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Once upon a time, CLUB100 undertook took a bold experiment and
stepped over The Channel to the Continent, on what quickly has
become our annual pilgrimage to one of the legendary cathedrals
of Formula One, Spa - Francochamps. Usually under gloriously
sunny skies. But it has been known it rain there, on May bank
holiday... We loved it even, if it had sun, rain, sleat and snow
all on the same day in 2006!
So...
A brand new destination for 2008, due to its roaring success
and after last year’s sojourn on the French Riviera, the
one off European weekend adventure, the celebration that
is CLUB100's ‘Ten Hour’, is headed for central France... In AUGUST!!!
Pack the suncream, bring the girlfriend or the family. It's
going
to be scorching, and that's just the racing!
Open to teams of all abilities, the event is ten hours of the
best endurance racing available, with a grid in excess of 30
teams, split into two classes, it’s as much a team of 3-4 drivers
could wish for, spread over two days at one of Europe’s finest
circuits in Europe, Essay. The Continentals really know how to
do their kart circuits.
If that were not enough, run over a bank holiday, the weekend
retains a holiday atmosphere, with good facilities, and evening’s
out in the local restaurants and bars, families, wives and girlfriends
are welcome as CLUB100's social side is to the fore. Whether
you’re serious about your racing, or looking for a fun weekend
plus karting, our European event is for some, the Blue Riband
event and a chance to discover what the quintessential ‘spirit’
of CLUB100 is all about.
A standalone event, there will be trophies for 1st-3rd in two
classes. The Premier Class is the highest standard of endurance
racing offered by CLUB100 and is designed for the faster and
more experienced teams. The Clubman class is for teams who enjoy
racing, but who are maybe less experienced. To create a level
playing field, both classes run a minimum weight limit of 83kg,
this knock-on effect makes for extremely close racing in each
class. After practice and the drama of a ‘Superpole’ shoot out
to decide the grid, all Premier and Clubman teams will compete
in four 2.5 hour races with their best 3 scores counting towards
the trophies.
Format
Saturday
Practice - 50 minutes
Qualifying - Superpole
Race 1 - 2 hours 30 minutes
Race 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes
Sunday
Practice – 20 minutes
Qualifying - Superpole
Race 3 - 2 hours 30 minutes
Race 4 – 2 hours 30 minutes
Kart Allocation
The karts are warmed up by CLUB100's official test drivers. Once
the karts are returned to the pits, each team's number plate
is randomly allocated to a kart in the line. To avoid confusion,
teams carry the same number for the entire event.
Practice
Practice is 50 minutes and is generally used by drivers to familiarise
with the circuit and give the kart a shake down. For the opening
35 minutes, the mechanic's bay is open for any tweaks or repairs.
Also during this period, CLUB100's test drivers are on hand
to take karts onto the circuit and make carburettor adjustments.
The test drivers carry their own timing transponder to ensure
each Kart is within an agreed tolerance. If after a tester
has made adjustments and failed to meet the agreed tolerance,
the team have the option to change the Kart. Teams are entitled
to a maximum of 2 kart changes. At the end of practice the
Karts are re-fuelled in preparation for Super-Pole qualifying.
Qualifying
Teams will choose a driver to compete in a ‘Superpole’ shoot
out, to decide the grid for the first race of the day. Following
European CIK rules, drivers in groups of 5 or 6, will be sent
out at short intervals, to do an out lap, then two flying laps,
in which to set a time for the grid, before returning to the
paddock.
Strategy
For 2008, the events will be 4 races of 2 hours and 30 minutes
each. Most teams will split the time between 3 or 4 drivers.
With the new Birel karts having 8 litre tanks, fuel consumption
is a bit of an unknown going into this season, however, it
is expected to be roughly and hour. This will vary between
karts, circuits and drivers. The new fuel tanks are very efficient
and use virtually every drop. The knock on effect is that rather
than the engine coughing or cutting out, or ‘surging’, as it
is known, these karts stop almost immediately! This will bring
an interesting new variable to the strategy as teams run for
as long as they dare, and they must bear in mind that the circuit
is the longest (and widest) (and fastest!) Club 100 visit.
CLUB100 rules enforce 5 or 6 (still to be decided) mandatory
stops with a minimum of 2 or 3 for fuel. Also, new for this
year is the introduction of pit-stop windows. The race will
be divided into sections and each team will be required to
stop at least once in each.
Pit Stops
With racing being so close, pit stops play a vital part in the
race's final outcome. With a grids of 30+ karts and only 2
fuel bays, finding a window to refuel without having to queue
is not easy. Some teams adjust their strategy to avoid the
busiest times whilst others rely on pit to driver communication.
Once in the fuel bay, the refuelling marshal takes over and
drivers must step away. However, this time can be used to lube
the chain and change any seat inserts or lead for the next
driver. In 2008 there will also be a driver change area where
changeovers must take place. Teams will need to be slick and
find ways to change over any ballast quickly. Any driver double
stinting will have to run around the kart before getting back
in.
Prices
Team entry (per weekend) - £1200
August 2008
France
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th
Essay | 
