Sportsman Drivers

[tedhead]

We are trying to come up with a common set of rules for Sportsman cars within the state. I am wanting to know what the major differences are in the rules, things that would keep cars from visiting other tracks. Any input would be appreciated. If you would like to talk to me personally, please call
863-808-6852. We are working on this for the 2009 racing season.

[Edm]

Tires in my opinion would be the #1 factor.
I am not real sure how much the 3 link set ups help.
Fascars stock firewall. I think there should be weight penalties for cars who dont have one.
Width rules should match. Some cars have a 72" spoiler where I am only allowed 60"? with fascars rules.
Whatever we can do to slow the really fast cars down and speed the slow cars up to make the class more competitive.
Pump gas motors to help cut the cost of fuel.
Leftside weights should be the same.

[ss82]

Why not call a meeting and have all of the drivers come out to the track to discuss it?

[Rick Williamson]

First who is (we)? With fuel prices for both race cars and haulers out the roof how are you going to help get driver to go from one part of the state to another? And remember at times like this (which can happen each year), there is no gas to be had. And I understand you have no control other this. But it's still apart of today's racing in Florida. How are you going to get the owners to work together? This question has been hashed over on here for years. Good luck with what you are trying to do. It's a very good idea.

[AJ14]

Ted , thanks for at least making the effort . It can only help things . Rules are usually made to benefit one track or one association , and truth be told are frequently written to keep other tracks and associations down . Crazy , but there you are . And when two tracks team up with like rules , it's only to run a third track out of business . It isn't for the benefit of the racers .
If you haven't yet , look at the thread on this board titled Update the Show . A large number of people contributed some very good ideas that would concern the Sportsman cars . And some very well thought out ideas from critics as well . You're right . A racer should be able to tow to any number of tracks and race . If your track races on Friday , you should have the option of going to another track and racing Saturday , or Sunday . That would sure boost car counts .

[tedhead]

Sportsman Cars

To Rick: The "we" in this situation are 6 central Florida race tracks. I realize that the economy is bad and if racers can't afford to race that is understandable. I feel their pain because I rarely race anymore myself. However I still love the sport and want to help and stay involved as much as possible. I was responsible for aligning SSS rules and Auburndale's rules several years ago so these cars could race each week.

I have been in contact with these tracks and they are all interested in a common rules package.

As someone mentioned earlier, a meeting of drivers and owners would be beneficial in helping this matter along. If anyone can provide a centrally located place between New Smyrna and Charlotte County please let me know and we will try to set something up.

I appreciate everyones positive comments. Someone needs to take the first step to make this a reality. Thanks to everyone!

[Edm]

Hey Rick, Ted hit the nail on the head. Sometimes all it takes is one person with a well written and thought out idea to make things happen. You and your sons have been around the sportman class for a while now so how about getting your support or at least ideas for rules. I too am very curious to learn what others have to say.

[Mr.Mafia]

Yeah but Ted Head is from Auburndale and works for Rex Guy,and Rex Guy said he don't need any help ex specially from Media or Karnac.

[tedhead]

Sportsman Cars

Yes I do work at Auburndale and I have also worked at most of the tracks in Florida and I am trying to get something going here. Rex might have said whatever, bottom line is we are now trying to find common ground for the good of racing. Please try to be open minded and stay positive.

[ocalasp76]

Good Idea

Right now there are only 2 tracks I can run my Sportsman, Bronson and Citrus. Bronson is closed and in doubt for next season. I would have to run LLM at all the other tracks. After, of course, I change tires and wheels(10 inch instead of 8), carb, beef up the motor to compete and a few other things. Right now I have a Sportsman motor with open chamber(70cc) heads and crossover headers. A 3 link and Howe chassis with Camero front clip.
SSS series last year at Ocala said I needed to add at least 200lb or more to run with them. Yes I have a 'bastard' Sportsman. But it's my car and I would like more than one track to run for fun. Thats why I do it, 'fun'.

When and where is the meetin'??
---JIM----

[Edm]

Lol, same here, I have a 602 crate with camaro front clip and rear frame rails with leaf springs. I took the cross over headers off and put chassis headers on. Fiberglass body, w/o the stock firewall and floor pans. The car wont cut it as a late model and will be difficult to get it to meet fascars sportsman rules. I am sure I will get spanked at Citrus and Bronson, but will be half way competitive at Osw, Nss, and maybe Auburndale.

[tedhead]

These are exactly the kind of comments we need. Please keep them coming.

[Edm]

Heads, intakes, carbs and cams should all be closer to each other.

[Rick Williamson]

Hey Rick, Ted hit the nail on the head. Sometimes all it takes is one person with a well written and thought out idea to make things happen. You and your sons have been around the sportman class for a while now so how about getting your support or at least ideas for rules. I too am very curious to learn what others have to say.

First they aren't my sons. But Brother and his son. I think Ted is the one to be the point man on this. As we all know he has been on both side of racing (in tech and as a driver). My only negative besides the fuel to go around the state was the owners. And if he has them giving the ok for this, then he has won half the battle. And if this works out like it could. Well then there can also be other classes that this would also work with. Like the mini stocks. As far as some ideas. Ted knows my brothers phone number. Or he could or maybe already has talked to both David and Aaron at the track. They would give him far more detail on what would be needed then I could in a post on here. Good luck with this Ted. The state of Florida racing sure could use this kind of thing. I would add this......Ted when this happens make the rules and THEN FOLLOW them. Don't set them aside just to get a bigger car count. That way doesn't work. Get a set of rules and stick to them. And you will in time have more cars then you can put in one race. And that would be a good kind of problem to have.

[Edm]

I did not know that. Thanks for taking the time to correct me. I was asking because I would like others opinions as well, mostly so I know where I stand with my own thoughts and learn a little more about life outside of fascar.