Doing LSR as a one-man operation

[metermatch]

I would like to know if it possible to do LSR by myself, instead of having to bring people to help me?  I am having trouble finding reliable and eager friends willing to help me race.  I would have been at El Mirage last weekend doing my rookie runs, but my help backed out at the last minute.

Lets face it, it is usually dirty, hot, and generally uncomfortable at race tracks, and not much fun if you aren't "into" it.

I learned long ago to be self-sufficient when I drag race, and it has helped me quite a bit.  My drag cars do not need towing, and can drive around like street cars.

I also don't want to be a burden to others at the dry lakes and Bonneville, having to constantly ask for towing help.

Is there any way to do LSR by one person? 

I was thinking of using a small ATV left near the finish line end of the track to tow me back to the pits, and my truck to tow me to the staging lanes, and then pushing the car (1700 lbs) in the staging lanes until I have to suit up, and then starting motor for last few car lengths before a run.  After the run, driving ATV to truck near staging lanes, and towing AVT back to pits, ready for next run.

Can I use the car engine to push me forward the last few car lengths in the staging lanes before I make my run?

Is this possible?  Any ideas?  (other than getting new friends)

Thanks,

Jeff

[Nortonist 592]

Its extremely difficult (if not impossible) to run on your own at El Mirage or Bonneville.   I wouldn't call you a "burden" by asking for help.  There are people there who would be more than willing to help you.  I can understand the lack of reliable and eager friends.  Sometime its difficult to convince someone who isn't into LSR that going out to a hot, dusty lakebed is fun.  Most people I know are of the you are nuts? ilk.  I can't comment on using the car engine to drive the last few lengths to the line.

[Jonny Hotnuts]

I have been short handed and picked up people wanting to help at the event.

Made life long friends because of it.....

~JH

[maj]

Or get someone else involved, sharing the costs and driving??

Bubs on a bike is about the only 1 man operation around

[Milwaukee Midget]

In anticipation of next year, I went through rookie orientation at World Finals this last October.  The car wasn’t ready, and after going through Rookie-O, I realized I wasn’t either.

You need someone with a fire extinguisher and a CB radio in a support vehicle.  At Bonneville, it helps to have somebody pick up your timing slip.  It’s often tough to suit up by yourself.  If you’re going fast enough to need a chute, somebody should be assigned to that.

I had offers of help before I pulled the plug on this year - folks who were going to be there anyway - and the folks who offered were more disappointed in my non-racing status than I was.  If the car had not seized a valve on the dyno, my Wife and I probably could have made it happen with the help I was offered.
 
But to assure a smooth event for everybody, and those lines can get long at times, it’s best to have a plan and a team in place.  Go to the event, take note on who is doing what during the runs, and from there, you can determine your needs as far as duties and responsibilities are concerned.  That will give you a better chance of concentrating on what you went out there to do – drive fast.

[Tman]

We can run the 416 truck with Tim as the driver and myself in the pushtruck. That said, we usually have one or two more folks helping. The truck runs Production with very little prep needed (no chute). Doing it alone is not doable from a headache and safety standpoint.

[Nortonist 592]

And remember the old saying.  There are no strangers on the salt.  Only pit crew you haven't yet met.

When Lars Nielsen comes over from Denmark on his own he has no problem finding help.  Last year it was us.  He ulled up to our RV on his own and the first question I asked him was "Need a crew?"    If worse comes to worse and you show up on your own the truth is you won't have a problem finding a crew.

[Frankie7799]

Meter, if you need help in El Mirage in May, get a hold of me Id be glad to help. While itll be my first time in the dirt, Ive owned, driven and crewed on drag cars for over 20 years. Im over in the Phoenix area so its not that far to El Mo and I was planning on going to El Mo in May to experience it for the first time anyways.

[Glen]

Metermatch, you need to go back to your profile page and fill in where you live,city & State. You might find someone close to you that will have a interest in helping you. There are a lot around.

[mc2032]

I did the one person thing at World of Speed (HD sportster on a 5x8 open trailer) and had a ball!.  I was lucky to meet a couple of really good people (Gus and Mark) who I cannot thank enough.  They knew where to go, what to do and when to do it, who to ask, etc., great mentors for this rookie.  I don't know if you will be as fortunate as me, but I would bet that just asking if someone would drive the recovery vehicle or help with loading or unloading, you'd have more assistance that you need!  People want to be a part of the action and getting invited to help is even better.  Remember, people who attend events like Bonneville and el Mirage are racers, who better to ask for help?  Having one or two people on your team is good, but if you don't, just ask, I did and it worked out great for me!

Ross #1023
1350 APB-G
 

[RansomT]

I know it can be done, but the experience is so much more enjoyable with a extra set of hands or two.  (Thanks Runt).  On a hard surface, I have even raced a bike and a car by myself and I can tell you never again!

[Dean Los Angeles]

Convincing friends and family to show up is difficult because of the general insanity of the sport. "In that kind of heat?" "Sit around all day with those noisy race cars?"

Still, it is amazing how many will respond to free lunch.

A lot of people show up to watch because their car wasn't ready, they like fast cars, you name it.

A lot of them are familiar with the sport and can wrench.

Finding people to help is no harder than asking, and you have done that!

[Captthundarr]

How about getting married to the right girl. It worked for me... she drives the race car... I do everything else... We have a blast.

[salt27]

The U.S.F.R.A. 130 and 150 clubs allow you to drive your race vehicle back instead of towing.

No records but a lot of fun.

  Don

[Stan Back]

If you take Frankie up on his offer, make sure he goes to Rookie Orientation, too.