Well I am taking the plunge. I am a 30 year old fat boy who has talked himself into driving 15 hours to enter an endurance race. Am I stupid or what? I am really excited about it, but very very nervous. I am not in the best shape (pushing 260 pounds) and have never raced a quad in my life although I do a fair amount of fast trail riding (plenty of bent tie rods to prove it). I have a few questions and would appreciate any responses.

1) Can an out of shaper do this thing? I have no illusions of winning, just want to finish and have fun.
2) How well will a V force hold up. I have 1/2" 316 Stainless tie rods, DMC duals, 138/142 jetting and EPI pink spring. I also put green slime in all four tires, hoping to pre-empt a tire failure.
3) How "dangerous" are these races. I am kinda concerned about reckless drivers plowing into me. I don't want to destroy my precious V Force (or my precious ***).
4) Is it worth the drive from Louisiana?
5) How competitive will the V be in the first year racer category?
6) Any other forum members gonna be there? If so look for the HomeDawg. I will be in a Dark Red Silverado Ext Cab with a big old ugly orange Force on the trailor.
7) My buddy is going to ride a Warrior. Does that thing have a prayers chance in hell out there?

Hope to meet some of you there and thanks in advance for any responses.

 

Wow are in for some fun [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I think you have about the same concerns as everyone else does. Just do it and have fun and dont be suprised to see some older, heavier and maybe even faster precious ***** out there.

The one thing that I see that you should deff rethink is the first year class sice if I remember correctly its filled with highly modded machines.

Hopefully some of the more experienced XC racers will jump in and offer more advice so heres a free bump to the top.

 

I've thought about doing this myself. After a couple hrs of fast trail riding this pst weekend, I'm not sure I have tha stamina for it. Good excuse to get back in the gym. I'm going to go watch the GNCC race in Indiana this weekend, maybe I'll see you there. I'd bring spare tires if you honestly expect to finish. Green slime won't help if you cut the sidewall on a rock. Your buddy on the warrior has a good chance if he keeps his tires on the ground and the quad in one piece. It's all about finishing with the least amout of problems. Good luck.

 

I believe the V can win any of the morning classes, and some of the afternoon ones. I raced my first 2 GNCC races this year, and I had every concern that you do. I am 40 and it will make you tired, and sore the next day.(but it is worth it) Most everyone out there are friendly, and courteous on the track if you are. Move over if a faster rider comes up on you.(it will keep your taillight in one piece) From the last race I learned hand gaurds are a must in mud. It makes it hard to hang on with muddy hand when you start getting tired, plus it is almost impossible to shift the V with mud packed on your bars. If you have a bumper that covers your grill tape it up. Mine packed full of mud and grass on the 2nd lap and my temp light came on...so I parked it. You might also consider Utility Unlimited as your class. There are less riders in that class so the first turn is more open(less chance of getting tangled up) Just ride your pace and have fun.

 

TRX500 posted- Well said. Give it a try! If you get tired, just slow down and let the other racers pass. It's a good learning experience no matter where you finish.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I have the Pro Armor front bumper that does cover the grill. You would recommend taping with Duct tape?

 

I would without a doubt. Pulling air around the bumper with the fan is much better then flowing air through the bumper into a mud filled radiator.