How many laps do you get to run?

[kickster]

I am new to solo1. I was wondering how many laps do we get to run in total per event? Are there any practice laps? Any fun laps?

[ctenche]

Hey kickster,

The morning starts out with a short practice session where you will get at least 4 laps. If you're quick and have everything sorted out to get up to the start line early you might get two sessions in.

Then starts the competition, i.e. timed runs. Depending on the track we will have 3 or 4 sessions. It really depends on whether we're running a long track or a short track and on the number of competitors. In general, you get 4 sessions except for the Pro Track at Shannonville and sometimes on the Cayuga circuit. Each session consists of 1 warmup lap, 3 hot (timed) laps, and 1 cool down lap. So that's at 20 laps right there.

At the end of the competition if there is time available (which there generally is) there will be open lapping. The number of laps that you can put in is really dependant on the amount of time available and the number of people that feel like lapping. On Sunday afternoon, most people had enough track time and don't feel like lapping so that's prime time. You can get anywhere from 20 to 100 laps in.

Hope to see you out there.

[FrankC]

Is the morning practice session run like the actual competition? (no passing, few hot laps and you are in again)

[ctenche]

Yup you are correct. The morning session is restricted to about 4 laps each to make sure that everyone gets a chance to get out on the track. Times are tight in the morning so this makes sense to ensure that we get the event underway as soon as possible.

The end of day lapping sessions are open and there generally are no such restrictions.

Of course, passing is not allowed during any of the sessions.

[rainman]

Guys,

If you're looking for all the practice laps you can handle on the very same tracks as Solo competitions run, consider registering for some HADA lapping events. They are very reasonably priced (starting at about $100) and very safe. Check out the event listings page at www.hadamotorsport.com (shameless plug!).