VINTON, Iowa (Nov. 5) – Rev limiter chips are in for 2011, while lift bar or fifth arm rear suspensions are out midway through next season for IMCA Modifieds.
All drivers in the division will be required to compete at sanctioned weekly events, special series races and special events with a maximum 7,800 rpm limiter chip starting on Jan. 1. After June 1, they must run a pull bar style rear suspension.
2011 rules for the Modified division were announced this afternoon.
“I never thought the day would come when drivers were talking about NASCAR Sprint Cup technology making its way into our Modified division, but that’s exactly what is happening,” IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root said. “Higher rpms come at an increased cost, both initially and to maintain the engine. In our opinion, those costs are definitely outside the budget of the average IMCA racer.”
JR Motorsports “went above and beyond” in its research and development, Root noted, as IMCA explored options to its 2011 rules to maintain economical motor costs.
“We had considered a spec engine as one possible option,” he said. “At this time, that is not the best direction for IMCA drivers or tracks, but it does not rule out that we won’t come out with a non-claimable option in the future.”
Prohibiting lift bar or fifth arm rear suspensions is a second way to keep higher priced technology out of the class.
“Rear suspension is the driving force for engine costs,” Root said. “We are not going to allow chassis manufacturers to drive the market and jeopardize the livelihood of this division. We can’t have products like rear suspension go unchecked.”
The 2011 season will be the last for use of titanium valve retainers.
Body issues addressed next year require the hood to be level or sloped down at the front and be enclosed at the rear. No reverse hood rake will be allowed.
All drivers in the division will be required to compete at sanctioned weekly events, special series races and special events with a maximum 7,800 rpm limiter chip starting on Jan. 1. After June 1, they must run a pull bar style rear suspension.
2011 rules for the Modified division were announced this afternoon.
“I never thought the day would come when drivers were talking about NASCAR Sprint Cup technology making its way into our Modified division, but that’s exactly what is happening,” IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root said. “Higher rpms come at an increased cost, both initially and to maintain the engine. In our opinion, those costs are definitely outside the budget of the average IMCA racer.”
JR Motorsports “went above and beyond” in its research and development, Root noted, as IMCA explored options to its 2011 rules to maintain economical motor costs.
“We had considered a spec engine as one possible option,” he said. “At this time, that is not the best direction for IMCA drivers or tracks, but it does not rule out that we won’t come out with a non-claimable option in the future.”
Prohibiting lift bar or fifth arm rear suspensions is a second way to keep higher priced technology out of the class.
“Rear suspension is the driving force for engine costs,” Root said. “We are not going to allow chassis manufacturers to drive the market and jeopardize the livelihood of this division. We can’t have products like rear suspension go unchecked.”
The 2011 season will be the last for use of titanium valve retainers.
Body issues addressed next year require the hood to be level or sloped down at the front and be enclosed at the rear. No reverse hood rake will be allowed.
