Redline Time Attack

Classes

The three classes are described below, with each class subdivided by drive type (FWD, RWD, or AWD). Enthusiast Class was new for 2011 but will not be part of the Redline Pro Time Attack Series beginning in 2011. Street Tire Class is intended for vehicles that are 'Street Legal' and use DOT approved Street Tires. Competitive cars in this class typically have in excess of 300 wheel-horsepower, with some of the fastest above 500 wheel-horsepower.

The Street Tire Class is the most popular class based on participation. Notable changes for 2011: 'Pro' drivers are allowed, vehicles do not need to be currently registered with the DMV, mandatory safety requirements. Modified Class allows extensive modification and does not require that the vehicle maintain a registration for street use. Cars are allowed the use of R-Compound track tires as well as much flexibility in the areas of suspension, aerodynamics, and body work.

Professional drivers are allowed in this class, though many of the drivers are also the car owner. Competitive cars in this class typically have in excess of 400 wheel-horsepower, with the fastest above 600 wheel-horsepower. Super Modified Class, formerly the 'Unlimited' class, was renamed in 2010 because although the cars appear to be built without limitations, there are some requirements. Super Modified cars make use of carbon/composite body panels, large wings, wide racing slick tires and massive amounts of power. The fastest cars have 600 to 800 wheel-horsepower and reach speeds in excess of 180 mph on some courses.

Format

Typical Redline Time Attack events occur over the course of a weekend. Saturday is conducted much like a typical HPDE and offers drivers an opportunity to practice. Drivers share the course with drivers of similar experience level for four to five sessions of 15 to 20 minute duration. Participation in Saturday practice is optional.

Some drivers choose to participate only on Saturday perhaps because they are a novice driver not ready for competition or they simply choose not to compete. Redline Time Attack also offers driver instruction from professional driving instructors to anyone that requests it. Lap times on Saturday hold no weight in the competition on Sunday. Sunday begins with 2 additional practice sessions.

Lap times recorded in these practice sessions are used to qualify the competitors for the Time Attack session. No points are awarded based on qualifying position. The Redline style Time Attack consists of two sessions for each competitor for a total of six timed laps. Each session consists of one warm-up lap, three timed laps, and one cool down lap.

Up to eight competitors may share the track for a Time Attack session, but the cars are staggered such that they typically will not encounter one another during the session. If a driver does catch the car ahead, safe passing is allowed. Only the fastest timed lap of the six total laps are used to rank the competitors. A competitor need not complete all six laps to be eligible for an award; a single lap is sufficient.

Points are awarded to the drivers based on finishing position in their respective class. The Super Session is the finale of the event. The fastest competitors from the Time Attack amongst Street, Modified, and Super Modified classes are invited to participate in a five lap sprint race. Only vehicles with the necessary safety equipment are allowed to compete.

One race with mixed classes is conducted in a traditional wheel-to-wheel format, with the grid arranged with the fastest cars up front and slowest in back. The field takes the green under a rolling start, and the winner is the first to cross the finish line after five laps. Passing is allowed at any time after the green flag. Points are awarded to the drivers based on finishing position. As of 2011 Super Sessions were no longer a part of Redline Time Attack competitions.