IMCA suspends engine claims through 2010
VINTON, Iowa (Aug.26) – Most engine claims will not be allowed for the remainder of the 2010 race season, in the five IMCA divisions with the rule.
An exception to this adjustment, announced today, is that any driver who has already been claimed this season may also claim, but is limited to claiming or exchanging engines with the driver who claimed them.
The claiming driver must have raced three consecutive nights and make the claim at the same track where he/she was claimed.
All claims must be in compliance with all other IMCA requirements for the Modified, Stock Car, Hobby Stock and both SportMod divisions.
“Drivers who have supported sanctioned tracks and sold engines in good faith this season continue to deserve the opportunity to claim,” IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root said. “We have done everything we could to write a set of eligibility requirements that are reasonable and as fair as possible. However, those requirements are too often being manipulated by drivers who race the minimum number of times to become eligible, then make an engine claim and never come back.”
“That affects the quality of racing fans are paying to watch, and it jeopardizes the divisions that have claim rules and the livelihood of tracks,” he added. “The claim remains important but it does not take precedence over every other issue at our race tracks.”
The claim policy outlined last month will remain in effect for the upcoming IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals.
A new structure for engine claims effective in January of 2011 will be announced as soon as possible.
“The costs of racing, from the car itself to getting to the track, paying pit passes and entry fees, are at an all-time high during the toughest economic times many of our drivers have ever known,” said Root. “IMCA will not abandon the claim but as our Northern SportMod division has proven, it is possible to provide a set of rules where claim and non-claim engines can co-exist and the racing can remain competitive.”
Questions about the engine claim suspension can be directed to Root at the IMCA home office, 319 472-2201.
Drivers eligible to make carburetor or shock absorber claims at weekly or special events through the end of 2010 may still do so.
Well I was not happy to hear they changed the rules, after all it took me some time to come to terms and understand the claim rule, so when I heard they changed it, it made me mad. But after finally reading about it, instead of hearing gossip, I think they handled it right!
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