AMRA gets new management

Another group is getting new management for the 2013 race season. I'm feeling editorial commentary coming over me shortly.

Here is the information sent out by our friend Scott Wolfe on the AMRA management change.

RACINE, OHIO-The American Motor Racing Association would like to announce that the organization’s ownership has been transferred to DRIVE - a group of investors from various aspects of the racing community. The mission of DRIVE is to promote dirt track racing in an effective, economical, and simplistic fashion that insures a safe, level playing field for dirt modified and dirt late model racers.  Through the AMRA, DRIVE will strive to keep costs for racers at an affordable level, improve and equalize competition, unite area promoters under one uniform set of rules, and energize the foundation of dirt track racing fans throughout  WV, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia.

 

DRIVE is an acronym for Driver, Race Promoter, Investment, Vision, Equitable.

The AMRA will build upon the strong foundation established during the previous 19 years that the organization has been in existence. Under new leadership, the organization will take the lead in restructuring and enforcing its rules’ package, while at the same time working to reduce costs, increase participation, and fan involvement and to help to promote AMRA sanctioned tracks.

Sponsors are excited about what is ahead for the AMRA.  “I am excited about being involved as the Rookie of the Year sponsor again in 2013,” said Dave Norton of Carthage Auto Parts.  After a one-year absence, Norton and Carthage have returned as a strong AMRA supporter.

Scott Wolfe, Director of Racing Operations for the AMRA the past three years will remain in that position, and will be the point of contact for the new organization. Wolfe can be reached at 740-992-1490 or via e-mail at swolfe1490@suddenlink.net or via mail at Scott Wolfe, AMRA, Box 872, Racine, Ohio 45771.

"I am anxious to get started," said Wolfe. "This is an exciting time in the racing world. The new investment group is an energized, proactive group that has the genuine concerns of racers and track promoters at heart."

What will remain is the lucrative National AMRA Points Fund which has paid out several hundred thousand dollars in cash awards over the past 19 seasons, most recently paying out over $40,000 at its 2012 awards dinner and banquet. It is the AMRA’s intention to restore the weekly points to pay back 35 spots in 2013 in the open wheel modified division and to maintain the point funding commitment to the AMRA Late Model division.  It is also AMRA’s intention to once again offer a ‘parts and equipment package’ valued at well over $10,000 for member competitors.

The revised rules’ package will be available in print and on the AMRA website no later than January 15^th and according to Wolfe, “very possibly well in advance of that date.”

Wolfe added, "We want everyone to have a shot at winning. We want the cars to be equal under the rules, and the drivers to make the difference on the racetrack. The AMRA wants a level playing field for all."

"If a car was inadvertently or by inappropriate interpretation deemed legal last year, it Does NOT mean it will be legal this year. This is a new year under new management-- a year that I think will be a year of victory for fans, drivers, and track owners/promoters," said Wolfe.

Wolfe reminds everyone that all safety equipment, namely helmets and seatbelts/shoulder harnesses should be up to the current Snell and SFI standards. All helmets must be certified to Snell SA2005 or SA2010 Standards (Rule 11).  All belts must be dated no more than three (3) years old (Rule 14). If not dated, AMRA must assume the date has expired and they will not be allowed. No belts or harnesses should be cut or altered; nor used if damaged.

AMRA is updating contacts with speedways in the region. The AMRA hopes to announce a technical director soon; and announce the site and date for a tech seminar tentatively set for late January.

The AMRA will once again be racing on Hoosier Tires in its modified division for 2013 as HOOSIER once again will contribute significantly to the season's point fund.

Malta Doors and Windows was the Title Sponsor of the AMRA Modifieds and Tru-Tech Customs for the Late Models in 2012.  Other fine sponsors of the MALTA AMRA Modified series are Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Octane Race Products, Wrisco Industries, Hoosier Racing Tire/Hoosier Tire Ohio Valley,  Carthage Auto Parts, AERO Racing Wheels, Rocket Chassis, Lincoln Welders & Lincoln Electric, Hypercoils, Bazell Race Fuels, Alky Racing Alcohol and Sunoco Race Fuels, Impact Racing, ADP Rivets, RCI, OTR Filters, MSD Ignition, Wilwood Brakes, Kluhsman Racing Components (KRC), Evans Vinyl Signs, Winters Performance Products, Bilstein Shocks,  AFCO, PST Drive Shafts, Schoenfeld, Killer Bee Race Bodies, Bell Racing Helmets, The Bumper Man, and Pike Street Lanes.  Join the AMRA now!-America's Open Wheeled Modified’s Most Competitive Series!

Drivers and Fans can seek updates on www.amramodified.com or the AMRA FaceBook page. The AMRA wishes to thank to all of the racers and promoters who have supported and participated in the past and to those continuing to support and participate in the AMRA.