281 Spwy. first to sanction IMCA Sportmod in Texas

[rebelracewriter]

For Immediate Release Contact Bill Martin

Nov. 21, 2003 (319) 472-2201, x225

 

Benton County, 281 are first to sanction I.M.C.A. SportMod division

VINTON, Iowa (Nov. 21) – The same track where the first I.M.C.A. Modified

race was held 24 years ago is also one of the first to sanction the I.M.C.A.

SportMod division.

Benton County Speedway in Vinton, Iowa, where Modifieds debuted in 1979, and

281 Speedway in Stephenville, Texas, are the first tracks to announce that they

will add SportMods to their regular weekly race programs beginning next season.

SportMods are similar in appearance to the traditional I.M.C.A. Modified,

but have different engine, rear suspension and fuel specifications that are

intended to make the division affordable for entry-level and hobby drivers.

“This class gets back to being economical, which is why the Modified

division was started in the first place,” said Benton County promoter Mick

Trier. “I think it’s going to allow some drivers who quit because of the cost to

use an old chassis and get back into racing.”

Trier expects to have 14-15 SportMods for opening night next spring. Also

promoter at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway in Des Moines at Stuart

Speedway, Trier said SportMods may be added to the weekly shows at those tracks

as well.

“I’m investigating the level of interest there,” he said. “It’s possible

that we may sanction at Des Moines and Stuart, too.”

Economics also figure in the equation at 281 Speedway and promoter David

Crenshaw is hopeful that metropolitan area drivers will give the SportMod a good

look.

“People are always looking for more affordable ways to go racing. There have

been a slew of limited modified classes at tracks around here,” he said. “It may

be slow going at the start, but if the SportMod proves to be cheaper it could

take off and be a really big deal. There’s no reason why we can’t take a stab at

this and be on the ground floor of something that could become really big.”

Both 281 and Benton County will continue sanctioning their Modified, Stock

Car and Hobby Stock divisions with I.M.C.A. next season.

The SportMod is the only I.M.C.A. class with an exchange rule instead of an

engine claim, and a maximum $200 to win purse structure. Pump gas with no

ethanol or additives is the only fuel allowed.

 

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