Thoughts on the Eagle RaceSaver Sprint Meeting

I wanted to, but was unable to attend the RaceSaver meeting this past weekend, but Eagle Raceway did a good job of summarizing the events, enough for me to draw an opinion.


- Surprised to see the 360’s running restricted motors not being able to run for track points. I totally understand regional/national IMCA points, but I think that participation may be improved if they could run for a title. On the other hand, there would be a lot of red faces if a restricted 360 won the track title.


- The purse structure is a lot more egalitarian, and I like that. I’ve argued for this before, and I think it will help reduce some of the mid-season broke grumbles.


- Here’s one thing that surprised me...in light of our recent presidential election, I noticed that some of the more vocal people in favor of limited government, and vehemently against various “redistribution” plans seem to have no problem demanding that “The Man,” in this case the promoter of a certain track should be forking out more of his money for their hobby. Capitalism for the racer’s wallet...socialism for the promoter’s? Regardless of one's political views, the contradiction is obvious.


Now, it’s been that way forever in all forms of racing, but don’t discount the role of self-interest in the demise of the 360’s at Eagle, and CART, IMCA, and IndyCAR (well, not yet), etc. etc.


- To the point above, the racer and promoter are in two different situations, at least when the track is privately owned. If you can’t afford to race, you don’t go. If the owner can’t pay the bills, there’s no track. The racer has more flexibility. Oh, and if you have to race to pay the bills to get the car going...that’s your problem, not the track’s.


- Eagle’s running a two-day IMCA RaceSaver Nationals at the end of the season, my guess is it replaces the Nebraska Cup. (Update: Eagle Raceway has the Nebraska Cup - for 360 sprints - on schedule for 9/8/13.) If you can tie this in pre- or post- Boone Supernationals, and if just 10% of the alleged 600 RaceSaver sprints show up, you could have a back-gate bonanza. My preference would be for the week after Knoxville, prior to football season, if possible. (RaceSaver Nationals are tentatively scheduled for 8/31 and 9/1 2013, likely replacing the Labor Day Shootout)


- I do like the fact that Eagle stated the sprints will be the ‘featured class.’ I think it’s good to establish the pecking order of this class, and leave no doubt as to where they are going forward.


“Where was Roger before?!?!” He was there for seven seasons. OK, six and a half since after July, the 360’s were a ‘dead class rolling.’ If it can’t work after that time, when does it work? The point of diminishing returns had been met. The biggest killer was the economy, and if Roger was able to bring back the jobs and credit that supported this expensive class all these years, he would be president. He’s not. He’s a business owner of a racetrack. That’s all.

Eagle Raceway: Notes from the RaceSaver Sprint Meeting

From Eagle Raceway

Sunday, November 4, 2012

- There will be at least 2 practice dates before the first show for Racesaver Sprints only... More may be added. The 2 dates that we have reserved as of now for this are Saturday, April 6, 2013, and Saturday, April 13, 2013.

- Purse Structure: The same total purse that was given to the 360 sprints in 2012 will be given to the RaceSaver Sprints in 2013, except it will be distributed more evenly. The purse will be guaranteed for 2 years. Non-qualifiers will receive $100. To view the new purse structure, please visit the rules section of our (Eagle Raceway's) website: (click here to view) http://www.eagleraceway.com/EagleRaceway/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/2013-rules2.pdf

- Point Fund- There is a minimum $5000 point fund in place already. There will also be a point fund from IMCA.

- There will be 17 weekly races in 2013 at Eagle Raceway

- IMCA RaceSaver Nationals will be held at Eagle Raceway at the end of the season in 2013. It will be a Saturday and Sunday Show. The purse for this is not designed yet.

- You must have an IMCA membership License to race. Cost of Membership- $100. This provides insurance, monthly newsletter, and track points fund.

- There will be a phase in period for 360s. Anyone not conforming to the RaceSaver Rules may run their car at Eagle Raceway for purse ONLY, as long as they put a "track provided" 1 and 1/16 restrictor on top of stacks and use RaceSaver legal Valve Springs. (This may change if it is not equal competition)

- To Run for track, regional, and national points, you must conform to all IMCA RaceSaver Rules. The Phase in cars for 2013 will not receive IMCA points. They will only receive track points for lineup procedures.

- Sprints will be the premier class in 2013. They will run last for heats, and Features. We want all sprint drivers to be recognized by face. There will be many driver autograph sessions, and other things done for all Sprint drivers to interact with the crowd weekly.

- There will be possible sanctioning at other tracks for special events.

Q and A with French Grimes (RaceSaver Rep)

Can you run any size wing/ wing angle?
You may run any size wing, at any angle... However it will not be cockpit adjustable.

Why 35 durometer RR tire?
Regional director or Track director may pick the tire... Tracks should decide based on surface etc... (Roger is doing more research... The Tire durometer will probably change)

How do you go about getting engine sealed? When do you do it? Where etc...?
Your regional RaceSaver Tech will seal your engine (Roger Hadan is this Region's Tech) You must call your regional inspector to make an arrangement to do so. Roger Hadan's phone number is 402-238-2595 if you need to make an arrangement.
The Engine must be sealed before the your first race. Try to get the crank weighed ahead of time by inspector before you build so that the tech can make his mark on it if the crank is close to minimum weight.
Engine will be presented with 1 head off. Valves will be weighed. Heads will be checked for RaceSaver Stamp and serial numbers and all other inspections will be done before it is sealed.
Then the cars will be teched weekly at the track's discretion.

These are the notes I thought were important. If you have any notes you would like to add to this that you took from the meeting. Please feel free to post below. Also If you have any other questions about RaceSaver rules etc. French Grimes or Roger Hadan can answer them.
Roger- 402-238-2595
French- 540-923-4541