Make every effort to stay on schedule on race day. Delays tend to compound as the day goes on, and a late start can push the event into the evening. Participants, volunteers, and spectators have other commitments, and races should be completed during daylight whenever possible.
MORNING OF THE EVENT: SETUP #
Complete setup as early as possible on race morning, or the day before when permitted.
- Set safety barriers around hazards.
- Install fencing and other crowd-control measures.
- Define the race course with cones and other markers.
- Set up signs, banners, tents, and other planned event equipment.
- Set up timing equipment, lap-counting equipment, video cameras, and the sound system.
- Confirm that all required equipment and supplies are in place.
3 HOURS BEFORE THE RACE: TECH INSPECTION #
- Complete registration of all entries.
- Begin inspection of vehicles and drivers using the appropriate Inspection Checklist.
- For vehicles participating in a race series, review the previous inspection sheet and any notes from earlier events. Inspection records should travel with the vehicle from race to race.
- Ask about any changes made since the previous inspection.
- Inspect any changed or questionable component as necessary.
- Weigh drivers, required ballast, and batteries when required.
2 HOURS BEFORE THE RACE: QUALIFYING AND RACE SYSTEMS #
Qualifying, if required
Any driver age 16 or older who does not have a driver’s license shall complete a supervised 10-minute qualifying run at race speeds. The run shall be supervised and approved by the Event Steward or an official appointed by the Event Steward who is not affiliated with or related to the driver’s team.
Confirm Set Up of Race Systems
- Set up lap-counting and timing systems.
- Set up video cameras.
- Explain the lap-counting procedure to volunteers and provide the required materials.
- Install transponders if they are being used.
1 HOUR BEFORE THE RACE: DRIVER AND TRACK PERSONNEL MEETING #
The Event Steward and/or Flagman shall call the meeting to order. All drivers shall participate. Other personnel shall step back, except Course Marshals, who shall remain for their specific instructions.
Review items that are important for the day’s competition, including:
- The prohibition against vehicle-to-vehicle contact and the penalties for violations.
- Proper passing techniques.
- Challenging or hazardous areas of the course.
- The race flags, where they will be displayed, and what they mean.
- Any special course or event instructions.
- Starting procedures, including drawing for starting positions if that method is being used.
30 MINUTES BEFORE THE RACE: STARTING GRID #
Move all race vehicles to the Starting Grid.
- Divide vehicles into heats, if required.
- Assign starting positions according to the predetermined procedure.
- Position Track Personnel, including Course Marshals, at their designated locations.
- Clear the track of all non-essential personnel and equipment.
- Announce to spectators and other non-essential personnel that the track is closed.
- Confirm that the Timer, Lap Counters, video camera, and other race personnel are ready.
- Photograph the entire Starting Grid for documentation.
- Confirm that all drivers are properly belted in and ready to start.
START #
Once the track and race personnel are ready, the Event Steward shall confirm that all drivers are prepared and direct the start of the competition. The race shall be announced and the green flag displayed.
