TD in DC

I will definitely be running the sprint at the Potomac Club Race at Summit Point in two weeks.

I have not signed up for the 90 minute enduro. Am I making a mistake?

I think the 944 would easily make it on one tank of gas. I am more concerned about whether a co-driver is necessary or desirable, or whether many drivers drive the entire 90 minutes by themselves.

What are the pros and cons of doing an enduro by yourself?

For those of you who do share cars for an enduro, how do you do this? Do you have some kind of contract so there is no misunderstanding about who is financially responsible for damage to the car? Is this viewed more as a favor to the car owner/driver who needs another driver, or to the driver without a car since they risk so little and get a free ride?

Any hints or tips from the more experienced?

Mark in Baltimore

Todd,

You've got to do the enduro. Run the whole thing by yourself. It's the ultimate seat time and a great rite of passage. Make sure you have a CamelBak or watering system in your car so that you're not dying of thirst before your pit stop or before the end of the race.

38D

You need to do the enduro...it is the best part! I normally drive the whole enduro by myself. With a cool suit, it is really no big deal. In fact, I really like driving the whole thing. You get into the zone and just click off laps.

There have been two times I have let someone co-drive my car (both by DrJupeman). Since I have known him for such a long time, no contract is necessary.

Larry Herman

I wholeheartedly agree, you have to do the enduro. There are no cons. You get into a zone, and it goes by much faster than you think, unless of course, you're leading. And you might be amazed at how it helps your driving. You tend to smooth things out, and without really trying, get faster and faster.

Dave in Chicago

Wow, let me cast my vote with the folks above... wholeheartedly!

I run every enduro at every race I go to and LOVE it. There's a mandatory 5-minute pit stop (which goes by MUCH faster than you would think) that is actually a nice little break for folks like us that don't have to jump out and refuel. Have someone agree to hop over the wall and check your tire pressures and just look the car/brake pads over once for you. They can bring you a beverage too, but I use a camel-back as noted above.

I've only had one really draining Enduro. It was the last day of a 4-day race weekend and hot. Even that one was pretty tolerable. The rest were an absolute blast. And IF you do ever find yourself out there lapping and getting too fatigued/hot/etc... you just bag it and come on in.

Hell, I'd try a 2-hour Enduro now. 120 minutes of wheel-to-wheel, yeehaa!

Veloce Raptor

DrJupeman

I'm nervous before every enduro simply because I worry about getting tired or something. In the end, it is always a blast and a huge sense of satisfaction when you finish. Few things more satisfying, particularly if you earn a podium spot.

Racerrob

I would encourage you to do the enduro and try it both ways. I have done them alone but usually split a car (both "I" 944s) with my friend. I probably enjoy splitting more because of the challenge and strategy involved. We are both faster in our own cars but not by much so who will start, finish, when to pit watching flags, etc... becomes more important. I find it more rewarding getting on the podium in a team situation. We have an agreement that the driver is on the hook for 2/3 of any damage caused. Mechanicals are on the owner. If I did something really stupid, however, I would just pay for it. We have never had an incident and being good friends who can both afford to write the check we are not worried. Give it a try sometime.

RSRRacer

Todd I will co drive with you and share the expenses if you would like.

TD in DC

Sounds good. RSRRacer, we can talk. My car is really not nearly as nice as yours, so you might be disappointed.

In any event, I might just need to go sign up.

Thanks all.

Larry Herman

Cool way to co-drive Chris's cup car next time Todd.

TD in DC

Ooohhhh I would seriously be up for that, although I am not sure Chris would be after the enduro.

RSRRacer

Todd actually I am not bringing my car to Summit for various reasons. But I am glad to let you drive it sometime at another event.

Again I am not familiar with a 944 but think I could still hold my own. I would suggest you sign up then if you want me to drive we can make arrangements for cost, etc at the event.

As with any car sharing we would need to come to an agreement beforehand about damage god forbid I ball it up or someone hits me or I miss a shift.

My email is cbrown@bmstpa.com if you want to discuss.

Chris

Gator_86_951

DO IT!!

TD in DC

Sounds like a plan Chris. I will shoot you an e-mail tomorrow.