Hello Racers,
The 2012 racing season will be on us before we can find log books. So, time to get started.
Schedule –
The Maine Event will be held July 12-15. Tech will start Thursday, Racing will start Friday at noon and end Sunday at 4. Great news as usual is that since we rent the facility for a full week, these times can be extended, shifted, or an extra day can be added to accommodate weather. So, we should be able to get in 800-900 runs.
The Harvest Event will be held Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Tech will start Friday and Racing will start Saturday at 9 and end Sunday at 4. (Everything else is the same as above.)
Registration –
We know that everyone wants to be the first in line, but we are not quite ready yet.
Since we are limiting registration to 150 vehicles, our registration system will be like September; fill out the online form and then complete the transaction with a credit card or paypal through the online checkout. Since we have such an increase in racers wanting to come and the event will cap out, we apologize, but we can no longer allow people to register to get their spot, not pay, not show up and effectively ruin someone else’s weekend and create a lot of prep work in the process. If you choose to take your chances that the event will not sell out, you are welcome to come and pay at the event, but there is no guaranty you will have a spot. If you are unable to attend, we will bump your registration to the next event only at no charge, but we must be advised at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
Pricing –
Pricing for the 2012 Maine Event has been set at $250. This will include registration for 1 vehicle, entry for 1 driver, two tickets to Saturday’s BBQ, a rulebook, and event poster. Since we do not charge a membership fee which is basically a fee to drive, we will again be charging a onetime $50 for a driver change. I do not want to get long winded about the 20 reasons why pricing has gone up so I will simply say that we are working hard to give our racers the best experience possible and in order to do so, our costs are rising significantly. Registration at the event (if available) will be $400. Anyone with a bump form a previous event will need you pay the difference.
(Joe Daly likes to quote some guy named Tim Kelly as saying “No bucks, No Buck Rogers”).
135 Class Cars – Registration will be $125. With this you get registration for 1 vehicle, an event poster, and 3 runs. 135 class will not have records in the Rulebook or certifications. We will however have an award for the racer that comes the closest to the 135 mark.
135 Class Cars can run for records and run all weekend if they register for a vehicle class and pay $250.
Medical Forms –
This year, our resident primary healthcare provider and former trauma nurse Linda Kelly will have medical forms available at registration. If you choose to fill one out it is up to you. Her mantra is “only put on it what a doctor needs to know to save your life”. (Hint – a broken toe in junior high won’t save your life; an allergy to morphine might.)
Rule Changes-
We have reworked the rulebook for 2012. Everyone seems to be happy that it is easier to understand. There are no changes to the spirit or intent of the rules, just clarification. As usual, and changes to the letter of the rules are highlighted. We have some changes that maintain parity with SCTA and ECTA.
New Classes –
1) Electric vehicles in all classes will be allowed due to our cooperation the NEDRA. Frank John, the
starter at the fall event will be heading up EV tech.
2) Classic Motorcycles for 4-strokes from 1956-1986 inclusively.
3) Twins Motorcycles to include all single and twin cylinder 4-stroke bikes.
Track Changes –
The transition at the end of the 1000’ of concrete will be shaved off to allow wide open access to the full 300’ of track width. We will also be changing the return raod to the center to allow the 1 1/2 mile runway to be used for limited shakedown runs under strict monitoring.
Procedural Changes –
Registration has moved to the pits at the end of the camping area. That is where it will stay. It worked much better and eliminated crossing traffic.
Rookie and Driver Meeting – Late arrivals that do not attend the mandatory meeting will not be allowed to do a tour of the return road to see the track any longer. When the track is held for some reason, they will be taken down the track by an official for a thorough review. It will be done at a time that is convenient for our racers and our staff, so we suggest you arrive on time.
Tire Date Codes – Tire date codes must be marked with highlighter, red dot or anything to show where they are. This is the single point that slows down inspections the most.
Camping – Camping will be allowed on site again this year. There will be $20 charge assessed and your vehicle or tent must have a camping sticker.
I'm sure that there will be more, but I hope this is a big start...so get building!