  | January News Letter |
JANUARY IRA NEWSLETTER
Jan. 7, 2010
Hope everyone is surviving global warming ok, I say this as I prepare to rev up my trusty Toro snow-blower, again! Well the New Year is upon us and with each day we’re closer to race season. Preparations are well on their way and I look towards 2010 with much enthusiasm. The schedule is taking shape and plans are moving forward. Our next membership meeting is Wed. January 20th, at the Bowlero and I’ll do my best to get everyone up to speed as there is plenty going on.
We’re looking at a 30-33 race schedule, and what is truly exciting about that is that there will be right around 20 dates WITHIN a 2 hour drive (or less) for the large majority of our teams. Additionally we have a pair of 2-day shows at the same venue (Cedar Lake & Elko) making things even more appealing when it comes to travel.
I can also tell you at this time that yes we did sign a drive axle contract with Goodyear. To my knowledge, the entire 410 winged world has now gone that direction, and we were put into a position which made it obvious that we too needed to go this way. Even tracks who had planned staying with Hoosier have all gone Goodyear. To put it simply, the financial investment Goodyear is putting towards 410 winged sprint car racing is in historic proportions. I can also state that these tires are designed differently than what we’ve become accustomed to, set up adjustments will have to be made to compensate for those design differences, but the entire 410 winged community will have to adjust together. With all change though comes the fact that some teams will be happy, others will not. But from a investment standpoint Goodyear has certainly stepped up to the plate and the offer we signed is significantly worth MORE than I previously mentioned to everyone, in fact five figures more per year than I stated at the last meeting. Not to mention that they will be sponsoring our Rookie of the Year Award for the length of the contract as well. And yes in addition to the tremendous financial support we will also be awarding 2 tires per night to series supporting teams at each drivers meeting. Based upon the number of teams that meet participation requirements, that should come out to 3 FREE tires per team over the course of the year. There are other product incentives too that we’ll discuss at the meeting on the 20th.
With IRA having the luxury of having Bumper to Bumper as a title sponsor, this leaves IRA in the great position of continuing our unique tire rebate program which will now include LR tires too. Our rebate program is applauded by racers nationwide, yet to my knowledge IRA is the only series or track doing it! Additionally we can continue to invest in our contingency program, continue and/or add to our 100% participation program, and create other great supporting team benefits too like adding dollar amounts to positions 2nd back to whatever in the point standings etc…., etc…
Also, by Goodyear covering the $1250 cash Rookie of the Year Award portion, that’s another $1250 we don’t have to take away from the overall group total.
So I can honestly say that I’m proud IRA can offer its’ supporting member teams such incentives as tow money, tire rebates, a industry leading insurance package, an outstanding contingency program, the nightly Osborn fast time $, nightly heat & B-main awards, one of the best point funds in sprint car racing (which just got even better), the knowledge and skill of a trained safety team, regional & national sponsors, being able to compete at the best tracks in the area, national recognition, and the highest overall nightly A-main purse in the entire upper-Midwest…. And lets not forget our friendly and dedicated group of officials!
IRA is again a finalist for National Sprint Car Promoter of the Year, in great company with the staffs of
Updated work days to reserve off are May 7 ??, May 14 or 28
July 16
Our Jan 20th meeting is just after the Chili Bowl and I’ll do what I can to get everyone up to speed on recent events, and let you know what was learned at IMIS, Reno RPM, and PRI too… and give a brief outline of the rough schedule, not to mention explain the details of our new tire deal. Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of the certificates from the banquet and remember some have expiration dates.
Stay Warm,
Posted by Dick_Symoens on January 7, 2010