HALLOWEEN 100 LAP RACE

We have been approached with a request to modify our 100 lap race rules to allow drivers to use different karts in their driving sessions.  We currently allow a single kart with one or more drivers.  The change, if approved, would allow each driver to have his own kart.  This was requested to help a team with two significantly different sized drivers compete as one team.  As before, ALL karts on track MUST be at legal weight and transponders would have to be changed at pit stops and of course only one kart on track at a time.  I am looking for feedback on the pro’s and con’s in considering this change.  We will probably need to enhance our rules package if we allow this.  Help us consider this.

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KID KART SEASON POINTS

We were questioned about our season end Kid Kart point totals soon after they were posted.  We performed a very in-depth review of the points and had LONG discussions among the staff yesterday.  It was a time of reviewing/analyzing our performance and judgment in making calls.  We then asked the two parties to join us this morning so we could answer their questions and explain our position.  We wanted to be VERY certain both parties were told the same consistent story.  We don’t have a “dog in the fight” so our emotions were set aside while we pursued the right answer to provide a level playing field.  It is obvious to us that even though our rules are published on the website, they are not all clear to each racer.  We explained the points system, drops, tech, DQ’s, and a variety of other issues.  Earlier in the year, we allowed an impaired driver (fell asleep on the grid and did not start) last place points for showing up.  We honestly do not feel we would EVER do that again so we reversed that call.  This has caused some disgust for some.  I feel the need to post this as social media is running wild with posts from disgusted and ill informed persons.

SPECIAL—SPECIAL

Purchase a set of MG HZi (Red) tires and receive a $20 credit on pit space, or other CHMS sales.  Get your order in now and they will be ready for pickup on move in day for the RT66 event.  This is a limited time offer.

YAMAHA SHOOTOUT TIMELINE

This post is intended to cover the expected timeline which had caused some previous concerns.  We should be able to adhere to our regular timeline pretty closely without much change from a normal class addition.

Yamaha shootout entries will be on the track up to 8 times rather than the 6 times for regular classes.  So…………they will be the first on the practice list for 3 rounds and following the last practice will qualify the first round.  The rear 1/3 of the field will be set in this session.  Their second and third qualifying rounds will be at the start of our heat race sessions.  The second round will set the middle 1/3 of the field while the last session will set the pole.  Their prefinal will be the first of the features and their final will be the last of the features.

Hopefully this will clarify our intent to have a smoothly run event.

 

CHECKERED FLAG VICTORY LAPS

We have, for the last few years, offered a victory lap with the checkered flag to the winner of the feature event.  During the last race event, one of the victory lap drivers got the flag tangled in their rear axle, while on the parade lap, and destroyed the flag.  While only the flag was damaged this time, we are concerned for the safety of the driver if they were to get themselves caught as well.

We will be discontinuing the flag victory lap until we, or someone, can determine a way to get this lap done safely.  We still plan to continue with the podium pictures for the winners.  Please contact us if you can offer a solution

STAFF NEEDED

We have a need for a registration person on our points race days.  Raven was committed for the year but has experienced an unexpected change of address.  This untimely move has left her with a drive too long for her liking.  This is a paid position selling wristbands and race entries.  Skills needed are: operating a computer to generate sales receipts, operating a credit card machine, making change, and responsibility for wristbands signing.  Andrea will be able to offer onsite training/assistance for the first hours each raceday.  Call us to discuss this opportunity.

JUNIOR HIGH SUMMER RACING ACADEMY

Join us on March 28 @ 6PM in the CHMS showroom for a racer meeting.  We intend to answer ALL questions concerning this “first of it’s kind” series where Junior High students will be racing for themselves and their school.  Topics we plan to explain include registration, format, safety, and sportsmanship.  Come and learn about this series for rookies, and even seasoned veterans (if there are any).  This is a value at $150 cost for 5 race events.

KID KART OOOOPS

Last fall we were asked if we would allow LO206 engines in our kid kart class along with the traditional Comer.  We said we would consider it.  Nothing was brought up about the subject all winter or at the racer meeting.  Our staff has also has not discussed it and we did not open the discussion at the racer meeting either.  Last Sat we had a signup for the year for LO206 kid kart.  Sooooo, we WILL be offering this class.  In order to keep the competition fair, we will have to take a “work in progress” style approach for the weight and gearing.  Keep in mind that while we offer this class as a competition event, it’s primary goal is to teach young drivers how to operate in the racetrack environment.

RACER MEETING UPDATES

Well, we have had time, as staff, to digest and agree on the decisions made Sunday.  Thank you to all that came and even bigger thank for some good ideas.

POINTS RACING

The tentative schedule, along with a number of no-change items were confirmed and will be on the website.  The manner in which we handle rainouts did change.  Oct 6 will be scheduled as our rain date makeup.  That date will NOT be a points race UNLESS we have a rainout during the first 14 races.  If we have 2, or more, then the makeup will be a double race.  In the event of more than 2 rainouts, we will adjust (from 12) the number of races counted for the championship.  Weight was changed in JR206 to 320 (up from 310) since our batch of drivers are getting larger.  SR206 was asked to be reduced to 350 (from 380) but no decision has been made at this point.  Watch for updates.

FRIDAY NIGHT LEAGUE

The tentative schedules for both road course and oval were confirmed.  A driver weight change, from 190 to 200, was suggested and will be confirmed in the early stages of session 1 along with the option of using the Kid Kart track once per session.  We will now have a victory lap for feature winners.  Our season champ will be identified using the best 21 of 24 races this year.  Another choice of changing the podium to picture w/kart has been proposed.  We would like feedback and watch for updates.

STAFFING

With Matt Bartling accepting the tech position, staffing needs are complete at this point.

ENDURANCE

Since the elite and premium karts will compete on the big track, together but in separate classes, it was suggested we include LO206 as an addition so that will mean 3 classes run together but scored separately.  We have decided that is possible and we will offer that ONLY on races run on the big track.  Watch for a complete schedule and formats.

MEMORIAL DAY “BLOCK PARTY”

This has been a fun day for the past two years and we will continue it for 2018.  More details but we will furnish sandwiches and ask for a “dish to pass” from you.  Rentals, race karts, and social life are the ingredients for a fun day.  Mark it down.

VINTAGE RACING

We will host a vintage kart race on June 30 sponsored by White Knuckles Scrambles.  See their website for details

JR HIGH RACING

We are hosting a “Friday Night League” format for Jr High students.  Look for more details in the future but plan to attend the March 28 meeting for ALL the details.

 

RACER MEETING AGENDA TOPICS

Our racer meeting is about a week away, Feb 11 @ 2PM, and here are some topics for discussion.  These are mentioned here so people can have time to consider the response that is best for the sport.  Some of these have been contributed by others.

POINTS RACING

Tentative schedule:  Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 19, Jun 9, 23, Jul 21, Aug 4, 11, 25, Sep 8, 15, 22.  This gives us 14 races avoiding: Easter, Memorial day, Mothers day, Independence day,  Labor day, Cup north and central, as well as hosting Rt 66.  Is 14 enough or do we add some in Oct along with the Halloween Gran Prix on Oct 27 or 28?  Do we have 0, 1, or 2 drops?  Rainouts – makeup as 2017?  Start times OK?  Raceday separation times OK?  How many want points league?  Do we increase entry fees to create a larger banquet gift fund?  Continue night races?  Possible Yamaha shootout Aug 4?  Continue Interloop?

FRIDAY NIGHT LEAGUE

Tentative schedule:  Session 1 – Apr 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, Jun 1, Session 2 – Jun 8, 15, 22, 29, Jul 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, Session 3 – Aug 10, 17, 24, Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct 5.  Do we change driver weight from 190 to 200?  Do we have max 50 driver ballast?  Do we makeup rainouts as 2017?  Oval races every other raceday?  Honor season champ with 19 of 24 races?  Do we want a victory lap?

STAFFING

We are looking for a tech person and possibly a corner person for racedays.

ENDURANCE RACING

We are thinking approximately 10 races separated 2-3 weeks apart.  Formats would vary with 12 hr, 1-2-3 hr ironman, several 4-5 hr on the big track with elite and premium, dice and coin, others?  Look for more info on this at a later date.