WEBSTER CITY, Iowa — On the heels of wrapping up a thrilling and successful 2007 racing season, officials from the United States Racing Association (USRA) have released rules for four sanctioned divisions, effective January 1, 2008.

"We conducted an extensive review of the combinations of classes that are currently sanctioned under the USRA banner, and have issued very few changes," said USRA president Todd Staley. "We feel we have addressed a few issues that arose during the 2007 season, and look forward to seeing the results.”

After some significant changes to the USRA Modified class in 2007 — including the addition of a spec motor and a quick change rearend option — only a few minor clarifications and safety standards have changed for 2008.

USRA Hobby Stock teams will also find very few changes to the rules.

The most significant rule changes for 2008 occur in the USRA Stock Car and USRA B-Mod classes where a crate engine option has been established for both classes. Stock Cars will also have the option of utilizing a non-claimable spec motor.

USRA B-Mods will have the option of using the 350-horsepower GM Performance Parts factory-sealed racing engine (Part No. 88958602). The engine is based on GPP's popular 350 HO engine, including a brand-new four-bolt-main block, 9:1 hypereutectic pistons, cast iron crankshaft and GM iron VORTEC cylinder heads, high-rise dual-plane intake manifold, 8-quart single kick-out circle track oil pan, valve cover kit with breather tube and breather, and special "kool nut" rocker arm nut design. The crate engine is not subject to claim.

Stock Cars have the option of being powered by the 400-horsepower GM Performance Parts factory-sealed racing engine (Part No. 88958604). This 350-cubic-inch engine is based on the popular Fast Burn 385-horsepower street crate engine, but includes a racing-only 8-quart circle track oil pan, with dual kick-out design, along with a valve cover breather kit and special "kool nut" rocker arm design. The assembly also includes an open-plenum high-rise intake manifold, 1.5:1-ratio aluminum roller rockers, forged steel crankshaft, hypereutectic pistons and 23-degree Fast Burn aluminum heads. The crate engine is not subject to claim and racecar has no minimum weight rule with this option.

As an alternative to the crate or standard/open motor, Stock Cars can also choose a spec engine option for 2008. The spec engine is not subject to claim and racecar has no minimum weight rule.

"We felt that we needed to address some cost issues with the Stock Car class," Staley added. "This class has remained one of the most exciting for dirt racing fans to watch, so we need to make sure the class stays competitive while at the same time reducing the financial barriers some teams may have in stepping up to this class. I think we've come up with a solid plan to keep the on-track action at a maximum and costs to a minimum while giving drivers some freedom of choice in what they want under their hood."

The USRA Late Model division, which was launched for the first time in 2007, will not return as a sanctioned division in 2008. Officials noted, however, that the possibility of adding a new class under the USRA banner is being considered at this time.

Complete rules can be found on the USRA website at www.usraracing.com.

The USRA currently sanctions 21 speedways in six states — Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri — with more than 1,300 licensed drivers competing at USRA-sanctioned events during the 2007 season.

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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USRA TITLE SPONSOR: Casey’s General Stores

USRA OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, Dart Machinery, Nitroquest Web Solutions.

USRA CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: Boyer’s Engine Development, Holley Performance Products, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, KSE Racing Products, Marsh Racing Wheels, QuickTime Performance Race Parts, RaceQuest, Racing Optics, Real Racing Wheels, TCI Automotive.