A fair amount

https://raceirp.com/wp-content/uploa...5-Rulebook.pdf

A read-thru of the above noted rules for this venture shows us:
1) That the body of the rules have been taken (almost) verbatim from other existing rules.
2) That the IRP rules writers seem not to have consulted with any sources who have already implemented engine preparation specifications and rules for "stock" based engines. As currently stated the "rules" are so minimalist that any participant, whether racer or official, can interpret those rules however it suits them.

With a bit of luck, the good folks at IRP will step back, and take the time to ask questions of, and listen to the advice from, sources such as MARA/BMARA who are running very successful "stock" based engines.

What would be even better is if this deal would evolve into a pavement midget regional tour around Indiana and the region maybe into Ohio, Michigan, and into Illinois at Grundy with a good set of rules that eliminates the expenses of light weight parts and pieces (no titanium, ect)…

How ever many races at IRP + races at other tracks in the area Mt Lawn, Plymouth, Anderson, New Paris, Angola, Winchester, Salem, Grundy, Kalamazoo, Berlin, Kil-Kare, Toledo, Sandusky, ect…

Salem and Clarksville (Sportsdrome)

So, I've done my share of track constructive criticisms. As you say above, what constitutes piss poor management at Anderson? They run a full schedule from April through early October, installed new lights, invested in a new track sound system, reasonable admission prices, offers fans every type of pavement racing series in the area from Little 500, 500 Sprint Car tour, Kenyon midgets, ASA super late models, CRA late models, Midwest modifieds, CRA Street Stocks, Vores Compact Series and numerous other support series. Starts on time, rarely an intermission, affordable concessions and seems to run fast programs. What am I missing that is poor management?

Disclaimer: I enjoy watching the races and I think it's great that the series had the bump in car counts and all that; but, this appears to be an intended different direction than the BMARA rules (I'd have to think maybe by choice, but I could be wrong). If this series wants to keep the claim part of it - there is no way you could have a $15,000 claim rule with the BMARA platform (some used engines cost that much; yes you can buy others for less; but those are not consistently running in the top 4). And, this series has a basis on the Ford Focus engine; which, I believe were around 200hp. Those would be outclassed by the BMARA engines (not saying anything bad about it, just reality). So ya, I'd think - with these rules - you could squeak a lot more HP/torque out of the ECO choice. I gather it is an attempt to bring out the Focus and ECOs that have been mothballed ("already" - Focus stuff could be like 20 years old by now though); than "just" using a stock block, head, crank at 2.4L (which, yes, has put on some great racing and can be just as fast or faster than National cars; and, although more than $15,000 in many cases, it certainly is cheaper than a National engine).

PS - again, this is not a dig, but there were no ECOTECHS consistently running in the top 4 in BMARA the last couple years. It is Hondas and Fords (not Focus Fords; but Rick Kipley's). And, of course, chassis set up and driving is just as, and in some cases, more important than HP/Torque.

Although Mr. Dull is indeed correct about the BMARA engine preparation, and the excellent results, my point in commenting on the IRP rules, as presently written, was to draw attention to the shallowness of those rules. I do not wish to suggest that preparation anything like BMARA be undertaken; I do wish to recommend that IRP undertake to provide a much more through and detailed explanation of the preparation steps that are, and are not, permitted.

Looking forward to being a part of this series. Grew up watching Thursday night thunder and look forward to actually fielding a car I own!!!

Purse looks to be double to win, and double to start than a badger purse, and 1/2 the cost on the claimer than a competitive badger engine?
Sounds like an awesome deal to me!
I sincerely wish you the best in this endeavor… Should be good!!

I hope no one is paying $30,000 for a bmara engine...suppose it could be within a few grand though (for a new, best of the best top of the line full dressed and tuned with fuel and ignition systems...). Whatever works I guess...

Now, I feel like the other area pavement midget series should certainly get mentioned on this thread. What was recently known as the "Midwest Mayhem Midgets", based around Grundy County Speedway many years (Rockford Speedway was their "home track" for a season or two); also known as the Illini Racing Series for a while; was started by Laverne Spencer and before last year was acquired by Aaron Willis. They have a budget minded rule book (but I cannot access it currently for better reference / to compare it to this new deal). Ideally, some of those cars and teams will be able to maybe make a couple slight changes or additions and campaign in this IRP deal. Time will tell. I think their car count almost increased every race in 2024.