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USMTS IMPLEMENTS
STIMULUS PACKAGE
WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (Feb. 4)
– During his famous inauguration speech in 1933, Franklin Roosevelt told a
nation in the depths of the depression that “the only thing we have to fear
is fear itself.”
For racecar drivers, the list may be a bit longer. Volatile fuel prices and
the escalating costs associated with parts and repairs are just the tip of
the iceberg when it comes to the material needs of today's competitors. From
the most well-funded teams in NASCAR to the pure stock driver from Anytown,
USA, the rising cost of racing is enough to strike fear in anybody's
checkbook.
"Obviously there's an uneasiness about the economy right now," said USMTS
president Todd Staley. "Everybody from sponsors and team owners to track
operators and race fans are tightening their belts and watching their
balance sheets closer than ever. We've been extremely blessed with enormous
support from sponsors, drivers and fans during these past ten years, so we
wanted to add some stimulus of our own to the extended USMTS family.
"The USMTS offers one of the best values in all of motorsports. For that
reason, we feel that the fans will continue to include USMTS events as part
of their entertainment budget so long as the product on the racetrack
continues to be the best of the best."
More than 800 different drivers from 23 different States took part in USMTS
events in 2008 as the rugged road warriors staged nearly 80 events at 45
unique venues in 14 different States throughout America’s heartland.
Therefore, by unanimous bipartisan consent of the congress of the United
States Modified Touring Series, the following stimulus package shall be
immediately implemented for the 2009 racing season:
ARTICLE I: For the third
straight year, the USMTS is holding the line on ticket prices for fans
attending USMTS National Tour and USMTS Southern Series events. For most
shows, the recommended adult ticket price will remain $15, with discounts
for kids and free admission for young children. Furthermore, the USMTS will
be offering new ways for fans to get discounts on tickets, contests to earn
season passes and more.
ARTICLE II: Drivers will see no
increase in 2009 for the cost of entry fees or a USMTS license. There is no
requirement to purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event.
Benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes higher event purses and bonus
payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, contingency awards,
points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a
personalized driver profile page at
www.usmts.com and more.
ARTICLE III:
However, drivers will see an increase when they visit the pay window after
each event. For instance, fourth place was $800 and will now be $900 for
licensed drivers, while seventh through tenth in each USMTS National Tour
main event will also see an increase in prize money. All licensed drivers
that qualify for the Holley "A" Main will be guaranteed at least $300, up
from $250 last season.
ARTICLE IV:
The 2009 race season will see two track provisionals at all USMTS races
during the 2009 season. On nights when there are 40 or fewer cars entered,
20 will qualify through the heat races and Real Racing Wheels "B" Mains. Two
USMTS provisionals will be awarded, along with two track provisionals to
create a 24-car Holley "A" Main starting field. On nights when 41 or more
cars check in, 22 qualifiers will be joined by two USMTS provisionals and
two track provisionals to make up a 26-car starting field. Track
provisionals will generally be awarded based on track points, but drawings
or other means may be used at the discretion of the promoter.
ARTICLE V:
The Top Dog bonus will remain in effect for both the USMTS National Tour and
USMTS Southern Series in 2009. Beginning with the third event in each region
of the USMTS National Tour, drivers will be guaranteed a minimum of $400 at
each event where that driver is among the top-10 in points for that region.
USMTS Southern Series drivers will be guaranteed a minimum of $300 at each
event where that driver is among the top-10 in points, while drivers ranked
11th through 15th will earn a minimum of $200.
ARTICLE VI:
Finally, for the fourth straight season, the Casey's General Stores Hunt for
the USMTS National Championship will crown the USMTS National Champion.
Eighteen events make up The Hunt for 2009, with all single-day events paying
$3,000 to win. The Sept. 18-19 doubleheader at the North Central Speedway in
Brainerd, Minn., will pay $2,000 to win on Friday and $3,000 to win on
Saturday. The 11th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree is set for Sept. 24-26,
with $2,000 going to the winner on Thursday, $4,000 on Friday and $6,000 on
Saturday.
God bless America.
Beginning its 11th season in 2009, the USMTS is the ultimate playground for
America’s hottest Modified drivers. To learn more about the United States
Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit
www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.
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PRESENTING SPONSOR: Casey’s General Stores.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, Arizona Sport Shirts,
AwesomeRaceSuits.com, Awesome Racewear, Bear Tire Company, BRODIX Cylinder
Heads, Childhelp, Gressel Racing, Houston Specialty Products Co., Karl
Chevrolet, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, New Vision Graphics, Nitroquest Web
Solutions, PBM Performance Products, Q.E.M., Inc., Western Flyer Xpress.
PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: Boom Drilling, Buzzard Racing Engines, Day Motor
Sports, Ramirez Race Cars, Olympic Fire Protection, Rookies Rockin’ Sports
Bar, Ruter Farms, Yeager Machine.
CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AFCO Racing Products, Belleville Motorsports, BSB
Manufacturing, COMP Cams, Duralite Racing Wheels, Dynatech Racing Exhaust,
GRT Race Cars, Hawk Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hyperco, ISKY
Racing Cams, KSE Racing Products, Marsh Racing Wheels, Quarter Master,
QuickTime Performance Race Parts, Real Racing Wheels, US Brake.
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