Good question as we have never done it before . Having one team shutting down the race to accommodate their schedule won't be fair .

If you want a backup pilot having that pilot laying just outside the pilot circle may be the best option . No way running in and out of the circle while planes are flying is safe .

 Mandatory NASCAR style caution at half way may work . As long as everyone's shutoffs are functioning .A lot of things go wrong in a 1400 lap race . Again this would be unfair for the "ironmen" going the distance .

Any other suggestions ?

Brad

Thru the years we have witnessed problems with water bottles in the pilot's circle ,hats snagging lines ,and pit boxes left too close for comfort . The powers in charge have worked to eliminate those problems .

If all three teams had a spare pilot lying around the chances of snagging a line on someone becomes a major possibility . If a team needs to change pilots - red flagging the race may be the only safe avenue .Perhaps a 10 lap extra penalty for a team requiring a pilot change ?

I'll suggest this that pilots find a back pack water/electrolyte rig. A welders cap shouldn't be a problem for a bit of sun protection .

Since this is about having a bit of fun let us sort the fine print before the event  . Finding a workable consensus among those involved will go a long way to that goal . 

Brad

In the history of the race, we've never had a pilot change.

But if you want to do it:
Wait until another pilot makes a pit stop.
Shut down & land.
Switch pilots with only one plane in the air.

As I said.  Nobody has done it yet.  But better to change pilots than have a worn out pilot get into trouble.

In Toronto, men in their 60's, 70's, and 80's have completed the event in the last decade.   Granted, maybe with oxygen and more.

The yellow plane is a vintage 40-rat from the days when they ran the 100-miler with REAL hardware.