Starting position Karts will be assigned by teams drawing out of a hat. The team will be assigned kart numbers in order from low to high. Grid positions at the start will be determined by kart number. The seat belt must be fastened at all times on course. If a kart is spotted without a seat belt fastened, it will be brought in to the hot pit mechanical/penalty lane (right lane) for correction or repair or replacement of the kart. Start The start will be a rolling green flag type start. All karts will grid up in 2 rows by assigned kart number. The first kart (lowest number) will have the option of right or left lane. All karts after this will be assigned according to sequential kart number. The field will form up at a slow pace set by the pole kart. The starter will determine whether a good grid is achieved and wave the green flag indicating the start of the race. Remember, there is much congestion at the beginning, it is in the best interests of the team to stay out of trouble on the first lap. Hot pit helpers and restrictions Lane designations. Driver change helpers will be limited to the new driver and one additional team member ONLY. Helpers may push the kart to the end of the hot pit platform only (yellow lines). Team members may not go out on course at any time. Pit strategy is important. If a driver wants to pit, and there are two karts in the pits that may impede entry and exit, then that has to be figured into strategy. The 'Hot Pits,' where driver changes are accomplished, will be the left lane (left of the island platform). Helpers may stand on the platform in anticipation of a driver change, but may not camp out there. All other pit activity, such as mechanical failure/adjustment (e.g. seat belt), penalties, driver equipment adjustment, etc. will be done in the right lane. This is to keep the congestion to a minimum and provide a clear lane for driver changes. Driver Changes To remain equitable, a minimum of 2 driver changes must be performed. It is up to the team to rotate the drivers. Teams may change drivers as many time as they wish.We will have stewards keeping track of changes. A team that does not complete the requisite change receives a five lap penalty. The change must be accomplished in a timely manner, and teams must not impede the access back out to the track. Race Protocol / Penalties Contact is allowed, but, it must be incidental. Hard hits will be rewarded with a black flag, and a trip to the hot pits for a time penalty. Diving into a corner hot and bouncing off of a leading kart will not be allowed. Yellow flags are to be strictly obeyed NO PASSING UNDER YELLOW!!. If the race is stopped for any reason, the re-start will be another rolling green flag start as per the above procedure. Penalties will be assessed for rough driving, improper pit lane protocol, mechanical problems (seat belt) and for blocking. There will be a variety of lapping times among drivers, it is ok to jostle for position, but if it is clear that a faster driver is attempting to overtake, then the kart ahead should be courteous and let them by. This is a long race so each driver should concentrate on piloting their own kart and not worry about who is passing whom. If the steward or turn worker determines that a kart is blocking, they will be shown the blue flag once, the next flag will be a black one for a trip to the pits for a penalty. Any unfurled black flag should be an immediate exit on that lap to the right side pit lane for determination of penalty. Penalties will be assessed at the discretion of the race steward, and the steward's decision is final. If there is a problem with the steward's decision, please refer to the previous sentence. Winner The winning team will be the team with the most laps completed at the conclusion of time. Penalties will be assessed during the race. Team captains must address issues of the race prior to the conclusion. Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 finishing teams. The Car Club that has the most podium finishes will be the award the champion Car Club. Back to the Kart Challenge |
Official GCR's |
Italics indicate updates to GCR's |