Human Power Challenge 2006
Are you ready?
Contacts and Information
Here's the official Portland International Raceway page
Here are links to the relevant organizations:
Email
questions to the Race Committee:
pirhumanpower@comcast.net
Answers
to some frequently-asked questions:
- What's
this going to cost me?
Answer: Human-powered Vehicle pre-registration is available via through the mail or on-line. Racers will also be able to register on the day of the race. See Race Registration link for fees and registration information.
- Portland?
Doesn't it rain all the time?
Generally, the consistent rains have stopped by the end of May. We've had an uncommonly dry couple of months this year, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared for all types of weather. Bring a jacket and a tarp at the very least!
- How
do I register?
Answer: We will be doing both pre-registration and day of registration. We will be taking pre-registration on-line and through the mail beginning March 20, 2006. Race and insurance registration forms will be available to download and mail to the race committee. All forms for pre-registration must be received by the race committee by Wednesday, May 24. Make sure you show up early enough to get your registration packet and go through the tech inspection. Tech inspection MUST be completed prior to race participation.
- What
are the racing/class rules, specifications, and regulations?
Answer: Follow this link to the Human Powered Race Association class rules . We subdivide the vehicle categories according to the rider: men, women, juniors, and tandems will compete among themselves.
- Is
camping available? Are there hotels/motels nearby?
Answer: Camping in the infield area will allowed this year. A number of hotels and motels are very close by. Look at the official Portland International Raceway page for addresses and phone numbers.
- Can
I arrive early and camp overnight Friday?
Please contact the race committee if you want to come to the track Friday night. We have the track rented Saturday through Monday. We will allow entry Saturday morning.
- Is
there food and water nearby or do I need to bring some with me?
Answer: Yes & No. If you require good quality food or a special diet it would be best that you bring your own. There is fast food, miscellaneous restaurants, Safeway and Zupins nearby. PIR has a contract with a concessions company that prohibits us from selling anything and the racetrack concessions stand will be open.
- At
PIR a couple years back year, the wind was blowing up the main straight,
slowing down all of the competition. Could the races be run in the
other direction this year?
Answer: The direction of the race will be determined the day of the event by the Track Steward. Wind will be considered, but will not be the sole consideration for track competition.
- Can
I go out on the track to warm up?
Answer: There is a designated open practice time all days. However, you must be registered prior to using the track. If you are warming up for a specific event, a stationary trainer might serve you better. Racers can also use the public roadway outside of the PIR track area. Just remember, it is the responsibility of the competitor to be at the starting line on time.
- Winners
of the individual Drag Race heats should be allowed to have at least
a couple of minutes to regain their breathing before having to run
their next heat.
Answer: the double-elimination format should help this. More riders are expected this year which will also mean more time between heats for recovery.
- Can
I park close enough to the pit area to have easy access to my vehicle
for tools, clothes, etc. or do I have to pack all that stuff inside
with me?
Answer: Yes. The paddock area "inside the track" will have limited parking for racers to park their support vehicle. Once you're in, you may enter and exit the infield area only during periods when there is no racing by either the HPV or Electrathon vehicles. This is very narrow time slots, so choose to come and go wisely. If you have additional vehicles or your group needs to come and go frequently, there will be plenty of "near by" parking just outside of the track near the start/finish stands, you may want to consider bringing a cart or hand truck to carry gear into the infield. And at all times there is available the use of the sky bridge that you may carry your bike/gear to and from the track.
- My
daughter wants to bring the grandkids to see the races. Are there
any spectator admission charges?
Answer: There will be no admission charges for spectators. There is plenty of shade, grass, and stadium seating right across from the pit area/start finish line.
- How
good is the track surface for skinny bike tires?
Answer: Great last year, even better because of recently resurfaced sections. Remember that this is a real Indy Car racing facility. The pavement is inspected and maintained constantly.
- How
about having a picnic or fun ride combined with the event. Make
it more of a social event. Parts swapping and/or sales allowed too.
Answer: No Problem with the picnicking, the fun ride could be done by some competitors. HPV Racers generally have their hands full getting ready/resting for the next event they are competing in both on Saturday and Sunday.
- Will
an informational map of the facilities be available at registration?
Answer: Look here: map.html.