IRA December Newsletter - 12/14/09  

Seasons Greetings,

   Sincerely hope everyone enjoyed our recent banquet. Thanks to all that attended and special thanks to those who helped make it such a success. I can't thank Andrea & Beth Meyer, Kim & Tom Tennyson, and of course Gil Radtke and his gang enough for all they do. And how about our own Denise Ebler, what a performance!

   IRA passes out the 5th most dollars of all the sprint car organizations in the country. We far exceed some more publicized groups and more than double some other established 410 regions. I'm very proud of what we've put together here. Combining our point fund with our tow money program and totally unique tire rebate program, IRA awarded it's loyal teams over $100,000 above purses in 2009.... and that's not counting our contingency program which only falls behind Knoxville in product given away. Thanks to all our supporting teams and particularly to the eighteen 75% teams. As a reminder, some of the certs provided have a Dec. 31 expiration date attached, don't let those go to waste.

As we sit today I'm more than confident that we'll surpass our 09 numbers and look forward to announcing a few new sponsors, and some sponsor renewals as well in the upcoming weeks. There is much to be excited about in those regards!

   We are not scheduled to have a membership meeting till the Wednesday after the Chili Bowl, January 20th. I as well as several other IRA teams attended the very successful new IMIS Trade Show in Indy recently, plus I've had the privilege, through courtesy of my insurance job, to attend to the western RPM Promoters Workshop in Reno, and the annual PRI Show in Orlando even more recently. I'm so proud of how IRA is received throughout the industry and the relationships we've established over the years. We should have plenty to announce in January.

   Based upon the knowledge gained by the survey taken at the banquet, and what has been learned with constant communication from all the other prominent 410 winged tracks and series nationwide, it appears inevitable that we'll be on Goodyear tires in 2010. For the most part it will be a unknown, however we'll all be in this together. Unquestionably teams will have to adjust as the tires are designed to perform differently than what we're all used to, but again every 410 winged team in the country will have to make those same adjustments, and at the same time be rewarded incredibly for doing so. Additional programs will be established, and others enhanced with the additional funds.... not to mention each of our 75% teams should likely receive 3 FREE tires at some point during the season. There is obviously more to discuss prior to opening night and while we've not signed yet, our deadline to do so fast approaches and as stated earlier, it is inevitable. I realize this may not be popular with everyone, nor is it easy for me and a few others on the board based on relationships and even friendships on the other side, but most everyone acknowledges that there are zero advantages to being on a island and 100% of prominent winged 410 industry is in this together. It is absolutely impossible to make everyone happy when choices like this are forced upon us, and I know some will  be upset over this for an extended time, but I assure you that nobody else has researched options on this subject industry-wide more than I have. I can also state that nobody else gives these funds back to the actual tire buyers like IRA does and that is something that I am definitely proud of and that IRA truly does RIGHT! The entire prominent, if not eventually every, 410 winged track/series is in this together and after great debate the bottom line is simply that the offer is too much to turn down, period. I suggest that anyone with NEW, unused, Hoosier SC RR and/or Hoosier LR tires contact Howie at 262-642-4223 and arrange a return, a full credit minus a small Hoosier instituted return fee will be granted. A specific deadline on those wanting to return such tires will be posted, and that will be the one and only such opportunity to receive eventual compensation from Hoosier. Non-IRA Wilmot shows will specifically allow Goodyear or Hoosier SC RR, and open LR in 2010 so maybe some good used stuff can be funneled that direction.

  In regards to wings, survey overwhelmingly stated that we leave things as they were in 09. The only exception being that sideboards MUST have square 90 degree corners. However, if it appears teams are purchasing dish wings instead of using this as a run-off as it's supposed to be, we may have to discuss a specific dateline, whether it be mid-season or beginning with 2011. Again, cars with dish top wings can NOT run wickers on their nose wing.

   I am easily accessible and several teams have contacted me with their opinions and/or concerns. None of this is easy on me, and I also acknowledge that we're not all going to agree, even within the board. However I also know that it is likely that very few have discussed these topics to the extent I have.

   As for the 2010 schedule, much is in place. Still working with a few tracks and still sorting out a few new options to see if they can be worked in. I can honestly tell you that between the two Beaver Dam tracks, Oshkosh, Wilmot, and Plymouth that we'll  have 18 IRA dates between them. Potentially other nearby shows will likely be added such as 141.

Local opportunities are being considered before travel options, and you would be shocked to know a few of the tracks that have inquired about dates. There may some rotations as in regards to the locations but to give everyone an idea of Friday's they may need to take off work, I can provide you this info as of now.... Dodge Friday's are July 2 - Sept 3, Oshkosh June 11-July 16-Aug 27. Elko is July 23-24, you'll need June 18 for either Cedar Lake or Kankakee, Sept 11 for Superior, and most likely May 28 and maybe one other May or Jul Friday for Hartford and whatever else. Looking into trip permit options for those with big rigs. We'll be around our usual number of 10 such "work days" though at least 5 of those will be local for most between Dodge & Oshkosh alone. As for Saturday's or potentially entire weekends off, as it sits today there could be 1 in mid-May,

plus we'll not schedule against the Jul 10-11 WoO dates at Charter & Cedar Lake, nor the August 14 Knoxville Nationals.

   I sincerely wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Please contact me with any question or concern you may have, and look for upcoming sponsor announcements. Don't forget those certificate expiration dates and be sure to thank our supporting mfg & vendors on behalf of yourself and IRA when making your offseason purchases.

   Sincerely,

 Steve Sinclair

Posted by Dick_Symoens on December 16, 2009