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KISS and applying it to midgets
The one constant in this world is change. Racing has seen the following changes:
Horsepower increased
Cars are lighter
Tires are wider / softer sidewalls
Shocks have added additional traction
Speeds have increased
Costs have skyrocketed as traction increases more horsepower becomes an advantage.
More divisions are created. Each one tries to reduce costs. Rules are created, restrictions are created.. Then tech becomes the monster. Everyone wants rules enforced. No one wants to perform tech. No one wants to be DQ’d. No one wants to wait all night for tech to be performed.
Divisions split into new divisions. Better.. Cheaper.. Fairer… until the tech monster is created.. Then the cycle continues again.
Crate engines… Engine seals… More tech.. More monsters..
Claimer rules... Many like to experiment and try to build a better mousetrap. Winning in the garage with creativity is a big part for many.
Cookie cutter rules produce cookie cutter racing.
How do we all come together and race..and enjoy, compete and still remain affordable?
Who gets to decide affordability? Why shouldn't those that want to spend be allowed to make their engines “more reliable” why shouldn't they enjoy building their own better mousetraps.
Why should their desire also limit the affordability for others?
Car counts are where the buck really stops. Promoters need counts.. Racers need counts.. Fans need counts..
For years split divisions have lowered counts.
How do rules get created to bring people back to racing?
I'm not saying this is the answer, but rather a starting point for discussions to ratify rules? Nothing should be off the table. Status quo thinking has us where we currently are. Fast forward 5 years and if nothing changes it'll only get worse.
These are the goals.
Not cost anyone additional dollars to comply.
Reduce traction to limit horsepower advantages. If you can't hook it up.. Your not going to want more.
Allow options
Be inclusive of all current “d2 /Badger” type rules.
Allow cost effective engines
Allow people to build a better mousetrap.
Simplify the tech monster to 3 things. Weight, tire compound and air pressure. (quick, easy and not controversial)
E. 3 – Definitions.
Claimer engines - Winner can be claimed by any top 5 finisher for $2500. Claimed engine will be a long block format without injection, exhaust or bolt on ancillaries.
Open Engines. NO claim rule applicable
Auto and Cycle engines must start as OEM from an auto /cycle available in the USA. No purpose built engines or heads.
E 3. (A) Cyle Engine (Chain Driven) – 950 LBS for a claimer engine. 1050 LBS for an open engine
E 3. (B) Auto 4 CYL engine. – 1100LBS for a claimer engine, 1250 LBS for an open engine.
E 3. (C) Auto 6 Cyl engine. 1250 LBS for a claimer engine. NO open engines.
E 13. Tires; No tire warmers are permitted at anytime! Absolutely NO chemicals can be applied to tires at anytime. The only tire modifications allowed are siping and grooving. Tire Bleeders are not allowed. Tires will be subject to random durometer testing.
E.14. Minimum Tire pressure and compounds:
MINIMUM TIRE PRESSURE – After weighing, cars will be subject to tire pressure testing. The intent is to limit sidewall flex and traction to further challenge drivers and limit the advantage of high horsepower engines.
Left Rear Tire minimum
Minimum pressure 12LBS.
Compound minimum- Hoosier D12 or stamped “Focus” (same D12 compound) or American Racer SD33
Right Rear Tire minimum
Minimum Pressure 20 LBS
Compound minimum Hoosier SP3 or American Racer SD48
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