Endurance Racing 101: What You Need to Know

Endurance racing is simple in concept: the car that covers the most distance in the allotted time wins. But the details are where it gets interesting.

Most endurance cars have 2 to 4 drivers who rotate. Each driver handles a stint, usually 1 to 3 hours. Fatigue management is a real strategy.

Endurance races often have multiple car classes racing at the same time. A prototype, a GT car, and a spec racer can all be on track together. Each class has its own winner.

Rolex 24 at Daytona (January). 12 Hours of Sebring (March). 24 Hours of Le Mans (June). Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (October). These are the big ones.

Set scoring checkpoints at quarter-race intervals. The leading car number at each checkpoint determines the square. It keeps everyone engaged for the full distance.