Cedar Lake Speedway Winter Rule Meeting Summary
(12-16-2008 New Richmond)
Jamie Nutzmann
The ownership group of Cedar Lake Speedway (CLS) and several drivers, car owners & fans met near the track on Saturday, December 12 to discuss proposed new rules and how to implement them. CLS plans to implement rules that many drivers have asked for in recent history and which will help diversify the classes of cars raced weekly at the track. Deciding on how to implement these rules without alienating current loyal CLS drivers and putting them at a disadvantage is paramount moving forward. It was obvious to the many in attendance that many of the proposed rules will help save money over time, give the drivers the options they have been looking for, and give every opportunity for regional drivers to race weekly at CLS. In this economic downturn, the track must look for new ways to save their racers money and give as many cars the opportunity to race at the track.
The meeting was brought to order shortly after 1:00 by Jamie Nutzmann who gave a brief synopsis explaining why CLS chose NASCAR in 2008 and why NASCAR will again be their choice in 2009. It was made clear to all in attendance that the benefits provided by NASCAR far outweigh the alternatives. Highlighting the discussion was the comprehensive participant insurance policy in excess of $1,000,000 for each NASCAR licensed driver. Many in attendance commented that their own insurance policy does not cover them in the event of an accident while racing. Further, they felt the cost of the license was a bargain just for the coverage alone. The track’s point fund was discussed next. CLS will pay on January 17, 2009 the largest fund in the track’s history, over $25,000! Who gets these monies along with how it is derived was outlined. For the Late Model drivers in attendance Jamie explained the extra cash put up by NASCAR that is available to them. The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series State money along with National funds are available in 2009 and will pay $6,000 & $25,000 respectively along with the newly announced Rookie of the Year program worth and extra $1,000 at the state level. It was made clear that drivers do not need to purchase a NASCAR license to race at CLS however they will not be included in the point fund monies or have the $1,050,000 insurance policy. Crew and family members do not need to purchase a license either however CLS is working on an incentive program to encourage purchases so that crew members are also covered by the $1,050,000 insurance policy.
The track also feels it is important that drivers understand the benefits the track receives from NASCAR as well. CLS touched on some of the benefits provided by NASCAR to their sanctioned tracks. For one, the use of the NASCAR brand when promoting or advertising their events alone is a huge benefit. Regardless if you are a casual fan or hardcore fan, everyone knows NASCAR and that their racing is second to none. Next, NASCAR sponsors provide merchandise that not only helps improve the facility but helps with safety for their drivers. For instance, CLS recently received new caution lights courtesy of Whelen, the title sponsor, the same used by all Sprint Cup tracks. Third, NASCAR brings national level sponsor monies to the track and participates in event nights promoting their brands. These along with many other benefits truly make NASCAR the right choice for CLS. Everyone in attendance felt the same after hearing the lists.
Butch and Linda Erickson, promoters for Superior Speedway, were then asked to address the crowd with an announcement. Butch was happy to announce that in 2009, Superior Speedway will be NASCAR sanctioned! Butch commented on some of the things that helped make the decision such as the former sanction bodies’ competitive nature booking shows against local events, the same NASCAR benefits given to CLS, and the opportunity to give over $25,000 back to his local racers! Following the announcement a round of applause erupted in the room congratulating Butch and Linda on a decision well made.
Brad Both, CLS owner took the floor next and laid out the procedures and the vision for the rule portion of the meeting. He began by addressing the Midwest Modified drivers in attendance and asking their opinion on allowing the Bert, Brinn or Falcon type transmissions in their class. CLS feels that this type of transmission will save racers money over time given the rising cost of automatic transmissions and their durability concerns. Some felt that the Bert style transmission would be a competitive advantage to those that used them. The addition of weight was suggested to help neutralize the perceived advantage and all felt that would be needed. After discussions an additional 100 lbs added to the cars using Bert style transmissions would remove any advantage the cars using them would have over the cars using automatic transmissions. It was also brought up that restrictions should be made to help keep the cost down by not allowing ball splines or magnesium. It was stated to use the same rule as the Super Stocks or Modifieds. Unanimously everyone felt that moving forward with this rule should take place. CLS then asked if any other topics should be discussed regarding the Midwest Modifieds. A driver suggested phasing out the 8” Goodyear tire and allowing this class to use the same 10” tire used on the Super Stocks and Modifieds. This would help CLS as they would only need to inventory one tire moving forward. A driver asked if the 8” would still be allowed until inventory and tires currently on cars were depleted. That seemed fair to all and discussions concluded.
The spoiler rule for the Super Stock division was next on the agenda. It was asked why a spoiler is even needed. CLS believes that a spoiler would help finish the look of the car and also give the cars that race at CLS a different look compared to others. CLS also believes that a spoiler height should be small enough as not to create an advantage over a driver who normally doesn’t race weekly at the track. It was brought to CLS’s attention that spoiler kits are available out of the box and at a reasonable price in 5” & 8” sizes. It was clear to everyone that 8” was way too tall and that 5” should do the job intended. All felt that 5” was reasonable and would not be a disadvantage to travelers. No other topics were brought up when asked.
Modified drivers were counted and explained their agenda items. Over the past few years the use of Quick-Change rear ends have been discussed and how to implement them in this region. Narrowly losing by vote the past few years in Wissota and DTRA, CLS believes that a demand does exist and as long as they are not a competitive advantage or a costly upgrade than they should be allowed. Drivers explained that Quick-Change rear ends cost less to purchase and maintain, they do reduce rear-wheel horsepower and over time will save the racer time, effort and cash. One driver mentioned the USRA rule regarding the rear ends and felt it fair to implement the same type of rule without a penalty to those using them. That idea was approved by the drivers in attendance. Offering the use of a 10” wheel on the right rear for the Modifieds was discussed. It was thought that this would help stabilize the car and reduce tire wear. Many questions remain whether this will in fact help or hinder the class and was tabled by CLS pending further research. Allowing other sanctioned cars with different engine packages were than discussed. CLS would like to welcome other area Modifieds to race at the track in the event they have an off night at their local track. It was pointed out that on many occasions in 2008 local cars traveled south and were very competitive against the more liberal engine packages. Most felt that the other Modifieds in the area don’t have as much of an advantage over the CLS cars therefore including them weekly shouldn’t be an issue without a weight penalty. Brad then asked if anyone had further discussions. A driver asked if the rules could allow a beadlock on the right front wheel. The pros to this change include, a safer wheel, less flats due to breaking beads hopefully reducing yellow flags and a safer wheel plug assembly. The cons would be the cost of the beadlock. The pros significantly outweigh the cons considering this as optional only. CLS felt it appropriate to allow them.
Next on the agenda was the use of open style engines in the Late Model division. As expected this was the topic most in attendance wanted to discuss. CLS explained their vision regarding the open engines and why they wanted to discuss allowing them. CLS explained that late model tracks are slowly fading away and CLS needs to attract as many cars as possible to continue its reputation as a late model track. Further, CLS holds two open engine late model events throughout the summer and including our local cars only helps promote the event. The obvious downside to this topic is the overwhelming horsepower difference, the weight difference between aluminum & steel blocks and finding a balance competitively between open and spec type engines. Everyone had an opinion and were allowed to discuss their thoughts. The most repeated concern was the cost and maintenance of the open engine and their horsepower differences. Brad explained that the idea is to include random travelers in the event they chose to travel to CLS and include them and to not initiate buying & building of open engines to be raced weekly. For the local drivers that already have open engines CLS would like to include them if they chose to use their open engine versus their spec powerplant. A horsepower reducer or restrictor plate was displayed to the crowd. It was explained that a spacer could be made to reduce as much or as little horsepower as needed. The drivers with open engines in attendance did not feel comfortable putting a restrictor plate on their engine without proper jetting or tuning. The use of a 390 cfm carburetor was also suggested but quickly met opposition when it was explained that some drivers have spent up to $5,000 for a competitive 390 cfm carburetor. Could we ask the open engine cars to simply add weight to reduce their advantage? Some felt yes while others felt that no reasonable amount of weight only could level the playing field. Discussions continued for nearly an hour but no definitive answer was decided upon. CLS chose to table the discussion pending further research.
After the meeting CLS made it clear to all that they appreciated their participation weekly and their appearance at the meeting to discuss the changes. CLS also made it clear that none of these changes are official pending discussion with the other owners’ not in attendance and in the event research finds issues not discussed or known at the meeting. CLS will have finalized rule changes by their banquet scheduled for January 17th at Grand Casino Hinckley. For more information about the banquet or news regarding the 2009 schedule & rule changes please visit www.cedarlakespeedway.com often.