2006 FORUM ARCHIVES
RECEIVED: Thursday, October 12, 2006 10:55 AM Replies to this post: 67 / Last post Sunday, November 19, 2006 8:25 PM
"With the
demise of over half the tracks that FIRA raced over the years, higher
costs & dwindling participation.
What's in the future for FIRA ??"
(Gone, Raceway Park,
The Dells & Lake Geneva)
The intention
of the above posting by me on the front page was not to start a debate,
but rather to start you thinking. And to use the forum as a place to
express your THOUGHTS & IDEAS so that everyone has a
chance to actually think about your ideas, before we have a meeting
Wally R.
FIRA 8,
Moderator
Thoughts, Opinion, Ideas????
1: Wednesday,
October 18, 2006 11:44 PM
Rather than debate this issue in the
Forum, I think we should all start thinking about what we want out of FIRA
and prepare for a meeting or two as soon as possible. Post a meeting time
on the Web so that anyone interested in joining can be involved. For those
that feel they want to go road coarse racing, I would expect information
on costs to enter and change over the cars, payouts and licensing . For
the Oval guys, I would expect information on past payouts, potential new
tracks as well as when each track races.
I personally feel that the most important issues are car count and our
point system. I also feel we need to start early as the competition for
dates may be tougher.
A meeting on any Saturday or Sunday to talk racing is better than the
football I have been watching.
Tim Roach FIRA 17
2: Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:03 PM
I would like to encourage serious
discussions and sharing of ideas for the upcoming season by posting some
of my thoughts on the forum. I am not saying that I am right and this is
the way it should be, these are only ideas and I encourage everyone’s
feedback. If I am way off, please tell me why you think so. A rules
meeting won’t be for months but by sharing ideas in the Forum we may be
able to have a foundation and direction for the club in place.
The first issue I would like to address is our point system. I feel all
races should be point races and there should be no 80% rule. No
Mulligan's!!!!!! When I say all races, it would include Little Car
Nationals. I also would like to suggest that the last race of the year
and one midseason, perhaps July 4, would be double points night.
My thought behind this is that car count is falling. We need more cars
out regularly. The 80% rule allows teams to take up to 3 nights off.
This is not the way to encourage people to enter our club or is it a
good show for the fans. More cars equals better racing. I am sure that
there would have been 2 or 3 more cars out at Lake Geneva if double
points were on the table and a team could have moved up a spot in the
final standings.
Tim Roach FIRA 17
Any information for road racing can be found on the Midwestern Council
website at
www.mcssc.com .
I see
road racing as a way to expose FIRA to a new racing community. It is also a way to get more crew members and
family involved. It is a way to somewhat
level out the competiton. Some drivers excel on the ovals others excel
on the road course. What most appeals to me is the amount of seat time
road racing requires.
Eric
Gallagher
4: Friday, October 20, 2006 9:28 PM
Race every week.
5:
Saturday, October 21, 2006 12:47 AM
Have weekly races at one track as part as their program. And special
shows at other tracks..Like race Every Fri. night at one track who will
have us as part of their weekly show. Like Madison if we can get on
their program every Fri Night.
Then if Rockford or 151 has a special for us we can go there on
Sat.night or some other track.
We should try to get on Madison's and Jefferson's schedule. That would
be my thought.
Jeff Tomashek #35
Eric, Great post
You seem to have a lot of knowledge in the road course area. I would
like to try it. There is an event on Oct 21 and 22 (THIS WEEKEND) if
anyone is interested. Eric, will you be there? Rather than have to
spend hours on the website, I have it on my favorites, help me out.
What do I need to do to my car to get on the track? Do I need a
physical? a licence? On board fire extinguisher. Would I have to
change springs and shocks? What about gears? Would bike motors and
sleds both be competitive? What is the entrance fee? I won’t hold you
to anything but give me some feedback.I do like the idea of lots of
track time. Right now I get it on Wednesday night practice at Columbus
Thanks, Tim FIRA 17
Jeff I like the idea of racing every week
Rain outs are when I go out for dinner with the wife. Can any of the
senior members, not age but length in the club, confirm that FIRA was
a regular Saturday night division? Madison and Columbus are Friday’s.
Jefferson and Rockford are Saturday I am still hoping for the Dells to
re-open and the new Janesville International Speedway (Tim’s
prediction is April 2008) What are peoples opinion on Slinger? It is
Sunday which makes for a rough Monday but at least you don’t have to
get off work. What do the Chicago area guys think? Are there other
tracks down there that I do not know of?
Tim FIRA 17
Moderator. 6:00 AM
FIRA has never been a regular division at any one track, Rockford was
considered our home track up until the last 3 years (we averaged 12
races a year there & were paid 2-3 times as much as now)
As FIRA, or as MMRA before 1990 has raced at all of the above tracks (
excluding Janesville of course ). And off the top of my head Golden
Sands PLover, WI. LaCrosse, WI. Wisconsin International, Grundy County,
IL. Joliet Stadium, IL. 141 in Francis Creek, WI. Anderson Speedway
Anderson, IN. Benton County, IN. Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IO. and
with NAMRA (now gone) Kalamazoo, MI. South Bend, MI. Berlin, MI.
Along with one race at Black Hawk Farms, WI. Road course in the 80s With
GEM Go Karts ( Also Gone ) We also put on numerous demos at such tracks
as The Milwaukee Mile & Chicago Stadium ( the Stock Yards)
I am sure I forgot many other tracks but I have only been in this club
since 79.
The problem then as now is car count and a willingness to travel.
(remember our membership is spreed over 2 or 3 states )
In the 80s and 90s a bad night was 15-20 cars. For a number of years we
where a NASCAR registered club thanks to Jack Deery, this helped us get
into many tracks. Some time in the last few years the powers that be
decided that it was to expensive to be NASCAR members and allowed the
connection to be broken.
Car count by participation are the main keys to success. Just my
opinion. Wally, FIRA #8, FIRA WebMaster
6: Saturday, October 21, 2006 11:05 AM
I agree that the key is car count but
how do we increase it.
Do we dedicate our club to one track and hope that other drivers see
us every night and want to join us?
Jeff made a good point with to race at Columbus every Friday if they
want us. Take Rockford as well. I would race back to back Friday and
Saturday.
Throw in a road course to see how it goes.
The key is that all races must be
points with no Mulligans. Make the road course a double points night
and I think we would have a good showing. If you keep the 80% rule,
some drivers will take the road course as a Mulligan, not show up, and
our car count at an inaugural event will suck. This is no way to make
an impression.
How do we get current drivers to look at us?
We need to throw ideas to the PR group.
The world of wheels show is nice but I don’t see it as a racers event.
I suggest we put our heads together and come up with ideas.
What do people think about:
1 There is a show put on by Midwest Motorsports Racers Auction in January that I went to last year and there was a minicup booth as well as a couple of other vendors. Would a FIRA booth work there? All the people seemed to be racers and not show car guys and girls.
2 On off nights, we could have a car at the entrance to the stands so that people could see it up close. Not all spectators go to the pits afterwards and we always want to get going home. I think the track owners would go for this. I have seen it before.
3 Contact current owners who have their cars for sale and see if they are interested in bringing it to a track entrance for display. It is cheaper than running a for sale add or putting it on EBAY. It might even reignite the racing bug in them. Have listings, handouts with pictures, of cars for sale and contacts so that we can get these cars out of the garages and onto the track. Key here is that someone must be there to answer questions on cost, we need to push Fast Affordable and Fun racing. People think these cars are expensive but it is the opposite.
4 Would any current car owners look at renting a ride to an experienced driver? Post on the web that you will rent a ride to the right driver. This may be tricky with liability and damage concerns though.
More ideas for the PR group would be appreciated. Tim, FIRA 17
Moderator. 6:40PM
You fellows are new to FIRA so I don't
expect you to know the history of this club, so please, don't take
anything I say as a direct reference to you, or an attempt to talk
down to you, OK? but a lot of things that you mention have been done.
For Instance,
FIRA / MMRA Has been at many, many shows including The World of Wheels, Wisconsin Motorsports, Indianapolis Motorsports show, and too many to list. I might add with GOOD success with PR directors such as Bob Cormack, Keith Howard & Phil Groebe working their butt off to get into these shows.
But again there is a lack of participation, just
a few of us would be doing the shows & after awhile we stopped asking
others except those few too even show up. This then led to more hard
feelings.
But we still need to make these and all shows we can, again keeping
cost in mind and PARTICIPATION!
Friday night & Sunday races are always lower car count do to the fact that a lot of members are employed in jobs that they cannot get the time off from, in particular the younger members.
Distance, when we run Grundy I'm 30
minutes away, BUT 2.5 hours from 151 & 5-6 hours from LaCrosse &
Hawkeye & most tracks in Michigan or Indiana are even longer travel
times especially for those in Wisconsin
Just the opposite is true for anyone closer to the tracks that I am
far from.
Rockford is a question mark, the property is very valuable and the Deery family does not seem to be as directly involved as was the case in prior years. We had a great fan base there but times and car count has diminished that.
Display a car near the grand stand with someone to explain our concept is an excellent idea, again PARTICIPATION & receiving the track permission.
Road racing has been debated a number
of times over the years and maybe should be debated again? MAYBE
LATER.
But Road racers and Oval racers are like stock cars & open wheelers
used to be, They are all racers but they don't seem to want to agree
on anything. But what is fun for some becomes a chore for the other.
Wally
7: Saturday, October 21, 2006 7:59 PM
As far as Friday night racing goes i think it is an inconvenience to most members. I myself am a carpenter and i work 5-6 days a week. Making it to a race on Friday nights is hard. I rather see Saturday nights. All though beggers can't be choosers.
Not to push the road courses but we tend to like the weekend race.
More laid back relaxing atmosphere. Pot luck dinners and dj's are part
or the race weekend festivities. Tim, as for the info on the road
course ; a physical is required, along with a driving class which is
very educational and seat time is plentiful ! M.C. requires cars to go
through tech inspect.(safety)Fire extinguisers are mandatory. Set-up
is pretty much trial and error. Gears are dependent on the various
tracks. We have been told if we can get a decent car count we can have
our own race instead of a combination of different classes.
Eric
Gallagher
8: Saturday, October 21, 2006 8:32 PM
Why don't we ask the guys with cars sitting home why they
are home instead of at the track.
Let's get to the root of the problem. I can tell you I was a little
disappointed with all the cancellations. But that was out of our
control. We started in the middle of the season and really looked
forward to racing. We did miss 1 race because Lyle got
married that weekend. His wife told me he wasn't racing that weekend.
Darn it.
We had to change our motor before the last race. we started at 4pm .
put it in and had to pull it again. Fix the gasket and put it back in
car. That was 7:30. we took off and got to the track just in time.
Everybody was lining up for the 1st race. We just made it. And we had a
blast.. To bad we couldn't run the feature.But we busted butt to get
there. And we are here to race. I'm trying to get a few of our friends
to come over and race with us. I just had a friend just bought his son a
truck to run in the truck series. He just turned 16 and he will spend
over $70,000-90,000 to run it next year. When I told him about our
series and the cost. He said he wished he knew it before he spent the
money on the truck. And his son wanted to know more about our series. He
loved to go-cart and this is what he really would like to race. He likes
open wheel racing. His dad races in the truck series at Madison. I guess
they are not having truck races at Madison next year. They are going to
race at Jefferson.. Lyle and I are planning to race the full season next
year and try to get some new members. We have guys out there that want
to race. A lot has to do with cost in stock car racing thats why they
are not racing. But the cost in this series is very small. And the
excitement is priceless. I want to maybe get another car for next season
and put someone in it. So we would have 2 cars out there. I was thinking
of Lyles brother Craig. Craig is great driver and has won some big
races..Lyle and I are doing our best to recruit people. And anything we
can do to promote this series we are there to help.
Jeff #35
9: Sunday, October 22, 2006 9:41
AM
Maybe we should look to Sat or Sunday racing. I
own a Drywall Business and I have Payroll on fri,, Lyle drives truck and
can't make it back in time on Fri. He is off on weekends. We just made a
few races without being able to practice. But we made a lot of effort to
get there on time. The road racing sounds good. And we like to go to
practice during the week when we can. "Rockford" I don't think will
sell anytime soon "Hopefully". The Janesville track will probably never
come about anytime soon. It was a thought Ken had and if you read the
Janesville paper, they are getting a lot of flack from people who live
in that area. They don't want the Fairgrounds or the Snappers. But don't
give up. It might end up across from the County Jail on a land swap. I
did talk to someone who is very involved in this. And they are going to
do everything to get a nice race track here. It would be nice to to get
a Series sponsor. Like Parts Unlimted or Lemans. I was going to talk to
Fred about this. I did talk to Bob and he said he really doesn't have
much to do with Lemans. Bob started Foxy's along time ago.I just see a
lot of tracks shutting down around us. 2 in one year. Maybe the road
racing would be a
great thing coming up. The IRL run them, Why not us. Just some
thoughts. Jeff Tomashek #35
10: Sunday, October 22, 2006
3:10 PM
HOW ABOUT RUNNING WITH THE RASCAL
OUTLAWS TO INCREASE CAR COUNT
DNovo24178
11: Sunday, October 22, 2006 4:20 PM
Tim and other potential road race enthusiasts, we will be presenting a proposal we have put together to help answer all your road racing questions at the rules meeting. There is no time like the present to figure out what we are gonna do with our club. The idea of road racing has been tossed around but that was when there were more then two tracks and more cars. I also think that an effort should be made to contact the 440 class/ pro-am guys. Rumor has it, it's because there is no pro-am class anymore. Why is that? Lets try to accomidate members to up the car counts and fan bases. See you at the rules meeting! Mike Nelson
12: Monday, October 23, 2006 8:24 AM
I don’t know what the Rascal
Outlaws plans are since they are loosing LGR just like us They have
a couple of races on dirt and the rest are at Rockford or the Dells
Looks like they have about 15 members and have 10 or 11 that are
regulars The match race at the Dells this year was pretty exciting
My opinion is that it could work. Someone refresh my memory, wasn’t
this discussed at last years rules meeting? Or was it NAMRA? I wish
everyone would sign their posts though.
Mike
Why do you have to wait until the rules meeting to present an idea?
Can you share some of what you or others may be thinking? You
mentioned we. Is there a group of people interested in this? I would
like to be able to think about things before going to a rules
meeting.
Any word on what the mini mods from LGR are going to do? I talked to
one guy at the Small Car Nationals and he thought they might race
dirt at Wilmot.
Tim Roach FIRA 17
13:
Monday, October 23, 2006 9:43 AM
WHATS IN THE FUTURE FOR FIRA?
I MAKE A PLEA WITH OUR PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD TO HOLD THE ANNUAL MEETING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF WE WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR I FEAR THAT SOME TRACKS AND NEW VENUES WILL NOT BE RESPONSIVE TO OUR NEEDS.
FIRA IS A GREAT RACING VENUE MUCH EFFORT HAS BEEN PUT INTO BUILDING THE CLUB SINCE 1976. I APPLAUD OUR PRESENT PRESIDENT JOHN Z, WALLY R, PHIL G, BOB C, AND A HOST OF OTHER DEDICATED RACERS. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET SERIOUS AND PLAN FOR THE 2007 SEASON. IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR THE NELSON TEAM IS COMING BACK, GREAT RACERS WHO HAVE GOOD CONTACTS WITH TRI-STATE VENUES.
THIS PAST YEAR I HAVE WORKED WITH THE MILWAUKEE MILE AND ITS NEW MANAGEMENT. AVAILABLE TO FIRA IS THE 1.9 MILE ROAD COURSE, WE JUST NEED TO BE WORKING ON THIS NOW. SOME FIRA MEMBERS WANT THE AVAILABILITY OF ROAD COURSE ALONG WITH OVAL TRACKS THIS YEAR. WE MUST TRY TO ONCE AGAIN GAIN RESPECT WITH ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY, AND DO WHAT EVER WE CAN TO ONCE AGAIN INCREASE RACES THERE. I LEARNED AT THE MILE THIS YEAR THAT THE FAMILY AT THE AUTO MALL IN KENOSHA, HAS NOW BECAME THE SMALL CAR VENUE POINT OF CONTACT, WE MUST JOIN WITH THEM TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS AND STILL KEEP OUR FIRA ORGANIZATION SOLID. BOB CORMACK, HAS GOOD CONTACT WITH THE MCARNS FAMILY LETS ASK BOB, TO MAKE A CONTACT FOR US.
WELL ENOUGH OF MY RAMBLING, I THINK YOU KNOW WHERE I AM COMING FROM. I
HAVE A VISION OF THE DAY THAT WE ONCE AGAIN ARE RECOGNIZED IN THE MIDWEST
RACING NEWS AND CAN GAIN IN MEMBERSHIP. THANKS FOR LENDING AN EAR.
Dick Heath #19
14: Monday, October 23, 2006 12:08 PM
Mike Nelson offered to have the rules meeting at his shop this year. He's got some great idea's that i'm pretty sure will pull FIRA out of this slump it seems to be in. The sooner the better. Lets get the ball rolling. Eric Gallagher
15: Monday, October 23, 2006 12:27 PM
I fully support Dick’s request for a
membership meeting or meetings. Whatever it takes to be prepared for next
year.There seems to be a lot of ideas out there. Let’s take advantage of
them. Tim Roach FIRA 17
16: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 7:06 PM
Would Rockford want us every Sat night? Have we asked?
I used to race SCCA & midwestern council, You should know to race with
them you need to belong to one of there clubs first. Then you need a
physical signed buy your doctor. Then you need to enter and complete a
drivers school, before they will give you a temporary license. They have
3 schools a year, if you do not pass you need to wait until the
next one to try again. After all that, once you have a license you need
to complete one race a year to keep it, if not you start all over again.
So if we do try one or two races next year they should be in the last 1/3
of the council year, so our drivers have at least two schools to go to.
Heres some food for thought. Road racing is in the 40 to 50 mile races,
FIRA race at 151 at 20 laps equal 5 mile race. And not all FIRA cars
finish a 5 mile race. Is your car capable of running 40 to 50 miles
without breaking down? If it is not why try to run that far, at a cost of
entry fee of $150+, They do not give refunds if you break. I suggest you
bring your cars up to 151 on a Wed night next summer and see you your
car can go the distance, its very possible to run 30 to 40 laps at a time,
multiple times, see if your car can run 40 miles without
breaking, its only $8 to find out.
Lets keep talking Vern Brown
17: Tuesday, October 25, 2006 5:33 AM
Is
anyone planning a meeting? even if it isn't a rules meeting we need to
get together and figure out what were gonna do.
Eric Gallagher
Please put "FIRA", "Forum" or something like that in the Subject line so that my spam blocker doesn't inadvertently remove you from my IN box. I receive up to 150 e-mails a day and checking & reading each one is impossible. Also please sign with some name to identify yourself, otherwise I will us the originating e-mail address. Webmaster.
19: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 4:54 PM
For the guys that are selling their cars we should get some good
pictures of them and put together a "FOR SALE" board to take to shows.
There really isn't many people that know the FIRA website. Just an idea.
Eric Gallagher
Humm...Think I heard that idea before
: )
???????? Know of the FIRA web site???? you would be amazed!
20: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 5:16 PM
Vern,
After road racing for a couple years we haven't experienced any problems with making it to the end of the races. As for the rest of the road racing community we have had a lot of intrest in our cars. For the simple fact of being fast, fun , and affordable. You say you used to race with SCCA and MC. What attracted you to FIRA? You may feel new membership from MC is slight but has there been a effort made? We've dont the research, we'll see you at the rule's meeting. Happy track hunting. Eric Gallagher
21: Thursday, October 26, 2006
11:22 AM
I
asked in post #1 for information on cost and changes I would have to
make on my car. The only response I got was to go to the Midwest
website. These are my observations. Please correct me if I am wrong.
1 you must first be a
club member and a member of Midwest Council. Cost is $35-$45 yearly
2 you must take a drivers school which was only
offered twice last year at Blackhawk. Once in May and another in
September. Cost for the driving school $150?, driving school permit
$20, Full Competition license $30 Provisional $50, Probation letter
$30, Medical $100? And you must pass the written test and driving test
or you do it all over again. It is not as easy as people are saying.
You do not show up and race.
3 The MC application asks about your driver’s license
ever being suspended and if you have moving violations. I do not know
if this affect whether they let you race or not.
4 Medical are good for 2 years. 1 year if you are over
60
5 Minimum age is 18. I think our club is 16.
This may be an issue. You can race ovals but not road courses kid,
sorry.
6 Safety changes include mandatory instead of
recommended use of safety shoes, gloves, balaclava, 6 point harness, 5
point not allowed, on board fire system.
7 The October race at Blackhawk was $175 to enter with
one crew. $10 for additional crew.
8 The race was 100 miles. Most of us run a 3 gallon or
less fuel tank so unless your car gets 35-40 mpg under race conditions
be prepared to buy a $200 fuel cell and start cutting your car apart
in order to get it in.
9 There is NO prize money
10 Midwest Council events are not spectator events
although they admit prospective members as Guests so don’t invite your
friends or tell your sponsors what great exposure you are getting
them.
11 I would have to buy extra rims and tires as well as
shocks to make the car turn left and right
12 I would have to change camber, toe and my steering
so that I can turn left and right equally.
This is just what I thought of so far. Correct me if I am wrong.
Tim Roach FIRA 17
22: Thursday, October 26, 2006 12:40 PM
Tim responding to your findings.
2. the driving course is compared to the high end schools such as The Skip Barber driving school. Most FIRA members could propably benefit. Your pretty new to the club. Besides the school is easy.
3. your drivers license shouldn't affect your ability to race with them.
4. Most if not all of our members have health insurance and have annual check up's. All the Doc. has to do is sign a piece of paper.
5.The age requirment is bogus. we race again guys that are certainly under 18.
6.Mandatory use of SAFTEY ITEMS !! Who cares it's your saftey.
8.The races don't have to be 100 miles. The club told us if we bring enough cars we can have our own race. We never spent near $200 to get a new fuel cell. We have our cars set up so you can put one in and out one the right side.
9. Prize money? FIRA offers prize money? oh yeah 10 or 15 bucks. Are you one that " Gets Paid To Race"?
10. I beg to differ they are not spectator races. We have had several sponsor's and fans come to the track. Admission was charged but so is it at Rockford.
11.The only difference we had to make is one rim and tire. Right/rear we changed so that it was the same size as the Left/rear. As far as shocks go our car has coil overs. As long as you can make your shocks equal your fine.
12. Yes your right you would have to change some of your settings. You more then likely change setting for the different ovals. Our cars are farely simple to change over and I'm sure if you need help we could make a trip to Janesville to assist you. After all we are neighbors to the East of you.(Delavan). Well gotta fly. See ya Eric Gallagher
23: Thursday, October 26, 2006 4:00 PM
Just a note, When our car counts are up, the payouts grow proportionately, and the last car under the wire all night, at least made their pit gate back. I have seen payouts to a single car that paid the nights expenses and paid for dinner on a average night of racing at just about all the tracks we have run. WR
24: Thursday, October 26, 2006 5:44 PM
I understand that the toe
needs to be changed, and the shocks adjusted, etc. My question
is about wheels & tires. If I run 18" tires on the left side
and 19" tires on the right side for ovals, can I just run 18"
ties on the front and 19" tires on the back for a road course?
That way the same wheels and tires can be used for either oval
or road. Just wondering! Doug
25: Thursday, October 26, 2006 8:59 PM
Doug
Definitely put the 18 on the front and the 19 on the back ,This way you are
always driving downhill and will be faster
Tim
26:
Friday, October 27, 2006 12:24 PM
Any information about a meeting?WR
Dick Heath
E-mailed original request about meeting to
Board due to web PC maintenance.
27:
Friday, October 27, 2006 5:50 PM
MEETING REQUEST,
HELLO EVERYONE THE GHOST HERE, ANTHONY. ABOUT MEETING, GOOD IDEA, NEEDS TO BE DONE. AS FOR JOHN, HE IS OUT OF TOWN THAT MAY BE WHY HE HAS NOT RESPONDED.WR
28: Friday, October 27, 2006 6:10 PM
I just got a hold of John. He is out of state, does not have final details on the banquet, but it looks like it is going to be in Crystal Lake area. On or about November 11th. perhaps indicate that everyone should save Nov. 11 for the banquet with more details to follow.WR
Doug
29: Friday,October 27, 2006 11:35 PM
Doug
I am shocked that nobody wants to give their opinion on your tire question. I
do not think it matters as long as you scale the car and get it balanced. In
order to minimize the adjustments my opinion is that you should match them up
either front and back or left and right. If you put a set on LF and RR, I
think it would upset the car too much and you would have to make bigger
adjustments.
As much as my opinion is worth and making assumptions on what you may have
been doing on the oval. I would start with the 19’s on the left and the 18’s
on the right. Most important thing to do is to scale the car.
Things racers can do this weekend!!!!!!!!
Golden Sands Speedway racers swap meet
Lake Geneva Swap meet
Last ever event at LGR is the run what you brung race
Tim
30: Sunday, October 29, 2006 3:41 PM
mr roach,
my name is mike nelson. ive been a member of fira since 1998. i was pr
director in 2002, and have been an active member of the pr committee,since
1999. The ideas that you have are good, but most have been tryed before and
have had great resistance by members of the club.my opinoin on the wellfare
of fira is this, please remember it is my opinion. fira needs to figure out
why its loseing its members. long before you arrived, fira cars used to
total 15 to 20 cars at a race. as you know we left because of personal
conflicts with certain people. (water under the bridge) where did they go?
also with some of our tracks closing, where does fira go? As for road
courses, its quite simple, do it or dont. My guys love it! to answer your
question about buying 440 or formula v , Why would i do that? right now
there isnt much demand for fira cars, and fira cars are legal to run road
courses. we also plan to run fira this year . catch my point? right now i
own 2 predators and have become partners in a 3rd. im also happy that you
get paid to race. the last year we raced in fira, i made 100.00 between 2
cars, and at the banquet, the remaining money that was supposed to come our
way did not. we only ran 6 races that year and we were told we didnt do
enough so for 6 races we raced for free. so if fira is paying all this race
money you guys claim, wheres my check?? remember this is just my opinion.
mike
Below posted in the order
they were received. W.
31: Sunday, October 29, 2006
9:12 PM
Hi All,
Who is Eric Gallagher? I see that he has been posting on this site for
about one year. Eric, how many FIRA races have you ran?
Everyone is wasting a lot of time and effort worring about race dates for
2007. We have missed the opportunity for 2007. If you want a race promotor
to be your friend you need to bring CAR COUNT. We failed to do that last
year because people did not show up with race cars. Until we have higher
car counts we will have to race when and where we can. You can do all the
research you want and have great charts and graphs, but race promoters have
memories like elephants, they remember how many cars the club showed with for
years.
I agree with Tim and Vern, I do not feel road racing is as cheap and easy to
get into as people are making it out to be. Anyway if you wish to road
race, go do so, you do not need FIRA to do that. And YES! the purse does
matter to me. In 2005 between purse and points I took home about
$500.00. That is about a third of my race budget.
To the people that say everyone wants to race Saturday or Sunday, no one has
asked me. I've been running FIRA races for 14 years and I prefer Friday
night races. I do not care what night or day we race on, I just come to
race and I really do not care why one night or day is a problem for you or
what your profession is. SHUT UP, SHOW UP & RACE!
Yours, Jim Bass #99
32: Sunday, October 29, 2006
9:12 PM
Mr. Nelson
33: Monday, October 30, 2006 10:28 AM
Thanks for your opinion, you do know that opinions are like
*** *****, everyone has one.
Let me give you MY opinion.
This year, FIRA was basically a group of 8 or 9 racers, their crews, a
treasurer, a dedicated webmaster and PR Phil. I competed in 10 of 11 races
and the LGR Little Car Nationals. Only our club champion and our president
competed in all 11. I volunteered to help at the World of Wheels show and
attended the rules meeting. I consider myself an “active member”. I only saw
you at the World of Wheels show where you had your car for sale. I am
committed to race in FIRA and will voice my opinion as I feel I have a right
and obligation to do so. I will not sit idle and let non participants decide
where and when I race.
If your guys love road racing so much, please let me know how many of the 12
Midwest Council events you participated in this year. You do know that FIRA
cars are legal?
I will not debate your claim about being paid but before joining FIRA, I
read the rulebook and knew going in that you must participate in at least
50% of the races in order to be eligible for the year end point fund. You
should take any issue up with our executive.
MY opinion as to why we have lost members is this. There are more divisions
out there. Think about the new classes that are attracting drivers since you
last participated. Legends, mini cups, bandoleros rascal outlaws, mini mods,
thunder roadsters hornets, junior dragsters, carting? It is not only FIRA
losing car count; it is everyone including Midwest Council, read their
forum.
So how do we increase car count?
I think we need to promote the essence of FIRA. Fast affordable fun
racing!!!!!!
I can race an evening for less than $100 which includes entrance for me and
my wife, gas in the hauler, food and beer.
I talked to a MC member and an SCCA member and both confirmed that a race
for them is around $400
Yes, you do get more seat time but I also enjoy the camaraderie of FIRA. I
will help anyone who breaks down and will just laugh and joke with our great
members if the car is ready and we are waiting to race.
When I need seat time, I run practice at Columbus and at Rockford. There is
nothing better than running 100- 150 laps wheel to wheel with some great
drivers.
Where should we race next year?
MY opinion is that we should prioritize the tracks that have supported us in
years past and then go after new tracks.
I feel we should take every date that Rockford and Columbus offers us even
if it means back to back races.
If Columbus and Rockford want us every night, that’s fine but I doubt that
will happen.
Next would be to fill in any opening with the Dells we raced there last year
and you know their situation. I’m optimistic
Next would be any other track we have raced at, Grundy?
Next would be new tracks like Madison, Slinger, Jefferson or any other
tracks you can think of.
My opinion is that we can not add a road course until 2008 into our schedule
as few members have taken the required driving school, the medical or have
their cars MC legal. Personally, I may take the course and race in the
October race because FIRA is done their schedule by then but I still want to
race.
Finally, I would like to see more members participating in the forum so that
we are “active” all year
My opinion, Tim Roach
As soon as we have the 2007 schedule we all can adjust what races we can
make and can't make. If your a race car driver or owner. Everyday is
raceday. This is our first season with you guys and we had a blast at
the track. We have learned a lot from all you guys so far. We started late
and tried to make every race. It was very important to us. Lyle learned a
lot and I probably called to much. But we really enjoy this series. And we
are here to race. Like I said before we are looking for another car to run.
If we buy one or lease one.
I just sold my Screen Printing business last year to a guy over in
Whitewater. I will donate up to 100 FIRA racing T-Shirts to give away at all
the tracks we go to to promote our series. We can give them to the track
promoter to do what ever he would like to do with them. Or I can print them
and give them to our PR person.I think we should have all the drivers sign
them. I also will make the FIRA LOGO or the one I made to all the drivers to
put on their trailers. Just email us the size and color. You will recieve 2
stickers for free. If you want one for the back tailgate. It will run
$25.00. If you want banners made we can do that for you too.
racecardriver1@charter.net Let's get this jump started. Since
we put the logo on our trailer a lot of people have asked us about the
series. Our stock car boys are looking.. Jeff #35
34: Monday, October 30, 2006 12:33 PM
Who is Eric Gallagher? I am. I have been
following Fira for quite sometime. I've been crewing for Mikey Nelson.
It's good to hear that some of you have career's that allow you to
galavant the country racing whenever. Hurray for you! I am envyous. I'm
only 22, not semi-retired. Hey thats a great slogan to by the way. Hey new
member's "Fira- Shut up, Show up, and Race" got a good welcoming ring to
it. I'm sure that will look good on the welcome wagon! For Mr.Roach the
Nelson Team took the year off. Mikey built a equine facility, Harry bought
a new house and the rest of the crew enjoyed the summer relaxing. We love
road racing and also love oval racing. The World of Wheels show was a
blast by the way. I remember you were there for a little while. At that
time you weren't much different then the people asking us the questions
other then you had bought a car."Active member" a.k.a. first year
member. We were asked to go to those shows cause we give good apperance to
the club. At that time the car was in deed for sale. Not anymore! New
paint and it's ready to roll.You don't see car dealers advertising with
their spray bombed houpties(P.O.S.'s) do you? No it's the neat clean
cutting edge cars! Car appearance shouldn't be over looked. I don't recall
many legends cars or bandalaroes looking like a graffiti'ed train car. Why
should FIRA cars? We aren't here trying to start fights and be rude like
so of you. no need to point fingers. We are here cause we wanna go racing.
In order to do that we need to put our difference's aside and join
together to save the once well known FIRA club. Thanks Eric Gallagher # 42
ENOUGH, play nice!
Just like this club everyone is welcome.... As long... As they play... By
the RULES.
This forum thread is to submit ideas to get FIRA back on track. There is a
lot very intelligent people in FIRA with idea's, so lets hear them NOW.
We need to think about what can be done to go forward and I personally
don't care who's idea it is, past, present or future racer, crew or fan,
we just need to FIX IT! Stick with the program and make suggestions.
WR.
35: Monday, October 30, 2006 3:14 PM
Hi All, Shut up, show up & race may have ruffled some
feathers, good. Race cars sitting in trailers do FIRA no good what so
ever. The last few years there has been a core group that has showed up
at the tracks with race cars, I suggest that these are the people that
should decide how and where FIRA goes, they are the ones that have spent
the money and effort to keep this club alive. I will once again make a
case for a limited number of race dates. With so few race cars showing
we need time between events to keep race cars race ready. Every car
needs to complete every lap. Also if there are only a limited number of
dates more people may try to make the few chances they have to race and a
limited number of dates may relieve some of the family pressure to do
something else other than race all summer.
Jim Bass Semi retired #99
In an Ideal world every one gets what they want. The world is far from ideal!
36: Monday, October 30, 2006 5:45 PM
In response to reply number 35: Jim I have always thought you were a great guy and still do. I don't think you mean how it sounds. (Shut up) Don't we want all to have impute? This is still a club for all who pays their dues do you agree? The same thing goes for race dates and how many. Lets get together soon with a meeting.
Dick Heath 19
EdT WR
37:
Monday, October 30, 2006 8:08 PM
FIRA cars are legal to road race. my team started doing it in 2003. as
of today's date wave run 7 times on the road. 2 at Milwaukee mile, 2 at
road America on the big track. the remaining were at Blackhawk. this
year because of prior commitments, we took the year off. I was also a
member of FIRA this year.
all we did was offer to help. Mikey
EdT WR
38: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 8:01 AM
For those who may not have seen this on our website. History of FIRA
o To be an inexpensive alternative to other forms of racing
o To bring the Indy or formula style to short track asphalt oval racing
o To allow participation without huge costs of tools, trailers garages etc.
o To be as safe as possible.
o And to go as fast as possible considering all of the above
Be careful in your comments and insults EG. That is all I will say
What I want and have repeatedly asked for is information so I can make a decision on changing the direction of this club. I once again will reiterate that I feel we should continue with the founding principles as listed above.
Tim Roach FIRA 17
You cannot please everyone, all the time. We can try, if we work together, to please the majority.
39: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:55 AM
Once again I am asking for a meeting, Calling all board members,
Presidents, Vice Presidents and all interested parties please get
something going. I am about to think my request is falling on deaf ears.
I know there is interest for a meeting by some out there. I am available
this coming week end will meet any one any where.
Dick Heath
40: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 11:12 AM
What tracks are people interested in
racing at?I was at Golden Sands Speedway in Plover (near Wisconsin
Rapids) this weekend for a swap meet and that is one track I would love
to race.
Drove by the Dells on the way home and not even a for sale sign. That
might be good or bad. I would like to race there again as well.
How about a double feature at Madison. Qualify and run two features, no
heats.Qualify and run first feature on the ¼ mile trackInvert finish
from first feature and run the second feature on the ½ mile.
How do people feel about midweek shows? We had one Wednesday at Rockford
this year.
When Kenseth and Stewart were at Madison midweek, I think they had
bandits as a support division.
I suggest we race for free as long as they don’t charge a pit pass.
This would get us in front of a huge crowd.
It would keep cost down and the promoter gets a support division that
runs their own show.
Just a thought.Tim Roach FIRA 17
RACERS: FIRA Participants, Followers, and Interested parties. Micky Nelson is hosting a racers meeting this Saturday at his place. This is not an official FIRA meeting and there is no intent to circumvent any Protocol however the forum has indicated that there is a desire for FIRA racers to assemble and talk about their concerns for 2007 Season. Discussion is open to talk about oval track racing and Left hand turn racing as well. Lets meet and Talk.
42:
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 3:12 PM
The meeting at Mikeys is
supposed to start around 12- 1 p.m. If there is any problem getting
a hold of Mike my cell is 1-262-749-6524. P.S. His place has a black
fence around it. See you guys there hopefully
Eric Gallagher
43: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 10:19 AM
44: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 4:37 PM
I hope someone takes notes and posts the discussion so that those
that cannot attend will be informed. I will not be able to attend
due to a previous commitment.
Tim 17
45:Thursday, November 02, 2006 2:48 PM
46:Thursday, November 02, 2006 2:56 PM
47:
Friday, November 03, 2006 9:25 AM
48: Sunday, November 05, 2006 1:47 & 8:49 PM
There was some good discussions taking place.
It was noted that FIRA needs to hold it's annual meeting sooner rather than later.
"MANAGEMENT, LETS HAVE A FIRA MEETING VERY SOON."
This
is a composite ( with their approval ) of notes taken from the
Nelson meeting and forwarded to me.
WR
49:
Monday, November 06, 2006 11:50 AM
After talking with some members and some past members
we need to get the ball rolling. Is there a rules meeting date
in thought? Lets get it planned so it's not short notice.
Eric #42
50: Monday, November 06, 2006 4:58 PM
Is it
possible to get a copy of what was handed out at the meeting? I had a previous
commitment
Tim Roach FIRA 17
51: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 10:41 PM
If someone
could bring copies of anything that was handed out last Saturday to the
banquet this Saturday, it would be greatly appreciated.
Tim Roach FIRA 17
========
FIRA17 says to you ========
Something to do before the banquet.
Trade Show / Swap Meet
Sunny View Expo Center
Saturday November 11th 2006
Located by the Sunnyview Speedway. 500 County Road Y  Oshkosh, Wi.
Opens at 9:00 AM
Cars / Parts / Equipment / Trailers / Power Tools / Racing Apparel /
Collectables
New and Used.
For information or reservatioins call Ed at 1-800-782-7072 Or
Darrell at 1-847-360-9803
General Admission $5.00 - Under 12 Free
Tim Roach
Is ANYONE planning an official rules
meeting? FIRA is gonna lose membership by numerous newcomers if the problems
aren't resolved. I heard it right from the horse's mouths. Time's wasting!
This weekend is the banquet, next weekend is free, the weekend after that is
thanksgiving. Anyone else feel the way we do? Lets do something! Someone take
the bull by the horns.
Eric #42
54: Monday, November 13, 2006 3:49 PM
HHEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Eric.....Like they say.....You can lead a
horse to water, But you can't make him drink...Same goes with racing..It
would be nice to have a meeting and have a power session of a lot of
thinkers. Going to that meeting a few Sat. ago inspired Lyle and myself.
I would like to make changes to our car, but really don't know what we
can and can't do..That's why we ask a lot of questions. We have been
asked to do some other racing, but we are pretty happy here so far. Like
I said I've been in racing a long time and just used to knowing what is
going on the next race season before it gets here. I know that the club
officers are busy trying their best to find out our schedules for next
year. It's not an easy job. We have 2 tracks shut down. Janesville is
not going to happen anytime soon. But it would be nice to have a rules
meeting soon...We all have to work on ourselfs to make all this
happen..Show up for the races. If you understand what a promoter or a
track owner looks for is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ nothing else. I
can see FIRA going NATIONAL...Just like I saw Busch-All
Pro-Legends-Etc. And all the members of FIRA can make it happen. I did
get to talk to a lot of the drivers in FIRA that have been in this
series for a long time. They have a lot of passion in the series. People
don't know how inexpensive this type of racing is. Get out there and
recruit these people. Put them in your car at practice to let them get a
feel of what it's like. I can tell you we use to put our sponsors in the
car for fun day and they would run around the track. We got our race
dollars for the next year without really asking. They loved it. We
didn't come to FIRA to make money. We came to have fun. I really wish my
friend Stan Fox was still here. He would have loved this series.
We should get a meeting going and see where everybody is at. I can tell
you if we don't have a high car count at every race. We might not have
tracks to race at. And I heard other tracks are a eliminating some
series because their car counts are down..Why pay out on a few cars.
When you can pay the same for more cars.
The meeting at Nelson's a lot of people have great idea's. I did like
the guys from Ind..They have a lot of drive. FIRA is going to get a lot
of new people this season if these guys join up with us. I don't want to
be told to SHUT-UP AND RACE. WE could SHUT-UP and BE GONE TOO. This is a
forum to sound off. Respect other people.I don't care how long someone
has been in this club. You don't talk to people like that.
Other racer read our forum. These guys from IND. read that and were a
little taken back by it. I guess we would would shut up and race if we
knew where we were going to race. All I see is a lot of people that are
wondering what is going on with this club. I don't think road racing
is the answer. What I got out of it is we are sitting DUCKS out
there. And why would a race car driver would have to work a corner. I
could see Dale Jr. working the flag at one race. Enough from me. Let's
move forward and be more positive. Jeff #35
55: Monday, November 13, 2006 6:35 PM
I am again volunteering our shop for the rules meeting since we are only a few minutes from Janesville. EdT WR
Mikey
56:
Monday, November 13, 2006 8:19 PM
Mike Nelson
57:
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 7:27 AM
58:
Thursday, November 16, 2006 2:44 PM
Everybody in favor of having the meeting at Nelson's SAY
I
59:
Thursday, November 16, 2006 7:39 PM
60:
This is not meant to imply that their opinions are of any
less interest or importance, I believe that they have the welfare
of FIRA in mind and ARE getting involved.
61:
Thursday, November 16, 2006 11:53 PM
I would say having the meeting at Nelsons would be a great idea.
I've
had a lot of discussions with Mike and his crew. They have a lot of
great ideas. He has a nice place to have a meeting. They were great host
at the last meeting a few weeks ago. It was really easy to find his
place.. I would like to see Mike and his crew come back to FIRA. It
would be fun to race with them.
We are here to race. Let's race...Jeff #35
I vote - I Jeff #35
I was wondering if all the members are hooked up to the internet and
they are getting these messages?????????????
Eric Gallagher
Jeff Tomashek also is not a paid member,
however, he is the car owner of the #35 and his driver, Lyle
Phillips, is a paid active member.
The decision on the rules meeting, time & location has
historically been made by the President with the help of the
Board of directors.
Admittedly this was normally done in late October and would attempt to
accommodate the paid members who supported the club the previous
year, that would include car owners & active drivers
Everyone's input is necessary and desired at the rules meeting,
that being said all binding vote's on rules effecting the club
traditionally
have only been made by the previous years paid
members or their representatives "as one vote per car."
Wally Reitz, FIRA #8
========
FIRA17 says to you ========
Racers Swap Meet, Saturday, December 9th, in 'Downtown' Waldo,
next to the M/R Racing Equipment Store. Spots are $10/space, as
much space as you need. Spots will be paid for that day. Please
call
ahead for 'prime' spots or for larger rigs.
M/R Racing Equipment is also having an Open House & Trade Show
that day, along with the 2nd Annual 'IROC' Go-Kart Challenge and
the 1st Annual 'Open" Go-Kart Challenge (Bring your own).
10% Discount on all store items, in-stock and ordered items, new
& used. Make your list now for some great deals and great
Christmas present items.
For more info on all the happenings that day check out the
web-site at
www.mrracingequipment.com.
Thanks.
Waldo is north of Milwaukee on Hwy 57 but
south