The car's brakes are not very durable. How well we do in the later heats, and especially in the championship heat depends on how well we preserve the car. DO NOT ride the brakes. If you have your foot on the brake pedal and the gas at the same time, you will burn out the brakes very quickly. Try not to lock up the tires... that can wear out the tires more quickly.
Be careful with the bodywork. The fiberglass bodywork is decorative only. Do not lean on it, or use it to brace yourself while getting in or out of the car. Use the steering wheel, the rear tires, or put your hands on the ground instead.
Be careful not to hit the "kill" switch while performing the driver change. This will result in a slow pitstop as we have to re-fire the car.
Starting the car: Make sure the "kill" switch is in the "on" position. If the engine is cold, put the choke on full, and pull the starter cord. Once the engine catches and starts running, put the choke in the "run" position. If the engine is warm, you should not have to use the choke to start the engine.
Remember to lean into the turns and shift your body weight.
When tightening the lug nut on the wheel, do not over tighten it. This can result in damaging the wheel bearing. There should be the slightest amount of play in the wheel when the lug nut is tightened. Less than an 1/8 of an inch or so. Just enough so that you know you aren't crushing the bearing.
Tire pressures are important. The drive tire should have as high of a pressure as is safe for the tire. Having a fresh tire on the drive wheel for the race is important.
The biggest place to pick up positions is in the pits. A good pit stop can be 10 seconds or less, while many teams take 30 seconds or more. Practicing pitstops is key. The best personnel arrangement that we have found so far is:
The driver needs to keep their foot on the brake, and hold the steering wheel straight to make it easier for the tire changer to do their job.
One person should be responsible for signaling to the driver when they can leave the pits.
Using adhesive in the wrench (such as poster putty) can be very helpful in preventing the lug nut from falling out of the wrench during the tire change.
It is ESSENTIAL that the driver stop within the pit box, or a penalty will be assessed. Because of this, the driver should plan on stopping as close to the beginning of the pit box as possible. Remember that if the race course has been wet, the pit road is likely to have stayed wet and slick after the racing circuit has already dried, so the pits may have less grip than the track. If the driver does overshoot the pit box, they need to pull back out, and go around 1 more time to avoid the penalty.
Being the first pit or the last pit has an advantage in that it is easier to get in and out of the pit box than if you are in the middle of the pits.
If you start at the front of the grid, it may be advantageous to pit later in the race since you will have less traffic in front of you and you can turn faster laps. If you are caught up in traffic, or if you start near the rear of the grid, it is advantageous to pit early in the race so that you can get clear track in front of you.
Most importantly, be safe and have FUN!
