Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche
Al Holbert said that long distance races are mechanics' races. Then, depending on whether you interview them before or after the event, ask them how this played out for their team. Perhaps you might interview them about this issue before the race, then follow up with them both during and after the race. How did they prepare, any nasty surprises, how'd they cope, what will they change before the next long distance event? Etc., etc.
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If I word those questions like this will that be OK?
1: How much of this event comes down to the mechanics/crew?
2: How many guys are part of the operation and are they volunteers/employees etc?
3: What steps do you take to prep and test the car for the changes from sprint racing to endurance race, especially one of this length?
4: What will you do differently for the next event?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche
I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that the cars are not fully race-prepped machines. I'd question whether the cars can run flat-out for the duration. So, what are the drivers doing to mitigate the stress on the car? Where and how are they "easing up" to try to make the car last, trying to keep the car out of the pits and on the track. Are they driving to a planned schedule for lap times, or just chasing any rabbit that takes off?
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Bold: Yup, I'll have to correct you there. These are all fully race-prepped cars. This is a 25 hour w2w race. Several professional and factory teams attend this event and last year we were paddocked next to Randy Pobst, who is indeed every bit as nice in person as you'd expect.
Go here to see some of the cars from 2012:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/2105214@N24/
If I word your other questions like this will that be acceptable? Feel free to edit!
1: Since it's an endurance race and don't run on the bleeding edge; what pace are the expected run, how close to 10/10ths?
2: What are some of the unique driver techniques the drivers use to make both the car and the driver(s) go the distance?
3: What are the target lap times each driver is expected to hit consistently in this car?
:disclaimer: I am not a professional photo journalist but apparently someone thinks I am enough to let me pilot the car on the test day for free in exchange for putting together a little documentary.