Prepared by Steve Brand

1. Team awareness - Ensure that all team members read the rules and are aware that the improper conduct of any member could lead to their driver being disqualified. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse. If you have a question ask it.

2. Get organised - Your team should be organised well before race day. Hold regular meetings to go over key information and to conduct your wrenching sessions.Remember - situations develop with little or no notice on race day. A well organised team can turn negatives into positives and increase your chance of success.

3. During the race - Repairs can only be done by the driver using only the tools and parts carried on the sled. No outside assistance is allowed.
 
4. Sled tips

* Go over your sled thoroughly and double check all parts and adjustments. Loctite & safety wire
* Your Snow Cross setup will probably have to be changed for high speed XC work
* A med/tall windshield may not look cool but it may be the hot setup for high speed running
* Carry a selection of must-have spare parts and the necessary tools on board the sled
* Keep partial roll of duct tape and full roll of electrical tape secured to warm place under hood
* Practice all trail side repair scenarios with on board tools...do it outside in the elements
* Carry a couple of bungie cords capable of holding a damaged hood in place
* Consider carrying a small hatchet with a hammer head. This is great for banging out parts and getting you out of the woods if you    slide into the trees and get stuck.
* Secure all parts and tools with tie raps and tape....do it in a quick release fashion
* You can extend your tether cord to 3 ft, by ISR rules. This will be a big help if you get stuck and want to move to the rear bumper    to get yourself unstuck without cutting the engine

5. Clothing tips

* Normal Snow Cross gear may be the worst setup for this cold, high speed, long distance XC race
* You may be out on the trail for 5 or more hours. Wind chill and frostbite is a real danger
* You may be best to wear traditional pants and jackets but watch what you wear underneath.
* It may be best to wear less than you would normally trail ride with...test all combinations
* Racing generates more heat than most drivers will ever experience trail riding
* Remember upper body protection is mandatory and will provide some level of warmth
* Do not over dress...practice venting using the various zippers.
* Consider rigging up quick pull tabs on the zippers you plan to use for venting
* MX gloves will be too cold for this race. A thin, insulated glove may be better.
* Carry a set of thin work gloves to use while your riding gloves warm up on the engine
* Handle bar muffs are strongly recommended....make sure they don't block controls
* Frostbite strikes with no warning. Tape up facial area not covered by masks or goggles

6. Driving strategy

* First you must finish the race before you can get into the winners circle
* Drive your own pace...if you go over the line you will make a mistake
* Watch for faster drivers...let them by ....chances are you will see them later - stuck in the bush
* Only pull over when it is safe for you to do so...a rear view mirror is a smart thing to have
* Many drivers try to win the race in the first few miles...they over-drive and then crash
* Drive smart keep out of the bush. A steady and consistent ride will pay off.
* If you know something is going wrong with the machine or hear suspicious noises consider stopping or taking a few minutes at the    next gas. A pre-emptive repair may help you finish

7. Refueling

* Some fuel stops are close together & your gas crew may not be able to make them in time.
* The hot setup may be to combine gassing activities with other teams i.e. your own crew may stay at one gas stop for the entire    race and gas for you and several other drivers as well.
* Take enough gas cans for each stop and mark them well. 2 gal cans may be better
* Leave a personal care package with each gas crew containing spare goggles,paper towels, beverage, gloves etc.. A 2 gal plastic    gas can & these spares fit nicely into a milk crate
* At gas stops the driver should pull the tether and stand to the rear of the sled while a crew member handles the re-fueling.   Everyone is excited and gas can spill on the driver and cause serious burns. Have fire extinguisher handy. Consider shutting off   gas tap to avoid flooding.

8. Safety and Injured riders

* If you come to a crash,slow down (if you can do so safely) and make sure driver is moving.
* If he waves you on, he's OK. If not, he may be seriously injured and in need of your help.
* A good sportsman will stop and the Race Promoter should show some time consideration.
* Ultimately, we do this for fun and most of us have to show up for work on Monday...so be cool.

Good luck from everyone at Tekrider!
Remember it is ultimately the driver's responsibility to ensure that the sled and team conduct meets the applicable rules.