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Daytona Max - Endurance Karting Series
The Daytona Max Endurance Championships are designed for teams of between 2-5 drivers, providing excellent close racing on a strict budget. Driver changes and fuel stops add to the intensity of these hard fought races where teamwork and consistent driving are essential. A choice of two classes is available for 2008.
THE CLASSES:
PREMIER CLASS
Designed for experienced and intermediate teams, this championship will be run over 4 rounds. Each round offers 40 minutes of practice, 15 minutes of timed qualifying with a 2hr race.
CLUBMAN CLASS
Designed for teams with some racing experience and novice teams, this championship is also run over 4 rounds. Each round offers 40 minutes of practice, 15 minutes qualifying with a 2hr race.
Overview
The Premier and Clubman classes have separate races. The Premier Class is the highest standard of endurance racing offered by Daytona and is designed for the fastest and most experienced teams. The Clubman class is for teams who are either just starting in endurance racing or who have limited experience. There are trophies for 1st- 3rd in both Premier and Clubman classes. In 2008 the two championships will be separate, with both classes having their own points structures.
Practice - 40 minutes
Qualifying - 15 minutes
Race - 2 hours
Kart Allocation
The karts are warmed up and track tested by Daytona drivers. Once the karts are returned to the pits, each team's number plate is randomly allocated to a kart in the line. To avoid confusion, teams carry the same number for the entire season.
Practice
Practice is 40 minutes and is generally used by drivers to familiarise with the circuit and give the kart a shake down. For the opening 25 minutes, the mechanic's bay is open for any tweaks or repairs. Our test drivers are available during this time to try the karts should teams have any concerns. If a Daytona test driver deems a race kart to be unsatisfactory, teams will have the option to swap it. At the end of practice the green flag is dropped signifying the start of qualifying. At the same time the refuelling bay is closed and anyone not in the queue will not be allowed to refuel until one full lap of the race has been completed.
Qualifying
Immediately after practice, teams will have a 15 minute qualifying period in which to post a competitive time. With the refuelling bay closed, this will add an extra tactical element as teams will need to choose whether to use the whole 15 minutes or do a few flying laps then pit to conserve fuel. The chequered flag will come out at the end of qualifying and all teams must return to the pits.
The Race
Strategy
For 2008, all Daytona Max endurance races will be 2 hours. Most teams will split the time between 2 or 3 drivers. The Birel N35 karts have 8 litre fuel tanks and it is expected to take about an hour before the karts need re-fuelling. This will vary between karts and drivers. How long teams dare to run between stops is down to them. Daytona Max rules enforce 5 mandatory stops with a minimum 2 fuel stops.
Pit Stops
With racing being so close, pit stops play a vital part in the race's final outcome. With grids of up to 30 karts and only 2 fuel bays, finding a window to refuel without having to queue is not easy. Some teams adjust their strategy to avoid the busiest times whilst others rely on pit to driver communication. Once in the fuel bay, the refuelling marshal takes over and drivers must step away. There will also be a driver change area where changeovers must take place. Teams will need to be fast and accurate in order to maximise their chances. Any driver double stinting will have to run around the kart before getting back in.
Endurance racing is challenging but fun with teamwork, consistency and a great strategy all needed to win the race. Advice will be at hand with our experienced crew always willing to help the less experienced teams.
