To answer you question directly, we typically run 4 driver's in a normal race. For the 24 we will have 5, with an extra guy just as a crew member. We are a seasoned class A team, so we run until we fuel starve, which is a little over 2 hours depending on caution laps and how hard we are pushing.
For a noob team with noob drivers, just keep in mind that your first Lemons race is the apocalyptic version of sensory overload. That fact applies to those who have HPDE experience. For those without HPDE experience, it's likely to be sensory overload multiplied times two at least. Add in the 24 hour aspect, and the sensory overload factor goes to times four.
With what sounds like doom and gloom stated above, if you go in with the mindset of just tuning laps and having fun, none of it really matters. As has already been said, you're not going to win anything your first outing, so just chill and have a good time. Keep your stints short and manageable so the driver doesn't exit like he's been on meth and ready to crack.
Stan in Bham wrote: I've done one full 24 at MSR a couple of years ago, and can tell you that you will be overdriving your lights no matter how good your lights are. It is way more stressful than day driving.
IME, the above quote is spot on for night driving. What ever amount your brain is taxed in the daylight, it will be at least TWICE that at night.
My first night race was at a track I had over 4,000 miles of HPDE experience on. I knew it like the back of my hand...or so I thought. My first lap I drove right off the damn track before the first turn! Here is what I learned from my experience, but as always YMMV:
1. Re-adjust your mirrors for night vs. day otherwise you'll get night blindness every time a car is behind you in a corner.
2. Ge the best lights you can afford. Those stupid LED light bars are made for slow Off-Road vehicles, not race cars doing 100 MPH. All you will accomplish with those is a wash of light 6 feet ahead of the bumper.
3. Aim your lights properly. Don't know how? Google will show you how using a just a tape measure and lines of masking tape on a wall. If you see someone with lights aimed 45 degrees from the center line of their car in attempt to illuminate the corners, they are misinformed. Once you actually GET to the corner, guess where that light will be aimed?
4. Get an interior light. Most teams forget this, but it's a bitch trying to find the belts in dark during a pit stop. if you are handy, wire one into the door switch. If you forgot and removed the door switches to save that 0.001 ounces of extra weight, get a stick on one from HF and stick to the inside of the roof.
5. Stay hydrated. Night driving is strenuous and you'll sweat more than you did during the day.
Captain
Team Super Westerfield Bros.
'93 Acura Integra - No VTEC Yo!