Date Posted:  January 21, 2011

The Great Tire Debate
and other Late Model rules discussions

One year ago a similar article was posted at a similar time, heading into the annual drivers meeting.  A couple months removed from the weekly on-track competition that generates such lively, passionate and spirited discussion about officiating and rulings, speedway management and Late Model drivers have managed to keep their relationship alive in the off-season through a series of meetings to discuss potential changes to the Late Model class.

Some would say improvements.  Some might say advancements.  Some would like nothing in life to change. 
And some just wait patiently for a decision.

These are the days of the political discussions that pre-empt each season.  The speedway presents an agenda for change - in the rule book, for the race format, the scheduling, etc. - and the race teams offer insight and feedback based on their experience.  The challenge is gaining consensus.  In most sports there are two adversaries competing at any competition.  The challenge of parity, making sure each team has a fair opportunity to achieve victory, is therefore limited to Team A vs. Team B.  In racing, like in golf, that challenge is more significant because of the number of players involved in any one event.

The greatest challenge I see in creating a racing rule book for any division is taking into consideration how many participants are going to be able to meet your criteria.  Safety, part availability, cost, maintenance and the time involved
to make it all come together are just some of the factors.

A key decision that should be announced at the February 13th meeting will be the tire to be run by Flamboro Late Models.  Currently the only weekly Late Model class in the province on the American Racer brand, speedway management is carefully evaluating the potential switch to the more common 8-inch Hoosier racing tire.  Said promoter John Casale, "We have to consider it an option.  All the other surrounding tracks are on that tire and are having good results.  It would give our guys an opportunity to be part of a greater group, be able to more easily join invitational events, and hopefully attract some outside competition to our bigger Late Model shows like the Triple Crown and Oktoberfest."

The heartbreaking flipside to the argument is the potential loss of long-time speedway sponsor and partner, Grisdale Racing.  The Grisdale group were the original sponsors of the popular Triple Crown Tournament, and have been leading supporters of Late Model racing at Flamboro Speedway for more than a decade.  They are the preferred supplier of the American Racer racing tires and other race car components used by the Late Model teams, and other divisions competing at Flamboro Speedway.

Said Casale, "Bill Grisdale, Adam Lockwood and their family and team have done a lot for the Late Model division and for this speedway.  It's their longstanding support and relationship with our teams and events that continues to weigh so heavily in this consideration."

Driver reaction is similarly split.  Many drivers prefer the American Racer tire, not just for its proven ability to wear on the track or its ability to compensate for setup short-comings, but for their devotion to Grisdale Racing.  Others are considering the greater opportunity to be challenged by the new tire, and the greater ease to compete at large-purse invitationals.

As it has been explained to me, the consideration is to have the Late Model drivers run the 8-inch Hoosier tire on their current 10-inch rims; creating a similar patch to what they are currently racing with.  The difference in the tire compound is what will create the new challenge for teams come April, as the Hoosier tire has a reputation of being unforgiving for poor chassis setup.  This will, in theory, slow the cars down and take focus off the battle between crate motors and built engines and redistribute that focus onto chassis setup.  Bottom line: A good setup and a strong driver will be more important than power.

Other exciting decisions to look forward to on February 13th include: Will Limited Late Models from other speedways be given opportunity to run at weekly events and specials with the Flamboro Late Models?  What is the rule plan for refreshed crate motors?  What penalties await the rail chassis?  Is a laser timer or transponder system in the plans for the new season?

We'll all find out together on February 13th at the Waterdown Legion.  79 Hamilton Street North, Waterdown.

Registration opens at 11am.  The meeting starts at Noon.

Cheers,

JP