Make sure you know what the rule really says. In some enduros, I have seen them close the pits during full-course yellows or not count stops during these periods as the mandatory one. Read the rules very critically before you make your decision. If you CAN stop during a yellow, you probably should do so - otherwise those who do will potentially make time on you.
If you can't use the yellow, I would think NOT stopping at the beginning, unless you find that you are being held up by someone who sneaks in front of you or you catch. Lap times later in the race will TEND to be lower, as cars tire out and traffic becomes an issue. Admittedly, in an hour (what the heck kind of enduro is that, anyway?
) the effect won't be huge but that is the only thing that makes sense to me.
There is, however, a bigger issue - your position relative to the overall leader. That could really change your strategy if/when there is a full yellow and IF the pace car picks up the OA leader. There are a variety of permutations so you may need to have someone in the pits trying to keep track of things, so a reactive decision can be made.
Frankly, I think mandatory stops are silly. Set a time and turn 'em loose. If it isn't long enought to require a stop, it isn't an enduro. But that's just me.
Have fun!
Kirk
