Organising an Endurance event - fuck off if you're going throw stones...

[madbikeboy]

Okay, this is a bit of a project that's been gestating for a while.

In my youth (when the world was in black in white and coke was drunk, not snorted), I used to like endurance racing. You know, old bikes being ridden around the racetrack late into the wee smalls.

I've been working with the good folks at a race circuit; it's a good 'un, to put on a long endurance event. Classes would be split (to make it interesting) between 80/90's bikes, displacement (running in the normal splits and classes).

Racing would start in the afternoon, and either race to dusk, or to dawn - yes, that's right, a component of this would be in the dark.

The question is - would anyone be keen to do this. Realistically it needs around 60 entrants to make if financially viable. There is camping and proper accomodation on site (as well as Ambo's etc).

Any thoughts or advice, let me know. if you're going to be an asshole, do it somewhere else.

Cheers, MBB

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think it's a splendid idea...and I hope it all comes together for you!

[madbikeboy]

I think it's a splendid idea...and I hope it all comes together for you!

I think the interesting thing here is determining what would be quickest over the duration - full on race bikes versus almost stock production bikes, versus sports tourers that are easier to ride and easier on tires...

Bikes would require lights of course - but it's also the logistics of running a 4 person team over that duration and managing fuel consumption and tire wear.

It would also give the manufacturers a chance to run basically stock bikes...

[LBD]

Mate....If it ever coincided with a trip home (March or Oct ish)....or when I live closer....definately count me in...

[jeremysprite]

Although I have never ridden on a race track, have no bike, and have no money to fund a race team... Count me in!
Oh and it would have to be staged in Queenstown, is that possible?

Seriously though I would pay my $ to come watch at the very least.

[shrub]

I'll be there. Not as a competitor, but as a spectator. Mate, that is a legendary idea

[Crasherfromwayback]

I think the interesting thing here is determining what would be quickest over the duration - full on race bikes versus almost stock production bikes, versus sports tourers that are easier to ride and easier on tires...

Bikes would require lights of course - but it's also the logistics of running a 4 person team over that duration and managing fuel consumption and tire wear.

It would also give the manufacturers a chance to run basically stock bikes...

Sport tourers have no chance. Race bikes with large fuel tanks and lights will own the race. I'll watch your progress with interest!

[Gremlin]

AMCC did 1 a season or two ago, but only a few hours. Ended up having a lot bins when it started raining (riders did comment they were tired etc), didn't get enough entries etc. So how long do marshals have to stay up?

[madbikeboy]

3-4 riders per team - looking at approx 5 hour event - 2 hours in the light, then twighlight/sunset (which is the only dilemma), and then approx 2 hours in the dark. Camping on the in-field - and big bbq etc afterwards.

It's intended as a family event, to promote the racetrack, motorcycling generally, and for fun.

The Marshalls will need to stay up past their normal bedtime...

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

I'm a fan of endurance racing, count me in if it gets of the ground. Don't have a 80-90's bike though.

[madbikeboy]

I'm a fan of endurance racing, count me in if it gets of the ground. Don't have a 80-90's bike though.

Run what you brung. Classes would include 80/90's, plus normal classes. Ideally a big field of different bikes - a litre racebike may not be the fastest on the day when you take tires and fuel consumption into account...

[breakaway]

If you ever get this organised give me a pm, sounds interesting!

[Madmax]

what about one off bikes, made for it (old engines moden frames ETC)

[schrodingers cat]

Endurance events always appeal for a variety of reasons - total cost per k is cheaper due to one only lot of travel accomodation.
Some questions - how did you arrive at est 60 entrants?
Would anyone like to speculate at a budget to run a bike - tyres, fuel brake pads, running gear (chain/sprox etc) lubricants etc - Please try for total real cost, not how cheaply you think you can do it because that is misleading and not helpful.

Possibly, with 4 riders, a higher entry fee could be charged as each rider would be sharing costs. The success or failure of the event for the bulk of riders would be based on the money they have to spend

Another trick is to have a major race distance of say 5 hours but allow folks to enter a two hour race also. All start together and at two hours, a minor winner is announced (can't win the 2 hr and the 5 hr) This encourages folks to 'put their toe in the water.

Also, and this is a more contentious one - allow folks to re-enter the race for the final hour if they have a drama and can get themselve re-sorted.

So long as the focus is on fun and bang for buck you'll be onto a winner. There will always be folks who will front up and aim to crush all before them. DON't structure the race for them - focus on the base of the pyramid.

Organise a band, BBQ, piss-up and bouncy castle when it is finished and take deposits for the next event which everyone will be asking you about

[FROSTY:Me]

I think itll depend on the track and the lighting on it. a couple of tracks are pretty deadly for sunstrike at/around dusk.
Unless there was a compulsary stop for 30 minutes maybee --just on that dusk mark. --I can imagine my bike with a massive lighting rig ready to go on for the two hour night session.