Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Ive got to drop some words in on this.

First, thank you to all at the Lawrenceburg speedway for having the TQ's there. It wasn't so long ago that the TQ's weren't down there for a couple of seasons. I cut my first TQ teeth so to speak down there, smelling the brewer's yeast all night long....

Second, thank you to all the drivers that showed up, even if they were a little "unsure" about how the car was going to run.

And last but not least - a GIANT thank you to the MTQRL and every one associated with it for making this all happen.

First-race bugs ALWAYS happen.

Now, without naming names - I'm sick and tired of "All the MTQRL is going to do is hurt TQ racing blah blah this negative that..."

I find it funny that all the years I raced with the UMRA, with good people in charge, that the club as a whole didn't go out and find sponsors to help the racers. Where was the larger purses? Where was the dash for fuel? Tire discounts? Etc etc etc etc?

Please - do not read Im bashing the former or current UMRA. There are good people in that club still, as there were back in the day.

What Im saying is - how can one justify saying that the MTQRL is hurting the sport of TQ racing when they have gladly changed rules to accommodate the West coast, Florida, Iowa, and Illinois cars? How can you justify bashing the MTQRL saying they are hurting the sport when the UMRA costs over $400 JUST TO REGISTER A CAR? How is a $400 registration bill and a $300 to win purse helping the TQ sport?

Please, I'd like to hear your thought logic.

As for changing engines.

Yes there are several people working on trying to get the new(er) engines to work.

I think the main reason why the TQ's have never gone to a street bike "drop in" chain system is the fact that the TQ's were (and I still think ARE) a stepping stone to getting in a sprint car or full midget.

That being said, you need to learn to get used to a torque ball & tube between your feet and how to operate a push/pull gear shifter cable. You can't learn these things with a clutch, 6 gears, and a chain running down your left side.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

No chains!! I agree. The 2 things I hate most about mini-sprints are 1. the wing, and 2. chain drive. My sugestion was to keep the torque tube and quick change, but to change the rule about having to connect the drive shaft right to the crank. Just keep the tranny intack and run the drive shaft with a coupler like the Modlites and dwarf cars run. By leaving the engine intact with the trany, that gives you the clutch and on-board starter. You don't use all 6 gears. mini-sprints, dwarfs, modlites, ect all run in 2nd gear. Some only have 2nd gear in the tranny. By still running the quick change, having a tranny should be no power advantage.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Please forgive me because I am completely mechanically-challenged. Is there a way to use these engines without a self-starter? We want to find a way to get the engine costs down without straying too far from the original TQ build. Even though it is time consuming and somewhat of a pain, I like seeing the army of push-off trucks and 4-wheelers. To me, it adds to the ambiance of the race, just like smell of fuel fumes mixed with dirt.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Just wanted to make a small correction to your statement!! Car reg is just 55.00 and the Purse is $350.00 to the winner. Just a small difference. There is one positive thing about this non-sense. Family ties are hard to break and when you insult someones family or friends those ties grow stronger. There is passion on both side just like Chris said until the line in the sand can be washed away this is how it will be because of how it was all started. I don't believe that anyone has stated they were unhappy with having a second club or place to race! What the true problem is HOW it was started! The whole reason I have seen that the MTQRL was formed was because there were so many cars garaged or going to be sold becuase the didn't like the UMRA 40 or so cars and the dislike of 1 particular group. I would think that if you were going to take TQ's to the next level or make them greater than they are wouldn't you want all of the TQ's garaged or still running at your events? Not just the ones who dislike the other group.There is alot of passion for TQ's out there which is evident by the posts and puiblicity this has gotten. I will have to agree with Zach I want all TQ's there every night. So if I happen to win I will be able to say I beat the best in the business and then no one can take that from me or discount it in any way!!!!! All we hear is the two groups need to get together and work it out! I know for a fact the UMRA has contacted the MTQRL and I have contacted the MTQRL myself also. I will reach out AGAIN!!!! to preserve a great group of racers! If half of the cars that ran Lawrenceburg Sat night show up (9) Friday night at GAS CITY I will run with you the MTQRL the next night we are off IF all cars are accepted regardless of color. and yes AJ I know its in the rule book! So If the MTQRL really wants to make TQ's better here is the second opportunity to get the TQ racers together. If you don't then everyone will know the reason for the new club was not to better TQ racing but to exclude certain people.. There is not 1 neg statement here just a concerned racer who want to race! Any takers on Gas City?

Jon do you even have a TQ?

Michael Koontz

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Many people did go to street bike "drop in" chain system. It is called a Mini Sprint. Good idea, Cheap to run, however, not a "TQ". I am sure that they have just as much fun as TQ's do. :31:

I like the idea that people can race the type of car and track that they find both fits the budget and time that they have. I also love the smell of alcohol burning in the evening regardless of what kind of car it is.:22:

See you at the tracks

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

I do. Its in pieces. Why do you ask?

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Jen, so far, all the "new" engines have been adapted to the quick change rear end, with most of the hardware used on the Honda's. The initial cost of adapting one of the newer, production bike engines, is offset by the lack of having to buy aftermarket pistons, rods, cams, and etc, by a bunch, plus the fact that the newer engines are very plentyful, not that the Honda's aren't, but it's the amount necessary to spend to buy the aftermarket racing parts for them. The newer engines, come from the factory, with all the pieces needed, to go racing, they run them harder on the street, than we do in racing them, we've been running one now for almost 5 years, with very little problems, mostly my fault, certainly no engine failures. And, I have an onboard starter, that I can use, sitting on jackstands in the shop, if I want to ck for oil leaks, or anything else. Bob

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Sure, just take the starters off. I know getting pushed off is cool and I understand how it adds to the ambiance, but how much is that worth? 4-wheelers are not cheap.

Let's face it. The guys running TQs now will probley race TQs forever. I was the anouncer at Lawrenceburg for 5 years (1999 - 2004) and most of the names I heard Sat night were the same names I used to call when the UMRA would come to the "Burg. So, for TQ's (and every other race car out there) it is about bringing in new people to the sport and growing the club, series, league, or car counts.
I am a perfect example of this. I used to run a modified at the 'Burg 14 years ago, and this past winter my father and I decided to go racing again. My first choice was a TQ, that is what I wanted to race, but #1 the engine rules and #2 needing a 4-wheeler is why I went with a mini-sprint instead. The engine cost and the prices on 4-wheelers just made it to expensive for me to get started. Plus to build an engine myself I have to cut the tranny off and get access to the crankshaft.:11: . TQ's and Mini-Sprints are competing for the same newbee racer, and i feel both of these race cars are perfect for the new racer, but when you look at car counts, mini-sprints are winning. There were more mini-sprints at the Burg Sat. night than there were KISS Sprints or TQs. In fact the AMSA has had highest car count the last two times they were at the Burg. And I know about the split of the UMRA. The same thing is happening in Mini-Sprints (AMSA vs. MMSA). The point I am tring to make is that car counts keep the series alive, and you have to make it as easy as possible to get started.

TQ's haven't lost me yet, update the crank rule and my mini-sprint goes up for sale!

Carl Cruse

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

If your really worried about getting the tranny cut off, its not really that big of a deal. i just had it done

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

That is kinda my point. Why worry about cutting it off in the first place? Does it make more power? Does it save money? Does it save the track promoter time? Is it easier than stock? Why cut it off in the first place?

---------- Post added at 01:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 PM ----------

I am not suggesting that all the cars have to change. All the current cars can stay the way they are. I am just suggesting updating the rule.
.
11.03 Driveline: All cars must have an active driveline between the driver’s legs, perpendicular to the axles. The drive-line must consist of a continuos 1 to 1 ratio connection, between the crankshaft of the engine, and the lower quick-change gear in the rear end.

"between the crank shaft of the engine, or stock output shaft of transmission"

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Carl, what I was trying to get across, in an earlier post, is we don't want to re-invent the wheel right now, there isn't time, we have these cars available, people own them, why not use them? We have been looking into ways of meeting this challenge, with out obsoleting every car in the area, and someday, in the future, this may be a possibility, I'm not against it, but there are things that need to be worked out/in to make this happen with as little pain in the purse, as possible. Bob

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

I think we were posting at the same time.:3:

My post from the last page;

I am not suggesting that all the cars have to change. All the current cars can stay the way they are. I am just suggesting updating the rule.
.
11.03 Driveline: All cars must have an active driveline between the driver’s legs, perpendicular to the axles. The drive-line must consist of a continuos 1 to 1 ratio connection, between the crankshaft of the engine, and the lower quick-change gear in the rear end.

"between the crank shaft of the engine, or stock output shaft of transmission"



I know Greece wasn't built in 1 day.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Carl, I've done this before, for engines going in Legends and etc, it's not a big deal, the biggest problem I see, is the sump, on a stock motor, we can't easily get the engine low enough in the chassis, because of it, my Yamaha has probably the shortest sump of most of the bike motors, and I'd have to find another 3in of ground clearance, to put it in, currently, we dry sump the engines, and that lets us get them in the current chassis, but as far as I know, there is no rule that says they have to be a wet/dry sump, only thing it says is, the engine must not extend thru the belly pan. I haven't been sitting on my hands, I know what it will take, to do this, but, we need time for people to adapt to it, like over the winter, when it becomes possible, with some time. Bob

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

:16 Or, if UMRA wants to send half the cars that ran at Brownstown, (10), to race with MTQRL at Madison, we will send one car to race with you the next time we have a weekend off. So If the UMRA really wants to make TQ's better here is the second opportunity to get the TQ racers together. :17:

See you at Madison,

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

WOW Uncle Charlie that was creative! My point is this a hand has been extendend only to be smacked! It was a peace offering. I cannot speak for anyone else in the UMRA nor will I. All I was Saying is it was a start and I was willing to try to make a difference so don't bite the hand that is trying help solve a problem that lies between 2 groups of people. Help, don't hurt if you want to see a peace on the homefront.

Michael

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

I have been sitting and listening on the sidelines for quite a while now. I have come to the conclusion that this is the beginning of the end for TQ racing as we know it. I am not pointing any fingers at any person or group in particular. I have been involved with TQ's for 10 years and have enjoyed it it. I'm just afraid that given the circumstances surrounding both clubs that this just ends up being a pissing match and whom ever has the most money and /or will to outlast the other group will be left with nothing in the end. Kinda like cutting off your nose to spite your face. There are lots of folks out there that want to see unification, and then there are probably just as many that dont. I have read a lot of very valid arguments on here in the last several months. I agree with many, and others I do not. I know a lot of guys in both clubs, have guys in both clubs with their cars. I just dont get why so many people are SO angry about whats going on. It has become personal. Once that happens, the door starts to close to people that want the clubs to unite( as can be seen in the above post). I am certain of one thing, next year neither club will be able to get into anything other than a fairground track due to low car count of each club. Promoters are used to seeing 35 cars when the TQ's would show up. On top of an already low car-count due to the economic climate, each club is left with only half of that. I am just afraid that TQ racing as we know and love is gone. I hope I'm wrong. The best club will survive, but I'm afraid by then, it will be too late. I think it will take a combination of the two clubs and also a new motor revolution that seems to have already started. I wasnt around, but I suppose thats what happened when the Honda began to dominate. The old motors were left behind.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

What Im saying is - how can one justify saying that the MTQRL is hurting the sport of TQ racing when they have gladly changed rules to accommodate the West coast, Florida, Iowa, and Illinois cars? How can you justify bashing the MTQRL saying they are hurting the sport when the UMRA costs over $400 JUST TO REGISTER A CAR? How is a $400 registration bill and a $300 to win purse helping the TQ sport?



Sense when has TQ racing been about the money? If so we all need to to find a new HOBBY. Every post on here from guys in the MTQRL say" I just want to have fun" and then they go on to say that "the MTQRL pays so much better." Which is it? The money is nice, I will agree, but no one in either club will make money in this sport, let alone pay for all there expenses in one season. Unless you are Tate Martz or Jason Willis in the MTQRL. 1 and 2 all year guarntee it now.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Michael,

I'd like to make a comment on "What the true problem is HOW it was started!” Don't take this as an attack on you, because it is not intended to be. For several years, way before you and I were part of UMRA, there were talks of starting a New TQ club because several drivers/owners were not happy with the things that were going on in UMRA. And I'm sure each driver/owner had his or her own reason for not being happy. If you look at the car count each year it has slowly decreased, sure some of that is due to the crappy economy, but several cars were parked just because there wasn't another place to run TQ's other than driving to another state. So what is really wrong with Mark and Jen giving these people a place to run their cars and how is this not helping TQ racing when several cars are having the dust wiped off and brought to the track? I'm not going to make negative comments about UMRA in this post, because honestly I hope UMRA does succeed in what they are trying to accomplish and I truly mean that. By having two clubs TQ racers have an option of were they want to run. Look at open racing as a whole, there are multiple winged sprint, non-winged sprint, mini sprint and midget organizations or clubs. You can't blame MTQRL for how their league started, when all they did was listen to what several people were asking for.

---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 PM ----------

Zach,

The only reason I race is to have fun, plain and simple. When I stop having fun that's when I quit racing, which did happened. But credit should be given to Mark and Jen for finding a way to pay more money. They have worked hard to find sponsors to help with the payout and start money.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

I really would like to have open discussion regarding TQ racing in Indiana but don't feel it is beneficial to do it publicly. I have started a private discussion group for those who would like to find a solution instead of criticizing. You must be approved (by me) to participate and use your real name. If you are interested, please PM me for the link. I will respond as soon as I can. We really want what is best for all and to make TQ racing better. Thanks.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

I did build a newer motor, it cost some to have the adapters etc made but the end result should be worth it. I had the tranny cut off of mine as well, like bob I still have a starter but can onle be used out of gear. I only wish I still a car to put it in. The mtqrl has made us consider buying another TQ, we went modified racing for many of the reasons already stated Money and BS of the umra. No need to beat that dead horse though. I applaud the mtqrl for their efforts, they have brought alot to the table in terms of sponsorship etc. That has been missing in the midget circles. If things don't suceed I feel they have went above and beyond but it may not pan out. We may attend some races this year in someone else's car time will tell.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

:20: ***???

Anyways....if my daughter wasn't graduating Saturday and I didn't have a ton of work to do for her open house, I'd be at Gas City (assuming I could get the thing to start!!). I'm curious to see when I show up how I'll be treated.

I still fail to understand why is it has to be a pissing match on a website....run where you want to, leave the bs out of it. It makes zero difference of WHY the MTQRL was started, it's here and it's offering another place to race with quite honestly, better payouts, publicity, and incentives than UMRA is at this time.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

AJ, you just said what I've been thinking for a long while, since last Fall in fact,what started as a "trial separation", has turned into a damnd ugly divorce, and if that's the bottom line, let it alone, as you stated, it's here, it's got race dates, it's got cars, it has people who want to race in it, maybe, if this had happened back when we had car counts over 60, we'd have 3 or 4 organizations now, with 30 or so cars each. This is no place to be chuckin rocks, and they all seem to be coming from one direction, I for one, will not look back, I had hoped to be able to run with both, but looks like that is out of the question now, seems like the line has been drawn, at least in some peoples minds, so let the games begin, and lets get it to hell off of here, these poor folks are getting as tired of it, as I am. Bob:15:

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Michael,

You know that you are welcome to race with us. We proved that when you showed up at Rushville when Greensburg got rained out.

Just leave the attitude at home and come have a good time, OK?

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Zach,

The only reason I race is to have fun, plain and simple. When I stop having fun that's when I quit racing, which did happened. But credit should be given to Mark and Jen for finding a way to pay more money. They have worked hard to find sponsors to help with the payout and start money.[/QUOTE]


But you have to be thinking, How long will it last? I know it is a long season but really, who is going to want to give money to a club when only 5 cars finish a race? I know if I was just a race fan and I went to a race and saw that, I would have made that race my trip to the beer stand:29:. People are also going to get tired of coming and seeing the same 2 or 3 cars at the front every race and the other 10-15 cars a straight away behind. Terry Goff vs. Tate Martz, Classic Battles are no longer. You have to admit when you came to a race in the UMRA you knew the cars that were going to be up front but no one knew who would win, now you can narrow it down to 2 or 3 cars and that takes away from the sport.


ZACH COUGILL

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

Zach,
If I am not mistaken, I saw you at Rushville wanting to race with us also. I think that is great, but when you do race with us, please leave the attitude at home. We are going to have fun this year. I think you will enjoy racing with us.

I hope to see you at the tracks,

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

What the hell does that have to do with what i said?

But you have to be thinking, How long will it last? I know it is a long season but really, who is going to want to give money to a club when only 5 cars finish a race? I know if I was just a race fan and I went to a race and saw that, I would have made that race my trip to the beer stand:29:. People are also going to get tired of coming and seeing the same 2 or 3 cars at the front every race and the other 10-15 cars a straight away behind. Terry Goff vs. Tate Martz, Classic Battles are no longer. You have to admit when you came to a race in the UMRA you knew the cars that were going to be up front but no one knew who would win, now you can narrow it down to 2 or 3 cars and that takes away from the sport.


ZACH COUGILL[/QUOTE]


I think that there are more than three cars that can win at any given race. and if its so easy pickens there race saterday in madison indiana u could more than like make some money 3rd place pays 240 . but doubt I see one there do to the conflict between the two club.if you truly lovetorace and can aford to race two night why would u not go.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

I think that there are more than three cars that can win at any given race. and if its so easy pickens there race saterday in madison indiana u could more than like make some money 3rd place pays 240 . but doubt I see one there do to the conflict between the two club.if you truly lovetorace and can aford to race two night why would u not go.
Posted via Mobile Device[/QUOTE]


Is this Chris Mann? lol that might be the reason i dont go

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

First of all Charlie, I think attitude is why you weren't asked to return to UMRA. I don't think that it is Zach that has the attitude. I would love to see both clubs work together, but it probably won't happen. It is obvious that the majority of the best cars and drivers are in the UMRA, so in order to beat the best, you have to race with the best. As for TQ29...as a spectator, rarely have I seen you winning races. Your "cheaper" motor (as you say), has yet to successfully compete with the Hondas. In my opionion, what exactly is the point of a stock motor when you are going to add all the after market stuff and wind up still having all the money in it as you would if you have built a Honda to start with. I do believe there needs to be a newer motor to run in the TQs, but to say that you can buy one so cheap and run it stock has not been proved so far.
As for TQ97, its my understanding that the UMRA is welcoming ANY TQ to run if they want to. They don't seem to be singling out any particular team.

I wish the best of luck to both the clubs this weekend.

Re: MTQRL Fast Facts - May 23rd Lawrenceburg Speedway
 

my gawd... you guys just never stop.:20:

Move on... Thread closed.