SCRA MEETS AND PRESENTS TRACK BUYING PLAN FOR MEMBERS.

Thanks for all the positive E-mails I received this week as I reported what I perceive as important in this unfortunate split-up of our racing world. I don’t have any money in this situation, as I don’t own or drive a car, but am very involved and wish a speedy resolution that is best for all concerned. Hopefully the two meetings resolved some of the issues/questions and we can proceed forward.

I attended the USAC/CRA meeting as planned, and I am encouraged by what I heard. The meeting had probably over 100 attendees with USAC’s Rollie Helmling chairing the evening. He had USAC officials Mike Devlin, and Tommy Hunt on the Dias along with Don Kazarian of Perris and Chris Morgan, formerly of Irwindale Raceway, who will be a new member to the USAC staff. Johnny Capels, long time USAC official was in the house as well when Rollie brought the meeting to order.

The highlights of the meeting included several decisions that were promised from the kickoff meeting three weeks before. There were 17 owners represented and about 100 others with much interest. One key for the racers was an agreement to allow the ½ inch offset that has been such a mental problem for all. Mike Deven of USAC reported the benefit was only 11 pounds at the right rear, so it was deemed a “non-issue” and the crowd agreed, so it is now law. Maybe this will end the mind-set that seems to have plagued the SCRA racers who went back east last summer. It was reported that Boston Reid didn’t have any offset when he won the $30,000 at Oskaloosa? The tire rule was finally agreed on to stay the same as last year. That was after a lot of discussion on the left rear differences with a tire used in Indiana and the RC version here. They both are supposed to be identical, and a Hoosier rep stated that to Rollie, but will be double checked for sure because some who have used the Indiana tire think it wears better.

Mufflers were a big issue as Devin said the USAC officials will pick one that works and recommend, if that manufacturer puts something in the USAC/CRA pot, otherwise everyone will be held strictly to the 95 DB at 100 feet rule of California. You get one warning and on the trailer if you don’t comply with a 2nd test. Ventura will be even stricter than the other California tracks, but the racers will all be checked this year. Until a muffler is picked, apparently you can run anything as long as it meets the noise requirement, or you are on the trailer.

Titanium drive shafts, torque tubes and brake rotors are out due to excess cost, even though one of the drivers said he had a bunch of the expensive rotors. Anyone who has the rotors, will be allowed to use them up through the 2004 season, then they have to make the change. Shocks were a subject and only the regular currently used type are acceptable. You can adjust them from the cockpit, but in one direction only. A 1200 pound minimum weight rule was established, without driver! The new USAC rule book will be sent to all members very soon as it is in for printing and the new USAC/CRA decals will be out very soon as well. The established rules for 2004 out west could become national rules in time, especially a weight rule for back there, thus moving towards having the same rules nationally. Realistically, that would be a good thing knowing you can run anywhere and be legal.

The racing format was firmed up and it will be qualifying, 4 heats, a semi and a main event with 20 cars normally. On special events there will be more cars allowed in the main. There will no longer be a Passing masters dash and I for one am personally glad they chose to dump this 6 lap race. The main starts the quickest 8 who make it through the heats and they are inverted! If you are fast time and come through the semi, you can start no closer than ninth on the grid. It means returning to the CRA format without the useless three lap trophy dash that I did like, back in the day.

The only problem noted at the meeting was the scheduled July 30/31 dates at Skagit would make it hard for a car to run there and make the Mopar race at Eldora the next day. Oops, the Mopar race is on the 7th, so it just would be a long way from here to Skagit and then back east. I know there might be a few who would do both, but Rollie said that Steve Bietler, the Skagit promoter, had already been very good to give these the dates to USAC, so we will see if there is any change.

I didn’t make it to the SCRA meeting, but heard 2nd hand from someone who was there about a few items of interest. There were approximately a dozen owners represented for the presentation out of 60 some attendees. A new track, Prescott Valley in Arizona was added to the schedule for one race. A track at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, one that is to be completed later this year, was presented as the home track for SCRA. A proposal to put in the needed money to finish this facility, under a Founders Corporation, was presented for fans and owners to get involved to help make this track a reality. There was a show of hands for those who would be running the SCRA shows. A good number of them raised their hands in support. The Barona track promoter said he would do what he could to make the track better for sprints.

There were representatives of some teams at both meetings to make sure they got all the info. Now the car owners will have to decide on what direction to take and what is important to them. By now, they should have made their decisions and March 6th at Perris will be the opening of the season for USAC/CRA. The month of March should answer a lot of questions with the first conflicting date on April 3rd when USAC/CRA will be at Hanford and SCRA will be at nearby Tulare. What a shame as I like both tracks!

Perris opens their season with a stock car show on February 21st and then the WOO come to town the following week on the 28th. Practices at the PAS are coming up on the 11th and 18th of this month starting at 5 pm, with a $20 pit pass available for admittance.

Were off to Las Vegas for our 29th wedding anniversary next weekend as it’s that time again. Then I’ll be looking for the season to start. We are having fun together as usual! And keep those e-mails coming, they are always appreciated!