setting up pits

[reverhart]

First time doing a baja race--starting to worry about logistics

We plan to camp with motorhomes along the route-- how do you determine where you can set up a pit and have crew and campers standing by? (where you won't get harassed?)

Also the race is 1400 miles--I figured we would have three major pits for driver changes and three fuel stops-- other sources like baja pits--at what interval do they set up pits? Do people share pits? etc.

lastly for now --race starts--how hard is it for chase vehicle to drive the hi-way and shadow the race truck between pits? (figure they could cut in on dirt roads to the race course on radio request) I made the assumption that a truck on the main road could travel way faster pit to pit thanthe race truck on the race course?

Any pointers from the pros!!

thanks

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[TreyP]

First time doing a baja race--starting to worry about logistics

We plan to camp with motorhomes along the route-- how do you determine where you can set up a pit and have crew and campers standing by? (where you won't get harassed?)

You can pretty much set up wherever. The problem comes when you set up a pit where everyone else does and real estate becomes scarce

Also the race is 1400 miles--I figured we would have three major pits for driver changes and three fuel stops-- other sources like baja pits--at what interval do they set up pits? Do people share pits? etc.

Baja Pits run about every 60 miles or so. If you need pit support you can contact me by PM we will have several pits set up to help racers out. We are setting up pits for the DA and the ADV guys, always happy to help anouther team out. What are you racing?

lastly for now --race starts--how hard is it for chase vehicle to drive the hi-way and shadow the race truck between pits? (figure they could cut in on dirt roads to the race course on radio request) I made the assumption that a truck on the main road could travel way faster pit to pit thanthe race truck on the race course?

Wouldn't suggest it as the road gets crowded and bad things happen when chase crews get in a hurry.

Any pointers from the pros!!

thanks

Just my $.02

[reverhart]

We are racing a Hummer class 8

Chase crew are Hummer H1s

How do you chase if not on the hi-way? I figured two trucks would shadow the racer carrying spare parts/tires/tow straps etc able to cut over to the race course in a big hurry

[Bulldozer]

We are racing a Hummer class 8

Chase crew are Hummer H1s

How do you chase if not on the hi-way? I figured two trucks would shadow the racer carrying spare parts/tires/tow straps etc able to cut over to the race course in a big hurry

Well you'll definitely want to straps WITH YOU in the race vehicle, as well as tires obviously and any parts that you expect to break or wear out quickly.

If you get stuck and you need a tow, lots of people are willing to help but without a tow strap on board you might be SOL so you might as well bring one.

[LENNY]

Do the smart thing get with BFG/Baja pits ect. set up a some main pit for driver changes and try not t o drive at NIGHT my 2cents

[reverhart]

Do the smart thing get with BFG/Baja pits ect. set up a some main pit for driver changes and try not t o drive at NIGHT my 2cents

you mean don't have the chase trucks drive at night right--I'm all in for pulling the race car over and taking a siesta at night..lol

[LENNY]

You will have the time off your life racing baja but at night on the roads can kill u and in the daytime too DONT TAKE CHANCES u will see when it gets close to the race there is always a post SOME ONE WILL NOT COME HOME good luck

[mgobaja]

Have your replacement drivers head down a day or 2 early, to there spots, so they can relax and avoid some of the traffic that comes on race day. Then dont count on your chase crews being able to pace the entire route. Have a chase crew work with each fresh driver so you dont have zombies on the already not real safe hwy. Accidents from chasers and local cause delays every year. A worn out chase crew that balls up a chase truck and injures or kills themselves is worthless to anybody. The chasers seems to think they dont need sleep, WRONG idea.

REad this and print it out for your crews to read :

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/att...9&d=1068880448

[reverhart]

that is good advice, so its better to send the teams down course the day or two before

wow we will need a bunch of people to be safe

[Total Loss]

Have your replacement drivers head down a day or 2 early, to there spots, so they can relax and avoid some of the traffic that comes on race day. Then dont count on your chase crews being able to pace the entire route. Have a chase crew work with each fresh driver so you dont have zombies on the already not real safe hwy. Accidents from chasers and local cause delays every year. A worn out chase crew that balls up a chase truck and injures or kills themselves is worthless to anybody. The chasers seems to think they dont need sleep, WRONG idea.

REad this and print it out for your crews to read :

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/att...9&d=1068880448

Agree with MGO.
The most dangerous place at a Score race are the chase roads.
Be very careful and stress safety for your chase/pit guys.
Get down early and enjoy.
Good luck.