Making the Car Safe for You
Gas Tanks vs Fuel Cells
Enduro Racing requires only one gas tank and does not require the use of a fuel cell. You are allowed to run the stock fuel tank in the stock position.
I do not recommend running stock gas tanks in the stock position for two reasons. One, during an Enduro Race lots of parts fall off of cars. One of these could puncture a gas tank. In an Enduro Race at Fort Morgan, Jim Moore #54 was leading late in the race when he ran over something on the track. It poked a hole in his gas tank, ran out of gas and that was the end of his day. Reason Two, FIRE! I've seen two Enduro's catch fire; both were running stock tanks in the stock position. During a practice session at Rocky Mountain, a guy driving a Ford, punctured his tank and caught fire. Burned up the entire car. Think about all that driver lost; the time, the effort, money he spent on is car and safety equipment, all gone. Nothing was salvageable from that racecar.
If your are going run a stock tank move it to the trunk. I think that should be a rule. Get that tank out of the stock position and put it in the trunk, with a good firewall between you and the gas tank. Strap it down so it does move around during a race.
Mel Zoss #01 was running a 65 Chrysler, during an Enduro Race, when he lost and axle and rolled the car. Gas tank caught on fire and exploded. Luckily, the car was salvageable and the next race his tank was in the trunk.
A Fuel Cell located in the trunk is a safer bet. Most fuel cells are a heavy-duty plastic, which is less prone to puncture. You can purchase a fuel cell in a can and this provides another layer metal to prevent a puncture. With a fuel cell located in the trunk, chances are slim that if you run over something on the track, that will go through the trunk floorboard, the fuel can, and fuel cell bladder (the plastic can).
Basic Fuel Cells start at about $100 and add about $65 more for one in a can.
The rules used to say that the maximum size fuel cell is 22 gallons, that's an awful lot of gas riding in the trunk. But, don't get one that is too small. I tried an 11-gallon and I ran out of gas going into the pits, twice at the end of a race. I could have never gone 200 laps. Generally, I use about 15 gallons of gas on a race day, I used a 15-gallon fuel cell now, and I always make sure that it is full, before I go out to race.
Gas Tanks vs Fuel Cells. A Fuel Cell wins the safety battle hands down. If you can't afford a fuel cell, at least move it in the trunk. Also, be sure to check your fuel line and hoses from the gas tank/fuel cell to the motor. Make they are in good condition, no leaks or bends, or old hoses. Replace those old fuel line hoses. Remember, you've got to go to work on Monday.
9) One gas tank only.
If a fuel cell is used, it must be mounted in the trunk, without cutting out the floor panels.