This is a Q&A section for sideliners or maybe even those looking to get into the sport, whether behind the wheel, cameras, or the wrenches. Fire away as Q's as they pop up.

Alanzona, you are racing the Dirt Riot in Congress next weekend. How does this course differ/similar to your long KOH offroad race in terms of Go Fast sections, whoops, and rocks?

Skatchkins wrote:Alanzona, you are racing the Dirt Riot in Congress next weekend. How does this course differ/similar to your long KOH offroad race in terms of Go Fast sections, whoops, and rocks?

Great question, Skatchkins.

KOH was 1 large, 80 mile lap with all the elements. EMC did 1 lap with limited rock sections (since it was a course for both modified and STOCK rigs... no fun if the stock class can't complete the course), Unlimited did 2 laps with more complex rock sections. The general purpose of that race is to complete the entire course in as short a time as possible. Prep requires a good car for both desert racing, rock crawling, and everything in between.

Dirt Riot racing, by definition, is intended to almost be a "shake down" style race for Ultra 4 cars. The race is typically a 4 - 7 mile course and you do as many laps as possible within a certain time period. Since it's modeled after KOH in track and intent (and also tpyically about 3 weeks prior to an Ultra4 race), the course is a "mini" version of an Ultra4 race, incorporating all three elements: speed, whoops, and rocks. KOH = Moab, Dirt Riot = The Cracks.

What makes Dirt Riot interesting is the different locations. Tucson was at a man-made track, so the "rock" section was man made and the dirt section was fairly limited with little "go fast" but lots of jumps and whoops... almost a short track feel with cactus and bushes thrown in as obstacles. Moab's race was held at area BFE and definately was more of a rock course with a couple whoops sections, but top speeds of only about 45 MPH.

The course at Congress is the closest you are going to get without actually being at Johnson Valley in terms of terrain. The rocks are natural rocks, the whoops are solid, and there will be a good "go fast" section. Again, think The Cracks vs. Moab when you think scale... but all the elements are there.

One other elements of Dirt Riot that I find significant: Rich refused to have races on BLM or public land due to the restrictions and the fees. All Dirt Riot races are on private land so it costs significantly less to put on, the entry fees are WAY lower than an Ultra4 race, and the rule book is a little more loose. Good times for sure!

What happens if you have to puke while racing or say if the steering wheel comes off?

Skatchkins wrote:What happens if you have to puke while racing or say if the steering wheel comes off?

Never lift.

If you puke, you keep your visor down so you don't mess up the interior if the race car. Once we stop you can remove your helmet and drain the vomit. You can crack you visor for air, but don't spill.

As far as a steering wheel... Most of us take them off 10 minutes into the race and steer with our hands... It gives us a better feel for the race course. I have, however, heard of people who now carry vice grips in the cab incase they are too sissy to steer bare handed.