WEBSTER CITY, Iowa -- On the heels of wrapping up their most successful racing season to date, officials from the United States Racing Association (USRA) have announced rules changes for four sanctioned divisions, effective January 1, 2007.

“We have conducted an extensive review of the combinations of classes that are currently sanctioned under the USRA banner, and believe we have modified the rules to meet our goals of providing affordable, close competition and stability for the 2007 season and beyond,” said USRA president Todd Staley.

“Rules stability and affordability is our ultimate goal, but competition must weigh heavy when making these decisions. We must limit a team’s ability to gain a major performance advantage with his or her pocketbook, while at the same time fostering an environment where the mechanical aptitude and technical experience play a role in a team’s success. We feel we have addressed these issues, and look forward to seeing the results.”

Among the rules changes for 2007 are:

Hobby Stocks:
• No weight rule.

Stock Cars:
• Head and intake claim will be $600.
• Carburetor claim will be $100 with exchange option (same procedure as motor claim).

B-Modifieds:
• Drivers utilizing a Performer Intake must add twenty-five (25) pounds in front of the mid-plate.
• Total weight rule will remain 2,500 lbs.
• No spoiler (this is not a track option).

Modifieds:
• Flat tappet/steel head engine: Minimum overall car weight 2,400 lbs.; Maximum 8” spoiler; Stud girdles and shaft rockers allowed.
• Brodix aluminum spec head engine: Minimum overall car weight 2,400 lbs.; Maximum 8” spoiler; Roller cams allowed. Drivers utilizing the Brodix aluminum spec head will be eligible for additional contingencies and points money.
• All engines not utilizing a flat tappet/steel head engine, or not using the Brodix aluminum spec head engine: Stock valve angle heads only; No raised intake runner heads; Minimum overall car weight 2,450 lbs. (if using aluminum heads, must have 50 lbs. in front of mid-plate); Roller cams allowed; Maximum 5” spoiler.
• An 8” back panel is required (no track option).
• Tri-Y headers are not allowed.
• Canister shocks are not allowed. Shock claim will be $100 per shock.
• Doors and quarters may be mounted one inch above the deck.
• Quick change rear-end is optional for 2007. If using a quick change rear-end, must use steel tubes and must utilize pinion taper bearings; Aluminum spools are allowed. The USRA is currently negotiating with quick change manufacturers and will announce more details as they become available.

Other notable changes and/or additions to the 2007 rulebook include:

How Points Are Awarded:
While car count bonus points and passing points toward USRA national points will remain unchanged, the base points system will be doubled for both national and track points. For instance, a feature win in 2006 was worth 100 points, but will be worth 200 points in 2007.

Technical Inspections:
The 2007 USRA rulebook will feature specific tech procedures that all sanctioned tracks and drivers must adhere to. In all USRA-sanctioned classes at all USRA-sanctioned tracks, either (a) the top four finishers in the main event, or (b) the top three finishers in the main event and one randomly selected car will be required to report to a designated tech area following the main event, where both mandatory and varied technical inspections will be required to take place. Each track will be required to have a USRA-certified tech inspector on staff.

New Late Model Division:
The USRA will be announcing comprehensive rules for a new Late Model class that will, for the first time, compete under the USRA banner. Complete rules, as well as plans for a regional touring series, will be announced on or before November 11.

Handy Pocket-Sized Rulebooks:
All USRA-licensed drivers will receive a handy pocket-sized rulebook that they can use while working at the shop or for clarifications at the track. The rulebook will contain rules and procedures for all USRA-sanctioned classes, plus contact information and more. These rulebooks will also be for sale to the general public. Nonetheless, as always, rules will be available at the tracks in printed form and available on www.usraracing.com for viewing and/or downloading.

The USRA currently sanctions 21 speedways in six states -- Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri -- with more than 1,600 licensed drivers competing at USRA-sanctioned events during the 2006 season.

For racetrack promoters looking for an option that considers their bottom line, as well as the bottom line of the racer and fan, the USRA invites all short-track and regional series operators to have a look at what we have to offer as your motorsports marketing partner.

About the USRA
The United States Racing Association (USRA) was formed with a mission of accomplishing three goals: increased driver participation, increased attendance and increased sponsorship for each USRA-sanctioned racetrack. The USRA serves as a marketing partner with the bottom line of our sanctioned tracks at interest, and we are committed to maintaining guidelines to make racing affordable and fun for all racers, yet exciting and competitive for fans. The USRA is committed to providing a combination of cost-effective rules for competitors in weekly auto racing and effective marketing strategies to assist in the growth and popularity of the tracks at which they compete. For more information regarding the USRA, call (515) 832-6000 or visit the USRA online at www.usraracing.com.

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