MT. ALTO, WV-The American Motor Racing Association (AMRA) recently held its January 2011 organization meeting to discuss details of the upcoming 2011 racing season and to establish goals for future racing seasons.  Cost-saving measures for both the racers and the organization, and the ability to grow the AMRA into a more formidable force were main topics of the meeting.  The AMRA sanctions racing in three states in both the Late Model and Open Wheel Modified divisions.

AMRA President Larry Keefer said, “We have worked hard in the off season to make the AMRA a better organization by addressing concerns from 2010 and developing rules, especially issues with the gray areas, to help keep costs down and keep a level playing field for our drivers.”

Scott Wolfe, recently named Director of AMRA Racing Operations, was introduced by Larry Keefer.  The AMRA team also recognizes an immediate need to sign speedways that it has sanctioned in the past and discussed ways to bring new tracks into the AMRA family.

Additional sponsors are being sought, especially a headlining title sponsor for the Late Model Division.  Malta Doors and Windows is the title sponsor for the Modified division, recently signing a new contract to remain with the series.

Many ideas were discussed, including numerous ways to make racing more affordable for the weekend racer. One rule ammendment in 2011 allows GM-604 and 602 Crate Engines and gives drivers utilizing these power plants a 100 pound break in weight.  In 2012 drivers utilizing steel welded bearing shocks will be given a 50 pound weight break. Drivers racing with the organization are asked to provide input on other cost-saving measures, and are being asked to submit input on whether they think one brand of shock should be incorporated (with the possibility of having that company come aboard as a series sponsor).

Drivers found to have committed major/blatant rules infractions will be posted on the AMRA website and their names will remain there until having the problem corrected at the next AMRA event.  Driver’s who have a rule’s infraction of a minor nature, more specifically “something minor that cannot be corrected at the track” will be asked to add 50 pounds of weight in front of the driver’s plate for that evening; then correct the infraction for the next AMRA event.

Drivers can submit a 2011 application at last year’s membership fee of $60 up to March 15.  Applications and rules can be found on the AMRA website at <<  www.amramodified.com >>  After the March 15 deadline, memberships will be $75.  This year only one temporary permit will be issued for non-AMRA members.  When a driver comes to a sanctioned track for a second time, he/she must purchase a full license.  Checks should be made payable to the AMRA.

Discussion was held on the sanction’s efforts to police all tracks equally.  Training sessions for Tech Inspectors will be trained in late February or early March.  Keefer will serve as the tech inspector for all Road Warrior Challenge races and make spot checks at all participating AMRA tracks.  Another tech inspector is still being sought to assist track tech inspectors and to travel from tracks on the AMRA trail.

Details of the 2011 points structure are forthcoming, but most likely will parallel the hefty purses of past AMRA seasons.  Track champions will receive a package equivalent to $400 in contingencies and prizes in addition to receiving a trophy.  The package includes the Arrow Wheels contingency, $75 2012 Membership, and the remainder in cash.  With additional sponsorship, the group hopes to raise the track champion stipend significantly to help draw drivers to AMRA sanctioned tracks.

Please send Check or Money Order along with completed Registration to AMRA; 3395 Evans Rd., Leon, WV 25123. For any questions or further information please contact the AMRA office at 304-895-3602 or cell @304-675-0590 both after 5 p.m.  Scott Wolfe can be contacted evenings at 740-992-1490.

Keefer and wife Alice will focus on the touring Road Warrior Challenge series for the modifieds. The touring series features one of the top touring purses in the Midwest and helps showcase the AMRA drivers.

Presenting awards in excess of $60,000 in prize money and $10,800 in contingencies, the AMRA crowned its 2010 champions at its 17th annual banquet at Cedar Lakes Conference Center last fall.  Kenny Johnson, Mineral Wells, WV was the National Champ while Matt Holcomb, Crooksville, Ohio, was crowned as the Modified Road Warrior Challenge Tour champion. Crowned as the AMRA Late Model Division champion was Chris Garnes, Evans, WV.  Since 1993 over half a million dollars has been awarded in prizes and point’s contingencies.

Malta Doors and Windows has again signed on as Title Sponsor of the AMRA for 2011.  Other fine sponsors of the MALTA AMRA Modified series are Dave Poske’s Performance Parts, Wrisco, Hoosier/Hoosier Tire Ohio Valley, PBM Performance, W.S. Hogg Insurance, PBM Performance Products, AERO Racing Wheels, Rocket Chassis, Bell Racing, Lincoln Welders, Racersmate,  Hypercoils, Bazell Race Fuels, Alky Racing Alcohol, Kluhsman Racing Components (KRC), Evans Vinyl Signs, WV Tax & Bookkeeping, Winters Performance, Bilstein Shocks, PST Drive Shafts, Schoenfield, and Pike Street Lanes.  Join the AMRA now!-America’s Open Wheeled Modifieds Most Competitive Series!
More details can be acquired by visiting www.maltawindows.net on the web or by visiting <<    www.amramodified.com >>.