5 - No attempt has been made to make a rule for every possible situation that may arise.  The Race Director will have sole descretion and final say in all rulings and disputes.
G6 - Marshal's shall make reasonable effort to place cars in front of the counter if a car deslots in front of the counter. 
G7 - "Pluses" can only be called by marshals.  Marshals pay attention, be responsible and fare!  Drivers, don't sweat it if a lap is missed.


Body and backup body Rules

B1 - must be commercially available, "hard" injection molded plastic, resemble the shape, but not necessarily the color scheme of an actual endurance car.
B2 - must weigh at least 3.4 grams, including mounting clip which can also be cut.
B3 - must NOT have material added except to assist in body retention scheme -- excessive glue, as determined by the Race Director to provide a handling advantage, is not permitted.
B4 - must have all original plastic pieces including drivers, windshields, lights, bumpers, wings, etc., and can not begin the race broken.  Paper interiors may be removed.
B5 - must NOT have material removed from exterior surfaces.
B6 - No modifications are allowed to increase the possibility of breakage or detachment of body parts.  Body parts, i.e. wings, which break off naturally during the race need not be reattached.
B7 - Bodies which fail technical inspection due to weight will be brought into compliance by adding glue to the inside of the roof by the Race Director.

Run Time Rules (Finalized)

R1 - Teams - three drivers, one of which must be captain.  Every driver must race at least two one-hour segments.  A fourth "alternate" driver is allowed.  To be eligible to race, an alternate driver must pay an entry fee of $25 to the Treasurer by Friday the week before the race.
R2 - One driver from each team must marshal each segment or as designated prior to start.  Marshals may not leave their post without first finding a willing substitute from any team.
R3 - The enduro will be conducted in twelve one-hour "power on" segments.  The driver who begins a segment must complete it.
R4 - The track will be stopped (power off) for 90 seconds at the end of each segment to record laps.
R5 - Cars may not be serviced during "power off" periods except to change lane and lane tape.  Cars may be visually inspected, but bodies can not be removed.
R6 - All pit work (including cleaning tires and pickup shoes) must be done in designated pit area.
R7 - If a car's body becomes detached or the car is unable to continue, a marshal shall immediately give the car to the driver.  Marshals may not attempt to fix the car or correct the problem.
R8 - There will be no "track call" (power off) periods during one-hour race segments unless a track marshal (not driver) observes a problem with the track or lap counter.
R9 - European rotation will be used.
Track lane order (left drivers station to right):
Purple
 White
 Green
 Orange
 Blue
 Yellow
European Rotation order:
Purple
 Green
 Blue
 Yellow
 Orange
 White
European rotation on the race day track will look like this:

R10 - Controller - any controller that does not store or increase power may be used.
R11 - Records will be recorded and posted.
R12 - No self marshaling - 5 lap penalty
R13 - Pit stop procedure: drive car to, and stop at drivers station, driver or team member pick up car without leaning forward or 'thumbing' other cars, take car to designated pit area for service.  Car must be returned to the track in front of the driver's station without disturbing other cars.  If a team wants to service a car at the beginning of a segment they must first drive the car to their driver's station.  No servicing the car in the race area.  Penalties: servicing car in race area - 5 laps, thumbing a competitor's car - 5 laps.

Race Kits provided by MHOSA
  price qty amount
G-jet rolling chassis $55.00 1 $55.00
stock arm $8.00 1 $8.00
pick-up shoes (pr)
 $1.50 3 $4.50
end bell $3.00 1 $3.00
pick-up shoe sprgs (pr)
 $1.50 1 $1.50
bushings (pr) $1.50 1 $1.50
guide pin $2.50 1 $2.50
rear axle $2.50 1 $2.50
crown $2.00 1 $2.00
pinion $1.00 1 $1.00
total     $81.50

Note: despite parts limitations, provisions will be made to ensure all cars will finish the race even under unusual circumstances.

Teams must provide the following:

Controller - any controller that does not store or increase power.  A backup controller is recommended.

 Tools needed to work on cars, suggested minimum:
- end bell tool
- chassis spreader
- tire puller and press
- tweezers
- small screw driver
- oiler
- pick up shoe cleaner
Note: tools can be provided with advanced notice.

Body and backup body - see rules above

Raffle of 6 used G-jets
Tickets
Purpose
 Total
3
to each driver - Door prize
 48
3
to driver with highest lap total per lane
 18
10
Awarded to best marshal determined by secret ballot driver vote
 10
10
Awarded to best sportsman determined by secret ballot driver vote 10
5
to each driver of winning team
 15
3
to each driver of the second place team
 9
1
to each driver of the third place team
 3
97
for purchase at $1.00 each
 97


Total 
210
odds of winning: 1 in 35 per ticket - proceeds ($97) pay for awards
Rebates will be offered in choice of cash or raffle tickets at 2 tickets per $1.
Proposed Car Rules for Subsequent Enduros

1 - Chassis -- box-stock BSRT G-jet rolling chassis - no removal or additions of material, no altercations, no modifications.
2 - All other chassis stock chassis components including magnets and weights must be unaltered and used in stock position.
3 - Body must be an AFX closed cockpit endurance body from this list below.  There are no restrictions on the paint scheme.  It may be lightened but not lowered.  It must weight at least 3.5 grams (includes mounting bracket which can also be cut and or glued).  No material can be added.  Bodies must be complete as original including, windshields, lights, bumpers, wings, etc., and can not begin the race broken.  Bodies which break naturally from crashes during the race must be replaced with an identical backup body.  If the backup body also breaks naturally due to crashing, it need not be repaired.  Body parts can not be weekened or modified in any way so as to increase the possibility of breakage or detachment during the race.  Cars which fail technical inspection (due to underweight) will have epoxy added to the inside of the roof for compliance.
4 - Rear Tires - any commercially available slip-on tires made from a single material.
5 - Axles, rims and front tires - any
6 - Gears - BSRT stock
7 - Armature - any commercially available, unreworked, 9 ohms +/- 0.5 ohms.
8 - Other Electrical - any stock or commercially available stock replacement., no shunts, no non-stock add ons.
9 - No more than 1/32 inch lateral front axle movement, no ball bearings.
10 - Guide Pin - One stock in stock location


Which car will you drive? -- The pictures below represent the six most popular AFX endurance cars.  Each design has multiple original color schemes.  Cars entered can be repainted and renumbered.












Fun Facts
Average
 Revolutions
 Revolutions
 Distance
 Distance
 Laps
@ 6 sec/lap
 Tires
 Motor
 Feet
 Miles
1 lap
 565
 1,695
 65
 0.012
 1
1 min
 5,650
 16,950
 650
 0.123
 10
1 Segment
 339,000
 1,017,000
 39,000
 7.368
 600
12 Hours
 4,068,000
 12,204,000
 468,000
 89
 7,200
24 hours
 8,136,000
 24,408,000
 936,000
 177
 14,400


 FAQ
Cars
Q: Why G-jets, they're expensive?

A: This car is a proven car in MHOSA’s X-jet series. The consistency in quality out of the box is an objective for the Inaugural race.  We want an emphasis on racing; not choosing, building or setting up in the inaugural race.  BSRT has offered to test and pre-run cars for quality and equality.
Q: Were other chassis even considered?

A: Several chassis were considered.  Hobby chassis were given more consideration because of quality and consistancy.  G-jet rolling chassis cost $55 and the race kit is $88.50.  The Thunderstom kit cost slightly more based on a rolling chassis of $60.  The Super G-Plus rolling chassis is only $14, but once you add the parts to make it a non-magnet 12-volt car, the kit jumps to $77.50 and there are still consistancy questions.  Converting a G3 chassis to a G-jet saves about $5, but we would have to build them with reduced chances of equality.
Q: Can I bring my own G-jet?

A: No, not in the inaugural event.  The objective is to make the inaugural event simple.  Less emphasis on technical inspection and more emphasis on parity and fun.  Some folks are not so familiar with G-jets so this is partly an attempt to level the paying field and make the event more inviting.  Subsequent events will probably allow teams to bring their own cars and equipment.
Q: What if the car issued to my team is a “dud”

A: BSRT has committed to prepare equal cars for this event.  The cars will be equal at the start, but parity is not guaranteed as the race progresses.  Each team will have a spare motor and parts to make adjustments if the car worsens.
Car Parts
Q: What kind of tires are allowed?

A: Only the stock tires provided can be used.  Again, the emphasis is parity and to make things fun and simple in the inaugural event.  Allowing different tires adds a dimension of complexity and a variable attempt competitive advanage.  This has pros and cons but is a consideration for subsequent races.  Further discussion is needed.
Q: Why only one set of spare gears/axles/tires?

A: This was the subject of much debate amoung the organizers.  Many ideas were surfaced and discussed.  One idea was to have a set of gears (21t (stock), 22t, 23t, 24t, 25t) so that replacing a gear meant compromising proformance.  Another idea was to provide one axle and unlimited gears so changing a gear cost pit time.  Both have merits, but in the end, cost considerations prevailed.  We know from experience that a G-jet will easily run six hours without changes.  Even damaged gears brake back in during an enduro.  There is no reason why tires shouldn't last the entire 12 hours.
Q: What if I break a chassis in the race?

A: The rules are restrictive of spare parts partly to keep cost down and partly to make “endurance” a factor.  However, exceptions will be made as necessary to guarantee every team will finish the race.
Bodies
Q: Some bodies handle better than others.  What will be done to equalize the bodies?

A: We want the choice of body to add character, fun and nostalgia.  So we have not restricted bodies to certain eras or narrow type.  We will allow any “endurance” style body from any era.  The key restriction is a minimum weight of 3 grams.  This should ‘help’ to equalize handling.  Still, some bodies are simply perceived to handle better than others.  In our experience this difference will most likely not determine the outcome.
Q: Why not consider Lexan bodies?

A: We did.  We believe hard bodies are more realistic and will add appeal for an endurance event.
Run Time
Q: What is the run-time format?

A: There will be six teams and six lanes.  Each team will race every segment (rotation).  We will use European rotation.  Every segment will be 60 minutes long.  There will be a brief stop between segments to record laps and reset the lap counter.  Marshaling will be assigned and shared equally between teams.  There will be no track calls unless there is a problem with the track, counter, or in the rare event the race director determines need.  Most laps wins.
Q: Turn marshals must give car (with problems) to the driver, but isn't that going to be awkward, and distracting for other drivers?  Can marshals give car to the team member that is not driving or marshaling?

A: The thought surrounding this rule is that it will not be obvious who to give the car to if the marshal must make the decision.  The driver of the 'problem car' will be right there waiting, know exactly what is happening, and have nothing to do.  The effected team marshal is not free to handle the car, and the other team mate(s) might not even be in the room let alone, know that what is happening.  A marshal of a non-effected team should not have to be distracted by making decisions or finding the a team mate.
Drivers
Q: Why three drivers per team? 

A: We chose three to spread drivers out among six teams.  If more than 18 drivers want to race we’ll consider team expansion.  Initially, all teams must have three.  Ultimately, some teams could have four, but only after the field (of 18) is full.
Q: How long does a driver have to race… can they be relieved?

A: No.  The driver that begins a one hour segment must finish the segment.  It is meant to challenge a driver’s endurance.  There will be rare exceptions.  There are no restrictions as to when, how many, or which lanes a driver can drive.  However, each driver must drive at least two segments.  Team captains will be responsible for assigning driving duty.
Q: Is this event for local drivers only?

A: The objective is to generate interest and enthusiasm for endurance racing in the Denver area.  The long term goal is to create a legacy that will attract out-of-town (or out of the country) racers.  We want to have experience putting on an endurance race before inviting out of town guests.  Out of state teams have already expressed interest.  If the field can not be filled with local drivers, we’ll reconsider.
Q: Who gets the car after the race?

A: We decided to raffle the cars for a couple of reasons.  First, the prospect of winning the car will add fun to the event.  Every driver will get raffle tickets just for participating.  Other raffle tickets will be awarded for enduro accomplishments such as most laps on a lane, best marshal, etc.  Secondly, proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go toward the cost of event awards.  There will be a fixed (published) number of tickets for sale representing the actual cost of awards.  If all tickets are sold, the awards will be paid for from raffle proceeds.  If not, the MHOSA treasury will pick up the balance.  Profit, if any, will be rebated.
Q: Do I have to marshal?

A: Each team will have specific marshaling duties equal to that of all the other teams.  It is up to the team to decide how to fulfill its duties.
General
Q: Why the name and what does "Les Monts" mean?

A: The name is parody from "The 24 Hours of Le Mans."  For the linguists, we realize that 'Le Mans' is an English translation of a French proper noun.  'Les Monts' is a French word that losely means 'the mountains', so it is not a translation.  'Les Monts' is pronounced 'Lay Mont', where the 't' is very soft, almost silent.
Q: Why is the entry fee so high?

A: Much effort and discussion has been made to make this event cost attractive.  Other, less expensive cars were considered, but the savings is not great and the consistency of quality parts is less likely with less expensive chassis.  And, don’t forget, the entry fee covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages, awards, and participant plaque for all.  The actual car/parts cost breakdown is here.  No profit will be made from this event.
Q: If Entrants pay $40 each, and then an alternate comes in paying $25 to enter, and $5 refunds to each of the 3 entrants, then the entrants have a net $35 cost, but the alternate is $40?  Wouldn't this all balance out better if the alternate paid $20 to MHOSA and $5 each to the 3 entrants?  That way, everybody on the team (that uses an alternate) has a net cost of $35.

A: This was also given much thought.  The system in the question seems fair and balanced, however, there are a couple of reasons for having the alternate pay $40.  Having a lower entry fee for alternates discourages prompt formation of teams and payment.  Advanced collection of entry fees is necessary to order car kits.  In this case the 'reward' goes to those on the team who are able to commit and pay early.  The price is always higher at the door.
Q: Can drivers and/or marshals sit while racing/marshaling?

A: An enduro is meant to be challenging.  It is common practice for slot car events to stand while racing; enduro or not, HO or not.  In the Inagural venue, space will be tight.  Chairs or stools around the table will be cumbersome.  Exceptions will be considered for drivers with specific medical reasons for sitting.
Q: Will we race in the dark?

A: This idea has been suggested and is a possibility for future events.  The challenges are outfitting cars with lights, marshaling, and creating darkness during the day. 
Q: Why so many rules?

A: We have thought deeply about how to strike the right balance of rules and simplicity.  Lack of rules are just as problematic as too many rules.  We recognize this and have gone to great effort to make this fun and simple.  The race will be run in an organized, civil, and punctual manner.  We will learn from this experience and strive to improve in future events.
Q: Where can I find a complete set of rules?

A: here (www.mhosa.com/rules_enduro.html#body)
Q: What if something happens to the lap timer/counter during the race.

A: We plan to record lap totals on a chart at the end of each one hour segment.  We will not record lap times.  The counter will be reset for each segment to minimize malfunction.  We hope to have a backup system in case of system failure.  The race director will make all final decisions about how to handle lap counting system issues.
Q: Will we stop to eat?

A: No.  Food and beverages will be set out throughout the event.  It will be up to each racer to find time to eat between racing and marshaling duties.
Q: What awards will there be?

A: Every driver will receive a ~1” x 3” aluminum commemorative box plaque.  Winning team members will receive additional wood plaques.  A wood plaque will go to the best marshal and the best sportsman as voted by the participants.

Inaugural 12 Hours of Les Monts
Hosted by MHOSA, September 25th and 26th, 2009, Denver, Colorado