Disclaimer:  PWCOFFSHORE.COM is not providing professional guidance on Pit Crew procedure, these are just ideas and opinions based on our own success and failures.  Do not take any of these suggestions as guidance form a "Professional."  By reading these "tips & ideas" you agree to implement any of these ideas AT YOUR OWN RISK.  Being in a Pit Crew is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  Handling fuel is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  PWCOFFSHORE's Pit Crew are  volunteers and not professionally trained, certified or professional Pit Crew members.  Seek out your own professional training and do your own due diligence on Pit Crew process before implementing any of the suggestions or ideas you see below.  We are not promoting modifications to your fueling system or gas tank.  Any modifications to fueling devices and fuel tanks is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  Quick fill systems can be dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  If you choose to handle fuel or make modifications to your fueling systems in any way we highly recommend that you you seek out a certified, trained, professional fueling technician associated with fueling devices prior to any changes made to fueling devices.  Seek out the counsel of certified professionals prior to implementing any of the below ideas.  We are not professionally trained.            

Our perspective on PWC Endurance Racing Pit Crew Processes and Practices For Endurance Races on Lakes like The Mark Hahn 300 Mile Race in Lake Havasu, Az USA 

THE THREE "B's" MUST BE RIGHT FOR SUCCESS IN OFFSHORE & ENDURANCE RACING: BODY, BRAIN, BOAT

A successful race can't be achieved without an effective pit plan and teamwork in the pits. Effective pitting will result in more laps and a better race time. It could mean the difference between a win or a loss. There are many different methods of pitting and processes that will enable effective pitting, please consider the following information as a general guideline. Also note that this Pit Procedure is focused on endurance races on lakes such as the Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile Race. As always, PWCOFFSHORE.com wants YOUR feedback regarding lessons learned and ways we can improve pit process and share best practices. Your input and feedback is appreciated. 

Pit Crew Team:

1. Ensure the Pit Team is informed regarding roles and task organized prior to the race. 

2. Most PWC endurance races allow for multiple Pit Crew members 

3. Suggest each team member wears an identical shirt, this helps the team look and feel like a team and enables the Crew Chief to better observe where his/her crew is at all times in the Pits. Consider NOMEX materials for fuelers. 

4. Do multiple dry runs well in advance of the race. Identify processes that can change and cuts seconds. There is only one way to accomplish this - practice. 

"YES, YOU CAN......."

PWC Fuel:  See Disclaimer Above 

1. Understand the fuel consumption of your craft prior to race day. How many gallons of fuel are you burning per hour at full throttle? Can you do four laps or five or even six? Don't wing it on race day. How many hours is the race? Do the math and ensure you have adequate quantities of fuel. 

2. Plan accordingly, bring sufficient fuel and always have an extra ten gallons of fuel - go above and beyond what you think you'll need & consume.

3. By fuel bulk or bring your own? Most pre-purchase their fuel from one of the race fuel providers. It is more convenient but usually a little more expensive. Note that you will still need your own quick fill gas cans, the pre-purchased fuel usually comes in large 50 gallon drums and is delivered directly to the pits by the race fuel provider. 

4. Should you choose not to pre-purchase fuel, purchase all of your fuel the day before the race and show up a little early to the Hot Pits to drop off your fuel. Note that 5 gallon fuel containers can be purchased at Wal-Mart for 8.00 each. They are not pretty but they work to act as fuel repositories only (not direct fueling on the craft). Use the 5 or 11 gallon container to refuel the quick-fill fuel cans. Mark your 5 gallon cans with something that distinguishes your cans from others. 

Race fuels:

Torco

VP Racing Fuel 

F and L Fuel

Some racers choose to use Quick-fill Fuel Jugs  (make sure your oose to use race class allows for dry break quick filling systems):

Hunsaker

Quick-fill Systems / IMS 

(If you don't go with a full quick fill system, ensure you cut off the top of the jug and place the appropriate plumbing on the top of the jug to accommodate the appropriate speed of fuel flow). Do not spill fuel

"IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" ATTITUDES ARE NOT WELCOME IN OFFSHORE PWC RACING, NO DRAMA....

Roles and Task Organization of Pit Crew:

Pit Crew Chief

1. The Crew Chief is ultimately responsible for his/her craft and is the person in charge of the Pit.

2. Other pit team members should follow the direction of the Crew Chief. 

3. Ensures he/she has a game-plan and all team members are informed regarding the pit plan prior to the start of the race. Practice prior to the race. 

4. Primary fuel person must be strong. Most quick fill fuel systems with 10 to 11 gallons in the fuel container are heavy - it will take two people to transport the fuel to the craft 

5. Ensures all pit gear is in good order and accessible. Test it weeks before the race and replace what looks like it could break.

6. Ensure fueling area is clear of rocks, walk the area you intend to use as a fueling area and ensure rocks are removed. Designate the best fueling area. 

7. Designate a location and trailer outside of the hot pits for you to wrench on your craft should that need present itself. Reminder that most hot pits do not allow wrenching in the pits, they are for fueling only. Have your tools staged accordingly outside of the pit area.

8. If out of the water fueling is required (required in the United States), place an orange cone 20 feet from water line so you know where to stop - align the cone with the aft end of the craft at 20 feet. Aft end of the craft should be at the 20 foot mark. 

9. Remember, if you are the Crew Chief, you are in control and you must lead. Train your people prior to the race and take control. Take charge and be a leader. Focus on safety. You are accountable for effective pitting. 

Quad Driver

1. Responsible for getting craft in and out of water, safely.

2. The driver should practice backing up with the craft on the trailer. This can get tricky in the sand - practice.

3. Most US races mandate that the aft end of the craft is 20 feet from the water when fueling. 

4. Pay attention, be careful not to hit anyone in the hectic Pits.

"LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY" 

Pit Crew Member Two

1. Primary fueler and assist in transporting fuel to craft

2. Carry Zuck up bibs to the craft (Zuck up bibs are cloth that absorb spilled fuel). 

3. Rider should remove and replaces gas cap back on craft after fueling and close hood (if necessary)

4. Between pits, refuels quick fill fuel system or fuel jugs

"NO DRAMA" IN OFFSHORE RACING PLEASE, TALK IS CHEAP, WIN AND LOSE WITH CLASS AND DIGNITY. 

Pit Crew Member Three

1. If using a quick fill system - he or she is the vent person. 

2. Brings water stand to the water as the rider pits and places in the water at the appropriate depth (Should be done quickly). 

Pit Crew Member Four

1. "Hooker" Hook the craft and assist in guiding the craft up onto the water-stand / trailer and assists in redeploying the craft.

2. Brings fuel and water to the rider / could be second fueler if a second jug of fuel is required. 

3. Assist in steadying the craft during fueling.

4. Have extra set of goggles ready for rider (ask if he/she needs them)

5. When fueling is complete, push craft to deeper water if shallow fueling area (to ensure no rocks are sucked into craft). 

6. Records rider's lap-time and communicates average lap-times to the rider during Pit stops 

7. Between pits, Assist in refueling quick fill system.

8. Hold or be in close proximity to the fire extinguisher while the team is refueling 

9. All Pit Crew members should wear eye protection to protect against fuel splashes that could get in their eyes and result in potentially serious injury. 

Pitting Gear and Supplies:

1. If out of water fueling is required, a four wheel drive ATV or Rhino is required.

2. Should you bring an ATV, ensure it is a four wheel drive ATV (With differential lock / preferred).

3. If out of the water fueling is required, consider a beach trailer (Attached to ATV or Rhino - see below for ATV - the Mark Hahn race mandates that the aft end of the craft is 20 feet from the shore line). 

a. Aquacarts 

b. Atlanticjetsports c. Big-Foot

4. Many of the beach carts float - consider finding a way to weigh them down. Many crews put water in the tires. If you have a small, regular single trailer, you can use that trailer also. Make sure it is not too tall for the fuelers. 

5. Zuck up bibs for wiping up fuel spills - DON'T SPILL FUEL 

6. Have an extra set of goggles with lenses treated with Rainx or ZWAX 

7. Clipboard to record lap-times

8. A timepiece with stop watch function to track lap times and Pit times 

9. Aluminum PWC stand for refueling in the water (if in water fueling is authorized / does not happen in US). Riva's Option

10. Extra oil (ensure it matches the oil and weight currently in the PWC).

11. Cold weather gear for the rider prepared in case the weather turns - focus on keeping his/her hands head and feet warm.

12. All of the appropriate tools for hasty repairs of the craft. (most hot pits do not allow wrenching in the hot pit so be prepared to displace the craft and tools to a location outside of the hot pits) 

13. Extra set of spark plugs 

14. Extra Pump and Prop if you have it 

15. Extra sponsons, ride plate and intake grate f you have it

16. Water pack for the rider (like mountain bikers wear, should the weather get warm, you may need this).

17. Access to an extra PWC available to tow your craft should your race craft have a mechanical or run out of fuel on the craft. This tow craft must be docked or stowed somewhere outside the hot-pits (remember to have a tow line in the craft and a fresh battery). 

18. Cell phone in the race craft and a cell phone on the crew chief. This enables the rider to communicate with the crew chief should he/she have a mechanical on the course. 

19. Ensure you have adequate food and water in the pits for the pit crew. 

20. Extra Z-wax, Rain-X spray for your goggles (Z-wax preferred)

21. Large funnel for refueling quick-fill cans 

22. **If you are pitting in loose sand with an ATV and the race requires the craft to be fueled out of the water, we highly recommen purchasing 7ft x 50ft of chain link fence (80.00). The fence will provide a stable surface to pull your craft in and out of the water & your quad is significantly less likely to get stuck . Stales and rebar can be used to tack it down (bring tie-ties also)

23. Spare goggles for the riders. Consider recycling clean Rainxed goggles to the rider during each pit.

24. Consider DEWALT protective goggles for the Pit Crew (pictured above) 

25. Shovel to move sand on to your fence 

26. Buckets to move the sand on your fence 

27. Stakes to hold your fence in the sand 

28. A mouthpiece for the racer (has saved us a few times) 

29. Eye rinse 

30. Fire and first aid blanket

31. Fire extinguishers 

32. For the Mark Hahn race, Pit crew and racers should come prepared for it to be 90 degrees or 40 degrees and windy. Arizona is unpredictable in February

"NO GUTS, NO GLORY" PUSH THE ENVELOPE 

PWC Parts Available In The Pit: 

(Remember, no wrenching in the pits so be prepared to displace to a predesignated location outside of the hot-pits). 

1. Consider an extra impeller, intake grate, pump, ride plate, sponsons 

2. Extra Spark Plugs

3. Extra oil

4. Rags

5. If you think it might go bad during the race, bring another one......

6. Hose clamps, every size

Safety In The Pits:

1. Pits are dangerous

2. Situational awareness at all times!!! Watch your back. 

3. Watch your back for moving ATVs and Rhinos 

4. Note that most ATV's and trucks pulling their craft out of the water are focused backward! Ensure you stay out of their way. 

5. No smoking

6. Have a fire extinguisher at the ready during the refueling process 

7. Have a fire blanket (see below) 

8. Have eye rinse (see below) 

9. Consider NOMEX materials for fuelers & Pit Crew - ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN HANDLING FUEL

10. If you are the quad driver, be extremely careful, especially during the first two hours of the race when most craft are still running and the Pits are full with incoming and outgoing race craft. 

Food For The Rider

1. Bananas

2. Gatorade / water / make sure he / she is hydrating properly 

3. Consider having a pain reliever available such as Tylenol or whatever your Doctor recommends (do not take any supplement or pain reliever such as Tylenol without consulting with your doctor first) 

4. Special attention should be give to Iron-man riders, they must stay hydrated

5. Consider a water pack for Iron-man riders 

6. Note that Iron Man riders should wear a water pack (like mountain bikers wear). They will need the fluid. 

7. Not food, but reminder - a mouthpiece has saved us a few times, consider one 

"EVERY SECOND COUNTS" 

Practice Pit Procedures Prior To The Race: 

1. "Poor prior practice results in piss-poor performance"

2. Don't wing it on race day

3. Ensure every Pit Team member understands the craft, where the gas cap is and how to access it, where the various latches are etc. PRACTICE! Train the crew!

4. Go through a dry run with the craft out of the water

5. If there is a new team member, ensure the pit team member is informed regarding what is expected of him/her via email or phone call prior to the race - this is if you can't practice (you really mist practice) 

6. We suggest you practice pitting procedures at least one week before the race. Professional Teams will practice multiple times before the race. 

"YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST RACE"

ATV/Tow Vehicle

1. You will need an ATV or a Rhino to pull your craft out of the water to fuel out of the water (10 feet from the water line).

2. The quad should be a 4x4 quad, a large Utility quad is recommended (sport ATVs do not work). 

3. Consider upgrading your tires to a mud tire such as Mudlites.

4. Ensure you have 50 feet of fence as a ride strip for your quad. 

PWCOFFSHORE Racing Pit Crew Practice Agenda / Objective: In and out of the Pits in one minute or less safely

"THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BUTTERFLYS, AS LONG AS YOU CAN GET THEM TO FLY IN FORMATION" 

Agenda for kicking off your first Pit Crew meeting - SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT AND OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

1. What did we do well last year?

2. What can we do better this year?

3. Individual task review (analysis of what can be done better per individual Pit Crew role)

4. What safety items can be improved upon?

5. Eye protection review

6. How can we improve overall?

7. Define current roles, task organize by individual

8. Gear review

9. What additional gear does the crew need?

10. Gear transportation review / accountabilities (trailer, craft, ATV, 50 gallon fuel containers, fuel pump, fence)

11. ATV plan

12. Fence plan 

13. Uniform review (in Pits and at the Awards Ceremony)

14. Code of conduct while wearing PWCOFFSHORE Jersey

15. Gear inspection

16. Fuel venting review 

17. Communications plan / radios

18. Who is staying where and when is everyone arriving? 

19. Craft review (rough / flat water)

20. Fuel consumption review based on targeted craft we will run - how much fuel do we need?

21. Release of liability review

22. Dry runs (multiple) / Practice

23. Determine date of next practice

Mark Hahn 300 Race Checklist (Read above first)

Purchased your fence at your home state and bring with you to Havasu (Highly recommend purchasing in your home state and transporting out to the race - Havasu will be sold out / don't wait until the last minute).

Reminder, craft have to be 20 feet out of the water for refueling.

Have enough fuel cans based on your craft's fuel consumption? Bring an extra 10 gallons above and beyond what you think you need. (Stock Kawi ULTRA will require 120 Gallons)

Are your fuel cans clean and have you inspected them for water in them i.e. completely clean?

Have all of your fuel cans been inspected for cracks?

Pit Crew identified?

Is your Pit Crew Trained? Are they efficient? Have you practiced? Wing it on race day and you will lose valuable time. 

Is the small metal line connecting the fuel cap removed to avoid inhibiting the male end of the fuel job from going into the tank? 

Got zuck up bibs for avoiding fuel spills? 

Got extra plugs to bring with you? 

New oil and oil filter installed in your craft for the race?

Has your designated race mechanic inspected your craft with enough advance notice to take corrective action if he/she identifies an issue?

All your hose clamps tight? (Do not over tighten!)

If you have a new craft, is your seat good to go i.e. do you need hydro turf seat covers?.

Do you have your HYDRO-TURF Lifter Wedges installed?

Have your ATV and trailer plan in place? 

Is the battery charged on the ATV?

Have you inspected the ATV and trailer? ATV need oil or an oil change? Tires in good shape / no air leaks? 

Have the correct size tow ball on the ATV to match the trailer? Have you inspected to ensure that the towing height of the ATV is correct?

What's your food and drink plan for the race? The racer is going to need energy. 

Have a hydro pack for water while riding and a few bananas on shore? 

Z-Wax on your goggles? 

Have all of your gear staged and ready to go? 

If its cold, do you have gear ready and staged for cold weather? Emphasis placed on hands, feet and head. 

If its hot, do you have a wetsuit ready for hot weather? 

Have you inspected all of your gear to ensure its serviceable and ready to roll? 

Have a pair of the tight under armor underwear to wear under your wetsuit? 

Eye rinse

Fire and First Aid Blanket (scroll down for picture) 

"Last minute planning and corrective action usually results in substandard performance" 

"Piss poor planning results in piss poor performance" 

We highly encourage you to buy a new pair of dive like gloves prior to the Mark Hahn Race - 3 to 3.2 mil. We purchase ours at Sport Chalet for approximately 30.00. The Hahn 300 mile race is in February and can produce cold water and therefore cold hands. Keep your hands and head warm:

"NEVER ATTEMPT TO PREDICT THE WEATHER FOR RACE DAY, BE PREPARED FOR ROUGH AND FLAT WATER" 

Disclaimer:  PWCOFFSHORE.COM is not providing professional guidance on Pit Crew procedure, these are just ideas and opinions based on our own success and failures.  Do not take any of these suggestions as guidance form a "Professional."  By reading these "tips & ideas" you agree to implement any of these ideas AT YOUR OWN RISK.  Being in a Pit Crew is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  Handling fuel is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  PWCOFFSHORE's Pit Crew are  volunteers and not professionally trained, certified or professional Pit Crew members.  Seek out your own professional training and do your own due diligence on Pit Crew process before implementing any of the suggestions or ideas you see below.  We are not promoting modifications to your fueling system or gas tank.  Any modifications to fueling devices and fuel tanks is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  Quick fill systems can be dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.  If you choose to handle fuel or make modifications to your fueling systems in any way we highly recommend that you you seek out a certified, trained, professional fueling technician associated with fueling devices prior to any changes made to fueling devices.  Seek out the counsel of certified professionals prior to implementing any of these ideas.  We are not professionally trained.