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Running a Race
This section will help you run a race efficiently and safely. You should select several responsible
individuals to help run the race. Each race team member should be assigned a task and should have
a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Also, review the racetrack safety rules on page 13
with the team members. The last thing you want on race day is for an injury to spoil the fun.
Running a race takes teamwork. As few as two people can run a race, but a team of four or more can
run it more efficiently. A race team consists of two crews.
A start crew must do the following tasks:
• Thread the cars onto the monofilament line, staging several pairs of cars to be on deck.
• Position the cars at the start line and conduct the prelaunch setup.
• Launch the cars (in auto mode).
• Roll the next pair of cars into position to prepare for the next launch.
• Reload the staging area with another heat of cars.
A finish crew must do the following tasks:
• Position the checkered towels at the finish line to safely stop the cars.
• Park the cars after the run and replace the towels.
• Signal the start crew when ready to proceed with the next run.
• Unload the track after the staged cars for that heat have completed their runs. This entails detach
-
ing the monofilament lines from the finish end anchor and removing the cars.
In addition, it may be necessary to appoint a race official who records times and keeps track of elim-
ination brackets.
Let’s Communicate!
Effective communication between crews is essential when conducting a race. The finish crew should
signal the start crew when they are ready to proceed with the next run. The start crew should NOT
cock the launch pods until they have received the ready signal from the finish crew. The start crew
should also make sure everyone is clear of the track before starting the launch sequence.
These steps are necessary to prevent injury during a race. They also help to prevent damage to cars.
Running a race is simple and fun, but the race team members should be attentive, keep safety
foremost in their minds, and communicate with each other clearly.
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