Winter Series

Race format

The format of the Winter Series racing differs from the normal racing on a Club night.

The Winter Series is an all-day event and normally consists of the following for all drivers:

• 1 x 3 minute practice session
• 4 x 5 minute Qualifiers – Best 2 of 4 (Round by Round) determines your Final position
• 3 x 5 minute Finals – Best 2 of 3 (Round by Round) determines your overall position

Like a Club night, when it’s race time, all drivers should follow the steps below:

• Take car to stage and place down in safe off racing line position – use common sense
• 1 sighting lap to check car is working correctly, be prepared to slow/stop

The race format differs between Qualifiers and Finals.

Qualifiers:

• All drivers line up on the designated start line – this is usually just before the timing loop
• The race starts with a beep and the calls out car numbers individually with a 1 second gap. Drivers go when their car number is called. The start order is determined by previous results so it is not always the same order!
• The Qualifier is a race against the clock, not other cars. If there is a car faster than you then let them through, don’t ruin both your races by holding them up or crashing!
• The race finishes when your car number is called. Each car will finish at a different time (due to the staggered start) so keep racing until you hear your number! The race is complete when all drivers have finished
• All drivers should return to marshal for the next race as soon as possible

Finals:

• All cars line up on the grid in the slot corresponding to their starting position, (information on race screen). This is the same starting position for all Finals
• The race starts with a series of beeps – Drivers go on the long beep
• You are racing against your competitors for position. You do not need to give up your position unless you are being lapped!
• The race finishes when your car number is called. The race is complete when all drivers have finished
• All drivers should return to marshal for the next race as soon as possible

A typical Winter Series day

Doors open from approximately 8am

We provide both breakfast and lunch options on the day, as well as the normal tuck shop and tea/coffee/soft drinks.

We ask that you pre-order and pay for breakfast and lunch prior to the event to help with catering. Spare portions of breakfast/lunch may be available on the day but cannot be guaranteed!

Track Setup

We cannot race without people giving their time to help with track set up and layout prior to booking in. There may even be a free tea/coffee for those who can lend a hand!

Booking in / Payment

All booking-in for racing and food is in advance via our Web Shop/In-person on a club night. Payment for racing cannot be taken on the day.

If you have booked in but are not able to make the event, please let us know ASAP so that we can rearrange the heat listings

Free Practice

Once track building is complete, you are allowed on stage to get in some free practice if needed. Be aware that it is self-regulating, so:

• Maximum of 8 people at a time
• Self-marshalling
• People will be wandering around the track – be prepared to slow/stop
• As with everything, use common sense

Driver’s Briefing

Before we start the racing, there is a brief Driver’s Briefing just to go over the main points and details for the day.

Timed Practice

We aim to get underway from around 9am, with drivers on stage as per their corresponding Qualifying Heat positions for a total of 1 x 3 minute practice. If you miss practice when called, then sorry, we can’t tag you on at the end.

Racing – Qualifying

Once all practice rounds have finished we aim to begin racing – usually from around 9:30am depending on how many drivers turn up. Qualifiers normally take us through to early-afternoon. We aim to have a lunch break, timing and duration depends on if everything is running to plan.

Racing – Finals

The Finals listings are generated once the qualifiers are complete so we are ready to race straight after the break. This normally takes us through to around 4:30-5pm

Awards

We wrap the day up with awards for the top 3 positions in each final and for the top 3 Juniors.

Packing up

As with set up, we need assistance with putting everything away at the end of the day. All hands on deck makes for light work!

Ends

Approximately 5:30-6pm