2003 FORUM ARCHIVES

2003 FORUM ARCHIVES
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Praise: Date:12/15/2003 Time:11:42:49 AM
I would like to thank Leon Steenbergen and Predator for the chassis I received as Rookie of the Year. I look forward to building the car and racing it in the very near future. Thanks again and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Don Fort, Pro #12

Problem: Date: 12/11/2003 Time: 5:39:59 PM
I know at the end of the rules meeting that the race director job was still up for grabs. I am kind of wondering if this has been addressed yet and why it was let go at the meeting so easy.

Comments: Date:11/11/2003 Time:10:16:41 AM
Just a note to formally thank Barb, Wally, Juli, Anthony, Dennis, Keith, John and Brenda, Rob, Chris, and all who helped with this years banquet. I also wish to formally apologize to all the members for initally omitting the very personable ladies from 151 in my introductions. I sat at their table and they are delightful and knowledgeable race folks
Phil Groebe

Question: Date:11/3/2003 Time:10:43:40 PM
Hi, My name is Harold Erickson. I compete with the United States Speedway Series. If you are not famililar with our series we race older IRL & Champcars primarily in the west. Our series visits AZ, ID, CO, CA, NM, UT, KS, NV, & TX. We race on 1/2 mile ovals & road courses. We would like to add a race in the Midwest. Would your club be interested in helping us to secure a track & race date in your part of the world? Additionally would your group have any interest in attending any of our events. Please contact me and we will go from there.
Forwarded to appropriate personnel, comments welcome.
Comments: Date:11/11/2003 Time:10:13:50 AM
As a PR guy, I recieved the email from Mr. Ericson of the United States Speedway Association. This group evolved about 5 years ago from AIS and other groups and is Based further West in the Colorado Area. They have a website and I spent a delightful hour on the phone with him. They run older CART and IRL cars on 1/2 mile ovals. They wish to set up dates for next year in the midwest with FIRA. We have filed this information away together with their address and phone for consideration by the membership and 2004 officers in scheduling the 2004 season. My personal thoughts are that these cars will create quite a draw, put on an awesome display of power and provide promoters with a program which may not need "stock cars" as a drawing card. These folks have the same values as FIRA, only on a larger scale. FIRA should followup on this ASAP...comment?
Phil Groebe

Question: Date:11/2/2003 Time:5:29:54 AM
I just bought a car that I'm not sure about. Some say it might be a really old Red Devil F440, somebody else pointed me to your website. What do you think? Here's a link to some photos:
http://www.geocities.com/n2pua/F440.html
Reply to:n2pua4@peoplepc.com

I believe it is a Laser , does anyone have any info on them, do they still exist?
Comments:Date:11/4/2003 Time:
Mystery car....
Yep, I think is the kneivl, kieneval yep one of those cars. I saw one for sale on ebay about a year ago on the west coast. With a little updating, the car could compete in FIRA! Looks like its been updated with JFZ brakes too.
Phil Groebe

Question: Date:10/9/2003 Time:11:24 PM
What does "qualified" mean? Does it mean those are qualified to vote? Does it mean those are the ones qualified to vote for? Does it have nothing to do with the voting?

I believe you are referencing the participation sheet? It has nothing to do with voting. "Qualified," means you had attended at least 50% of all races run and are qualified to receive point fund money's. This is stated in the rule book.

Again in the rule book; All members can vote on all issues, the only exception being racecar & engine rules (not safety related) where it is only one (1) vote per car.

(this is done so that no one person can pad the membership with "associate members" i.e. friends, to get there own rules passed. As had been done in the past.)

Question: Date:9/29/2003 Time:2:22:56 PM
when are the 2004 season applications due for the association?
is the association going to use the same tracks in 2004 as last season?
john rudolph mashe67@aol.com

The 2004 applications will be available after January. There is a due date for previous years members, to retain their number application must be received by March 1st. After March 1st it is First come First served.
The Tracks give us the dates they want us.
We propably will be running the same tracks but that is up to the Tracks.
Membership applications and Track information will be available on this web sight as soon as it is available

Comments: Date:9/29/2003Time:9:40:50 AM
Okay..Time is fast approaching for our annual meeting. All members should be thinking about attending as this years meeting might result in very significant rules changes...changes that have been discussed and not made in the past. Engines, sizes, classes, saftey, disclosure, logos, fuel injection, tracks, joint race events, and money are all items that could be discussed that will affect you and your race effort. Keep watching the site for the meeting date and please plan on attending. Also, please consider running for an office as elections will also be held at this time. Have a wonderful holiday season
FROM: Phil Groebe, asst PR

Comment: Just a thought, The award for "MOST DISTINGUISHED MEMBER" should be awarded to the person who has done the most for the club, it is akin to a most valued player award in ball sports except that it should be considered for any members of FIRA, not just drivers. We have a lot of support personnel who are not in the lime light and are not even thought of until it's to late to say thanks. Just my opinion. WAR

Comments sent along with vote:
Originating names will not be displayed on web unless requested.

Date:8/10/2003Time:9:06:37 AM: I like the new logo, the checkered flag makes the difference to me

Date:8/11/2003Time:8:33:37 AM: On the logos...I like both of them, but I vote for the new

Date:8/11/2003Time:8:50:27 AM: I like the "Original" logo... cleaner less cluttered look that's Simple and to the point

Date:8/13/2003Time:9:53:22 AM: I like the "new" style FIRA emblem. It better represents a FIRA race car.
Thank you for your input. Above: Not signed not counted

Date:8/15/2003Time:9:47:45 AM: The poll is interesting but unless I am wrong, the club already voted the new logo in 2 years ago as the official logo. It was at the meeting at the trucking company by Mike Nelson's home. I like the New one!

Comment: Date:8/29/2003Time:11:01:36 AM
Just a note: I apologize for not attending several races. Been busy building, testing and developing stuff. In my travels about, I recently met a couple who actually have heard of FIRA and actually follow FIRA racing!...real fans! They remember my old car although they don't remember specifics like driver names and car numbers etc. They were at a recent race in Lake Geneva...in the pits, gleefully expressed awe at the fine quality of competition, quality of race cars and the professional appearance of FIRA. After 14 years in FIRA, that made me proud. They did however talk a lot about an incident where some driver or crew folks were verbally offensive and irate over something about the guy's car. I was not present at the race, so I can't comment further. They went on about how unattractive this display was. After 14 years in FIRA, this doesn't make me proud. I have been guilty of an outburst or two as we all have in the heat of competition. Anger is one thing but offensive language and profanity displayed should be checked. The racing community is very small and one incident puts a black mark on all of us and the officers, webmaster, technical folks, race directors, etc., work too hard to make the FIRA image a bright one to have a disgruntled member darken it up in a 10 minute display of rage. Good things are quickly forgotten but bad things tend to be remembered forever. Drivers and members must control their pit crews actions. If you really must blow...go into someone's trailer, close the door and let it go...please don't embarrass the FIRA membership...thanks.
From: Phil Groebe PR

Comment: 8/25/03 7:42:29 AM
Sleeping in the Stands was not sleeping Friday night at Lake Geneva. Although there was a runaway winner (where did he come from?)the number of participants and extra laps made the feature race hard to watch sitting down. I think it is still a problem of unbalanced competiton that allows a car to win with the margin on Friday night. Good racing and good looking chicks in the stands, what a way to spend Friday night.

Comment: 8/23/03
The FIRA Rule Book & Tech Inspection is a privilege afforded all members by FIRA. It is not an inconvenience or a penalty! No one is picking on just you.
The rules are written for and Tech inspection is done to insure that all competitors are first and foremost SAFE
Don't think of "being teched" as a problem to be avoided.
It is a tool that can potentially save your life.
And one last thing even if something is not spelled out in the rule book, There is one thing that always applies, "car must be safe for high speed competition".
The 25+ years that FIRA has been here and the diverse backgrounds and experiences that our members bring to FIRA is a tremendous resource, us it, learn from it.
Wally Reitz

Subject Other: 8/16/03 3:06:31 PM
From: Stand Fan,GOOD RACING
I was at the races in Columbus i saw some of the best racing in a long while by the FIRA cars!..*. I give props to Brown in the 38 for having such a fast good handling car! However there seemed to be alot of rubbing and then some on the track..*.. P.S. Good racing #17
Original submission Edited by Moderator.

Questions: 8/14/03
I feel that the "Open Forum" is an excellent tool for the club members to use to discuss club issues. I question it's value when we post e-mails from non-members. As a club we should reply to these e-mails, but should they be posted in the Forum?
From: Jim Bass #99
The feedback we get to the site, if it contains an e-mail address and is of a general nature, such as praise, complaints or questions about FIRA that I can answer, I will normally answer personally.
If the feedback contains information that may be of use to, or that I believe may be of interest to the members I post it. In particular ones that may start a discussion.
Anyone who takes the time to send in comments, questions or suggestions deserves a reply if at all possible.
Their is Some feedback we get that is just garbage and they are never signed. And they are Deleted.
Some of the recent feedback was not signed and had no return address, it may or may not have been garbage, those I felt obligated to post and or answer. If you disagree, send me feedback I'll post that to.

Questions: 8/14/03
WANTED TO KNOW WHY ALL YOU GUYS YELL ABOUT BEING BUMPED OR CUT OFF DIDNT YOU EVER HEAR OF RUBBIN IS RACEN
From: ?
"Rubbing is racing" is from a movie DAYS OF THUNDER about stock car racing, Most stock cars weight in excess of 3000Lbs. and are full bodied with covered tires, large enclosed cockpits, extensive roll cages and multiple side entry bars.
Like us they run at high speeds and in close quarters, because of a stock cars size and weight they expect "Rubbin".
FIRA race cars weight a minimum of 750Lbs. are open cockpit, single seat race cars with exposed tires, they have tight fitting roll cages and a single side entry bar on both sides. They are very safe when raced as designed.
"Rubbin" as you put it, in stock cars, most of the time results in bent and busted sheet metal, in FIRA cars as in stock cars it can and does result in bent and busted drivers.
Intentionally rubbing or hitting a race car is like playing Russian Roulette with someone else's head, eventually he will get the loaded chamber. At the least it is dangerously stupid and at the most it is Deadly.
We Race cars for the competition, If you want rubbing run demolition derby's.

Questions: 8/8/03
Hey,
I caught your race at Geneva. Why the great difference in cars able to run together. Your series is fun to watch after the two top cars. what can you do to make the series more competitive? It is boring to see #1 drive away from the other competitors. You would think that the driver in #1 would look for a better challenge and move up to get some competition.
From: Sleeping in the stands
Dear S.I.T.S.
I'm sorry you were bored with the race at Lake Geneva Friday night, but from the spectators opinions I received after the race you must have been the only one..
The differences in cars is the nature of racing, all the people in FIRA are or will be my competition
In the heat the #99 Jim Bass led approximately 4 laps then #38 Vern led the remaining laps except for the last two (restart) laps.
In the feature the Luck of the draw and being hounded by Vern (who was all over me i.e.Competition) made the outcome a toss up, another point, over half of the field was on the lead lap at the finnish.
I don't believe I could find more competition and "Bang for the buck" than in FIRA.
FIRA is a member run club and tries to make the series competitive without stifling innovation.
Maybe you should watch the video and next time try coffee, or maybe No Doz!
Wally Reitz, Driver of FIRA PRO #1

Questions: 8/8/03
I was watching the race at Geneva and saw the 12 car run the 6 car off the track. No penalty was assessed. Is this driver out of control?
From: Furious Fan
I think the furious fan needs a nice pair of glasses so they can see the track. I don't know what they were watching but it wasn't our race. Eric and I weren't even close to hitting each other. Thanks for the concern though.Take care and happy eye glass hunting.
Don Fort #12 8/8/03 6:04pm
I talked to Eric Ritchey the driver of the #6 after the heat race, he lost a steering link, there was no mention of the 12 car running him off the track?

Comments: Jayson Beute
The email sent by FIRA to NAMRA regarding Jayson Beute's passing was added to the website. Just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences. It is very much appreciated.
Judy Rider, Jayson's Fiance, and member of NAMRA.
PS - I like your website!
Judy Rider JudyR@kentcmh.org 4/15/03 12:30pm

Comments: FIRA / NAMRA
hello, i am researching the car racing world (using snowmobile engines) for possible involvement in the sport. i am not a driver but a tuner/mechanic. i am a crew chief for a high profile pro enduro snowmobile race team. i enjoy tuning snowmobile engines. i would like to come to one of the races to see what it is all about. i know a little about the NAMRA series (i haven't been to a race yet) and the rules that they run by. i see that you have a four stroke engine class. as for the two cycle classes, what are the differences between FIRA and NAMRA? are there any teams that need a tuner? I use a racpak (downloadable recorder) that i use to tune sleds.
Mel Winnie wintech@coslink.net 4/13/03 10:30pm

See Below, Differences are mainly in weight, and engines size allowed.
The best thing to do is copy our rule book here and Namra at there web site below. A few rules that come to mind are the roll cages, Namra is 1" we require 1 1/4" and we require rear bumpers. Like I said mostly minor differences. We have run together successfully for probably 25+ years.
Wally

Question: FIRA / NAMRA
What is the difference between FIRA & NAMRA cars?
Rob Burgner FIRA #21 4/7/03 5:15pm
There competitive, arquementive and they think, there the best.
In other words, just like us, there RACERS.
There are more similarities then differences.
There are some rules differences for instance they do not allow 4 strokes in there club and there is no Pro-Am or B class.
Check there web site at http://www.namra.com/
Wally

Subject: One class system
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 18:05:59 -0500
From: James Bass <Jim99FIRA@netscape.net>
To: Vern Brown <vern_brown@flad.com>

The proposal: One Class System for Formula Indy Racing
Why:
1. To provide a better show
2. Less confusing for the fans
3. Our club is so small that on some nites we have 3 cars in a
class( not a good show )
4. The slower car will make more money per race
5. The club would save a ton of money at the end of year on
trophies ( only one class )
6. In the heat races, fast cars would race fast cars & and
slower cars would race slower cars
( good show, more points available to slow cars )
7. Easy points keeping. (No computer required to figure out
points)
8. Easy money payout and the feature race would be easier to
score.
9. Better distribution of the prize money. The slower car
gets a bigger share. This should help equalize
the cars.
10. Engine rules could be simpler and give a person a greater
number of engines to chose from.
11. Simpler system makes it easier for the club to get someone
to be treasurer.

How to keep it fair & cost effective:
1. Cars that now run in pro-am could go down to a weight of
650 lbs.
2. Cars that now run in pro would go up to 850 lbs.
3. The Board of Directors in the first year could adjust the
weight difference to keep the cars
competitive.
( does this system work YES! SCCA did it years ago and it
has worked great )

How about payout?
1. I propose the system we used at Hawkeye downs. The payout
is the same for all
drivers, what the track pays out the driver gets. The way
it would go down is :
1/3 payout for qualifying
1/3 payout for starting heat race
1/3 payout for starting feature race
Payout for cars that don't qualify, or start the heat or
feature would go into the
club general fund.

How about points?
1. Points would be only for the end of year championship. You
would get one point for each car you
beat, plus one point for starting the race.
10 car field = 1st 10pts, 2nd 9pts, 3rd
8pts etc
6 car field = 1st 6pts, 2nd 5 pts, 3rd
4pts etc
So the fast car in a 10 car field who wins the heat &
feature would get a total of 25 pts for the nite.

How about heat races?
1. There would still be two heats, 50% of the cars in the
first heat & 50% of the cars in the second heat,
divided based on qualifying time. The winner of each heat
would get 5pts. in a 10 car field.
This would help the slower cars in the championship.
2. If there is an odd number of cars, the extra car goes into
the slower heat. To give an example in an
11 car field the winner of the slow heat would get 6pts.
Again this would help the slower cars in
the championship.
3. The line up would be the same as it is now (fast car last).

How about the feature?
1. All cars start the feature just as we do now, up to our max
number.
2. The line up could be as it is now or just invert the whole
field (fast car last)

Subject: One Class System
From: Phil Groebe
RE: Jim Bass n Vern Brown’s comments in previous post
As PR Director and sort of a part time, WebguyWally contributor and assistant, I want to thank Jim and Vern for their recent post about his views on a one class system. The Forum is for this sort of discussion. So, I will take my hat off as Assistant PR Director and put on a FIRA members T shirt and throw in my two cents.
I have always said that those who pass rules which tend to benefit what is in their garage may not have the best interest of FIRA in mind but rather self interest. Rules and rule changes should be made only for the long term benefit of FIRA.
First and foremost I want to go on record as being "in principal" for an entry level class. It is also a great, if not the only place, to market an old Pro car. I say this with reservation. In years past, the ebb and flow of class count has varied but has ultimately evened out. In the recent past however, this is not the case as there has been a consistent decline in ProAm count without rumblings of any new ProAm entries "in the wings". My conclusion is that if the Division isn’t attracting new members or minimally keeping old ones, its isn’t worth keeping. We probably shouldn’t pump money, time and effort into a dead class that doesn’t even get support from existing Pro Am owner/drivers.
I agree heartily and substantially with Jim n Vern’s first 11 points. However I disagree with the proposition of car weight. After having built several cars myself, my suggestion is to leave the weight alone as 750 pounds is an appropriate weight, there is no need to make them heavier. A 650 pound car with a tube chassis is unsafe.
Regarding payout…The proposition that all cars get paid equally is, in my way of thinking, absurd and not only rewards mediocrity but encourages it. Racing, like bowling, baseball and life, rewards successes more than failures. We should not only reward racing successes but we must also reward member participation…just as we do now with show up fees. I am also in favor of paying down more as a reward for participation.
In fact, Jim n Vern’s Point payout program rewards racing successes but it also rewards participation. As far as the races, the one class system is exactly the way Vern states. In heats, fast cars race against fast cars and slow cars race against slow cars. In the feature, it is the same with the exception of the presentation of a trophy for ProAm. I agree with Vern’s views on heats and feature races. There…that’s my 2% of a dollar.

Reply: Posted 4/22/03 9:30pm
Hi Phil Thanks for your feed back. the only reason i was suggesting a weight of car change do to with engine size is to still let the cars with a 440 engine still compete and use up there equipment. The weight of 650/750 was only an example, i agree to get the cars down to 650 would be hard. Maybe 750/850 would have been a better example. Anyway how to equalize the cars will be a trial and error thing. As for your comments on my suggestion on payout. This club needs car count we dont have the luxery of 30 to 40 fields. We need all the clubs cars at all events to put on a good show. The extra money a back marker or beginner might get might help him to show up at more races. The littel monies the front runners might lose i dont feel would hurt them that much. I feel the front runners will always be there no matter what. lets give an example: at columbus the track pays $50 per car that shows up, the winner might now get $80 to $90 bucks the last place gets $25. the way iam suggesting everybody would get $50. If you are new to fira and are having problems that extra $25 might help to keep you comming and not to get disouraged
and i think the championship & race win trophy are enough to keep everybody in i got to win mode. Frankly when i race i dont think about the purse, only to pass the car in front of me, the mony thoughts come in when i have a breakage problem and only get $25. well thats my thoughts isnt this fun? Vern

Reply: Posted 11/14/03
I believe that we should retain the two class system but go back to making one class an inexpensive as possible entry level for people wanting to "try out the waters"
The current point system tries to encourage participation in, and at all of the track that schedule FIRA. If you are only paying points based on the number of cars showing up at an event then at tracks where we have a normally low car count their will be less incentive to participate. resulting in even lower car counts
The math you propose could be just as difficult as the current system and requires you to count every car at every race and does not take into account those cars that show up and then don't run an event for some reason. ( in your own example you say "10 car field = 1st 10pts, 2nd 9pts, 3rd 8pts etc 6 car field = 1st 6pts, 2nd 5 pts, 3rd 4pts etc So the fast car in a 10 car field who wins the heat & feature would get a total of 25 pts for the nite." what happened to the "plus 1 point for starting the race?
I don't see how " 9. Better distribution of the prize money. The slower car gets a bigger share. This should help equalize the cars." How would this help equalize the cars?
The current point system does not require a computer I wrote a program for Barb to make it faster to figure out, I and many before me used nothing but basic math,
I do not agree with the weight rules you propose and in particular going down to 650# the car weights now are designed to be as safe as possible. And what criteria will you use to decide who should weight what?
And in short, as to the point system "IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT!"
Wally Reitz 1/8 11/14/03

Question:Road Racing?I heard that fira was sactioned for road america and black hawk farms road tracks...is this true..If not, why....I think that road racing is a great experience....the speed and thrill is unmeasurable
sexy_racer37@hotmail.com 4/7/03 8:32pm
Contact requested Forwarded to appropriate personel.

Questions: Road Racing? 3/28/03 1:11:35 PM
If so many people want to go road racing why don't they go to that club? Why is this club talking about road racing when I was told that this club was just doing ovals? edited.
Not signed
Replies: 5 / Last one dated 4/16/03

AS FOR ROAD RACING, ITS GREAT FUN AND EXPENSIVE IF YOU WANT TO DO IT GO AND HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH THE MCSCC PICK A CLUB. BUT FIRA COULD SUFFER FROM THIS IN LOSS OF CARS AT OUR EVENTS DO TO SCHEDULE OR CRASHES
Sent By:Vern Brown 4/16/03 6:47am

FIRA has historically been and remains an oval track association. Some members expressed a desire to explore road racing and they are doing just that, exploring.
FIRA is still a member run club and any change in venue has to be by majority vote. Wally Reitz WEB racer

FIRA never has, and does not have a road racing program at this time. FIRA is not sactioning a road racing program and races only on ovals. There are several FIRA drivers who are interested and have made necessary contacts and arrangements to race in a local road race club. Information regarding road racing was disseminated to anyone who is interested. Simply put, if you don't want to road race, don't.
Sent By:Phil Groebe PR guy 3/29/03 6:47am

Just to let everyone know that the guys that are going to do some road racing this year are FIRA members first. For myself I want to be able say "I tried it". We have a vary strong club so lets keep it that way. I hope everybody is ready to go. We have a great schedule this year and membership is up. See you at rookie day.
Sent By: ' lets race' Neal BRD/RCR 3/30/03 5:42:58 PM

The club is not doing road racing, some members are! You can to if you want too. I am one of those members that wants to give it a try, hell it looks like fun, but so does all types of racing.
Sent By: Keith Howard President/PR Director/RCR 3/30/0310:46 PM

Reply sent to: sexy_racer37@hotmail.com
Hello!
Thank you for your inquiry as to FIRA and road racing. There has recenlty been some confusion regarding the FIRA organization and Road Racing. Let me try and clear it up!
FIRA is an oval based organization and has not, nor does it sanction any races other than oval races at this time. The FIRA schedule is posted on our website, Again, FIRA does not sanction any road racing at this time.
The confusion has arisen from the fact that several members want to try road racing and accordingly, they have approached Formula Club of the Midwest Council about road racing. The MC has apparently given their approval to FIRA cars (not the organization) to compete in the MC scheduled road races in 2003 provided certain of the MC requirements are met. I am not sure what the all are, but generally, the cars are okay to run but require things like putting the fuel cell in a metal can, a fire extingusher, a running light and most importantly, attending the classroom and on-track schools. After the cars are inspected by MC, they will get a logbook, which is typical of the road racing clubs. I under stand that several members attended the classroom school last week. Initially, FIRA cars will be put in an unrestricted or unlimited class until the owner/drivers sort out the cars and gain some experience and the cars prove their merit...a formitable task at best as road racing lasts 30 to 45 minutes at a time...an eternity for a FIRA car. I guess if an old Formula One car show up, they will be in the same class as a FIRA car!
The result of all this, I think, is that anyone who owns a FIRA car (with MC enhancements) that has an MC license can road race with MC but it is not, not at this time, a FIRA sanctioned event. On the other hand, one who has a FIRA car, does not have to be a FIRA member to race with MC either....and yes there are races scheduled at Blackhawk, Gingermann, and the big 4 mile, track at Road America. For more info, come on out to the FIRA Rookie Practice Day at Lake Geneva next Sunday. By the way, road race tech is next Friday night and the on track school for road racing is next saturday a blackhawk...a full plate of racing I'd say!
Phil Groebe FIRA PR Tuesday, April 08, 2003 10:49 AM

On fuel injection (factory) I have found out when getting a new engine I could have picked up a FI one a lot cheaper than the used carb one I did get. I have found that with most makes.
Harry Rosenfield #41Crew Chief/ Board of Directors 6/19/2003 10:53 pm

FUEL INJECTION?? IM OUT ON THIS. MAYBE IF WE REQUIRE STOCK AS OUT OF SLED OR BIKE MAYBE. IF THE INJECTED CARS ARE MUCH FASTER DO WE ALLOW THE OLDER ENGINES TO UPDATE???
Vern Brown 4/16/03 6:47am

I am against FI being allowed at this time. I believe that even if there may be a perceived or real HP advantage? there is also: additional cost, complication, lack of availability for older engines and an additional learning curve. The majority of our engines do not come with FI and Basic Carburation has worked so far and is readily available for all.
Wally FIRA #8/1 >3/12/03 @8:50am

My response to fuel injection...there is no increase in power with factory fuel injection. Its purpose is to make combustion more efficient and it does exactly that. Virtually all of the new sleds are equipped with FI and we shouldn't limit its use because its relatively new. FI bike motors are cheaper than non FI. If cost and efficency is counted..its has to be FI.
Phil Groebe FIRA PR/Builder >3/12/03@ 11:05am

To clarify & Repeat my assertions: The majority, i.e. older 2 stroke engines do not come with FI and Basic Carburation has worked so far and is readily available, perfected, no black boxes, no electronics and again no added complication and if you are increasing efficiency, you will by definition increase horse power. NASCAR does not use FI for the very same reasons, I don't mean to compare us to NASCAR but I believe we can learn from them. How about some others opinions?
Wally FIRA #8/1 >3/12/03 @11:30am

How many of our racecars use the stock carbs that came on that motor from the mfg? Both two cycle and four cycle motors have been refitted with different carbs. I think it would be cheaper and simplify the motor installation to just refit the fuel injected motor with carbs, just as we have refitted carbs onto pre F.I. motors in the past.
Jim Bass FIRA #99 4/5/03 @ 4:37pm

We race approximately 20-22 dates this year. There are no other Illinois asphalt short tracks left and Indiana is too far for most members. Wisconsin has small ovals but the area is entrenced with stock car fans. As it is now, we compete with track time with 10 other classes of cars, many of whom race for trophies. We race at those tracks who like a different look, are willing to pay the required fee for our program. Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of choosing our venues. If you feel that FIRA should expand its area of exposure, say so! That is what the forum is for
Sent By: Phil Groebe PR guy 3/29/03 6:47am

We contacted 4 other tracks for races, and did not receive an answer from them. We also had people call these track promoters, and still no reply. If anyone knows of another track that may be interested, let me know and who to contact.
Sent By: Keith Howard President/ PR Director 3/30/03 10:40 PM