HotMod Hotline #1
BDS Racing Promotions/Mountain State Motorsports is very pleased with the interest shown in the HotMod division. As with any new class, occasionally questions will arise over rule interpretation or intent. We take this as a positive indication that potential competitors are studying the rules, and presenting valid questions prior to competition. Because of our desire to assist the potential racers in our HotMod division, we have decided to be proactive in providing information and answers to these inquiries.
Because of the desire by all to make this class a success, BDS/MSM has implemented the HotMod information pages to the website.
To provide information for the novice car builder or racer, we have initiated “Project HotMod”, a 10 part series which will cover the basic construction of a ‘HotMod’ from the ground up. This build project story was first introduced prior to the initial class introduction, and feedback from the current HotMod participants indicated that it was helpful to them in their own build projects.
In the effort to assist those who may be unfamiliar or intend on building their own HotMod race car, the ‘Project HotMod’ series (with additional info compiled through experiences from the inaugural season of competition) can be found here.
Part 1 is presently posted, and we will continue to roll out the additional stories weekly in hopes that it will assist racers as they construct their own ‘HotMod’.
To provide info as quickly as possible, those with internet availability can e-mail questions to ‘hotmod09@hotmail.com’, and we will reply with an answer a.s.a.p.
Because of the interest this class has already generated, we feel the need to clarify some rules additionally. This is the reason for the ‘HotMod Hotline’.
We are intent on maintaining the HotMod class rules and integrity as intended.
The following rules violations will mean automatic event disqualification:
Cubic inch or compression violation. (see rule 8A)
Illegal intakes, or valve train alterations. (see rule 8J)
Ignition violation. (see rule 8L)
Unauthorized Holley carburetor modifications. (see rule 9A)
Aluminum flywheels, couplers, buttons or triple disc clutches and non-functional (cheater) torque converters or automatic transmission couplers (see rule 7A)
Any tire alteration (siping, grooving, or ‘doctoring’ of compound - see rule 10 A & B)
All of these rules were set in place to eliminate the advantage provided by each of the above “deadly sins”.
If a competitor is found to be in violation of any of the above rules, he is disqualified for the remainder of the event. (ie: If you’re found to be illegal in pre-race technical inspection, you are disqualified for the entire night. If found illegal after the heat, you are trailered for the remainder of the evening.)
For the second violation of any of the above rules, the competitor will serve a 2 race event ban from competition. This rule violation doesn’t need to be the same violation as found previously to be enforced. The competitor is now on probation for the remainder of the year, and is no longer eligible for points or contingency awards.
3rd time offenders of the above rules will be barred from HotMod competition for the remainder of the season.
BDS/MSM has every intention to work with the racers, and believe that the class rules are adequately self explanatory. A hard copy of the rule book is available by contacting the track, and is a necessity, as pages 11 – 14 are not included on the website.
We also realize there are those who will search for the “gray areas” in the rules, or those who choose to compete outside of the rules altogether.
We consider it cheating, and will refuse to allow the actions of a possible few to ruin the class for the majority, who choose to follow the rules as required.
Expect technical inspections to insure the class rules are maintained.
They aren’t there to nit-pick body dimensions or car construction, but to keep this class in the direction intended: A safe, fun, and relatively inexpensive class.
Construction or Rules questions
As before, we encourage anyone with rules or car construction questions to contact BDS Racing Promotions/ Mountain State Motorsports Promotions at the Hot Mod division mailbox @ 'hotmod09@hotmail.com'. This has proven to be a useful tool for the prospective racers, as some potentially costly problems were caught through communication. All communications are kept confidential.
Technical Inspection
Those who raced in 2009 will attest that the cars were put through technical inspection before each race night. Wheelbase, engine setback and rear control arm gauges are being used, and engines have been checked for compression limitations. Visual inspection of part legality for ignition, carburetion, etc is being performed, all in keeping a promise to the racers that the rules will be enforced to the very best of our abilities.
That being said, we wish to compliment the Hot Mod racers on a pair of important items:
First, we all were extremely impressed with the construction and looks of each and every car. Knowing that the class is in it's infancy, and that each racer did the majority of construction on their individual car, the quality of each build has been outstanding.
Second and most importantly, we want to say 'Thank you' for your cooperation in regards to the tech inspection process. The job of a class tech inspector is possibly the most thankless job at the track, but is a necessity to maintain the class integrity. The tech inspector is there to protect everyone's investment by fairly enforcing the rules. One of the basics for success of any class is the understanding and equitable enforcement of the rule book. Your cooperation with the inspection process was appreciated, and benefitted all participants.
Please Note!
The rules state that the use of the "stock and unaltered Holley 4412 500 cfm 2 bbl carburetor is allowed on any engine" Please note the first 2 words of the previous sentence. Stock and unaltered means exactly what it says. The rules also state that "Positively NO aftermarket Holley conversions ('Dorton', 'Willies', etc.) allowed". Through conversations with racers, we were able to eliminate a pair of the aftermarket conversion Holleys prior to them being used in competition. These conversion carburetors are a definite rules violation, and had they been found prior to competition, or at any time during the event, the violator would have been disqualified. Should you purchase a Holley 4412 part number 0-80583-1, followed by the word "NASCAR", the carburetor is an aftermarket conversion, and is illegal! If found on any Hot Mod car, the car will be immediately disqualified from competition for that evening.
There seems to be confusion on the use of windshield screen. It is mandatory, and must be installed completely between the windshield roll bar uprights, not just in the area where the required windshield debris bars are located. This rule is designed to protect the driver from debris, and is not negotiable. 1" x 3" wire screen works well, and when painted a dark color is basically un-noticeable by the driver.
In closing All of our Hot Mod racers are to be commended for the class growth, and attention the class has received thus far. Many of you have been "ambassadors" for the class, possibly without knowing it. Thanks to all for your faith and support.
Some racer requested rule clarifications:
Q: Can the rear of the frame be notched or recessed to allow more spring travel for the rear end?
A: The O.E.M. metric frame must remain as stock from the front of the steering box and idler arm to the rear shock mounts. It is not legal to recess (cut and plate the lower side of) the frame to create additional travel for the rear end housing.
Q: Can I run something other than a Chevy (Olds, Buick, Pontiac, etc) GM engine?
A: As long as the engine meets the cubic inch and compression requirements it should be legal. The rules written were meant to cover all engines.
Q: I want to convert my pure stock to a HotMod, but do I have to set the motor back?
A: Rule 8(B) states “Rear of engine..must be mounted at least 70” forward from the center line of the rear axle”. There is no maximum dimension, only the 70” minimum dimension. Moving the engine back creates better weight distribution, and the 70” dimension will allow for room to install the radiator behind the crossmember without the need for notching the crossmember. Setting the rear of the engine forward of the minimum required 70” dimension is totally legal, and strictly a matter of choice.
Q: Can I shorten the stock lower control arms?
A: Front lower control arms (lower a-frames) cannot be altered in any way. Not cutting, bending, shortening, lengthening, etc. All control arms and mounting points (both front and rear) and steering components (tie rods, idler arm, etc.) must remain as originally designed and must meet all O.E.M. specifications. Front upper control arm mounts may be relocated for caster/camber adjustment, but the stock mount must be used. (See rule 3B). All other suspension mounts must remain O.E.M. Any front lower control arm other than the midsize GM metric arms that were original manufacturer equiped on these cars is illegal. Likewise, the spindles must match the frame (See rule 3A).
Plainly stated, the suspensions must remain stock as originally equipped from Detroit with the few exceptions stated in the rules regarding springs, adjusters and shocks. This, among other rules, ensure economical participation for all. Always consult the rule book prior to “re-inventing the wheel”.
Q: Can I run a 4 barrel carburetor if it is O.E.M. and matches the engine make?
A: 2 barrel carbs only. (see rule 9) The unaltered Holley 500 cfm 4412 carburetor is allowed on any engine. The carburetor bore (“go-no go”) gauge will detect modifications.
The choke horn tower must be unaltered. Keep this in mind when purchasing this carburetor, especially if purchasing a previously used unit.
Q: Can I run stock or white spoke wheels?
A: Yes, but remember they weren’t designed for racing. Racing wheels have reinforced centers, and their lug stud openings are tapered to match the racing lug nuts.
Stock wheel lug stud openings have a different beveled taper, designed for stock lug nuts. At the minimum, you must replace the O.E.M. lug nuts with 1” lug nuts (see rule 3.L).
Q: I have a new body for the car, but it came with a body break line, and the rules state that the only break lines allowed are to be within 6” of the bottom of the doors and quarter panels. Will this be allowed?
A: That particular body rule was intended to keep guys from going overboard trying to “cover” the rear tires.
If the body maintains the same basic width from front to rear, we have no problem with it, so the answer would be “Yes, we will allow it” (O.E.M. bodies also have bend lines in the center of doors and quarters, and naturally this is allowed).
If the body sides widen out towards the rear tires, or tapers out from the interior to the bottom of the doors excessively, expect to be asked to make needed changes before the next race.
The body rules are meant as a guide, and not a hardship for the racers. Please don’t take liberties with the intent of the body rules, and we won’t nit-pick them.
We want these cars to remain ‘open wheel’ modifieds.
Rule 3A: Suspension must be ‘stock OEM’ to the frame used.
*Pinto or Grenada spindles, and Nova lower control arms didn’t come as original equipment of the GM midsize 78 -87 metric frames, so they are all illegal*
Bodies (rule 14 & diagrams on pages 11, 12 & 13)
*Home made sheet aluminum or steel as well as any passenger car body skin (US or Foreign manufacturer) is allowed, provided they meet dimensional criteria.
As long as you don’t get crazy on the body fabrication (station wagon appearing roof or making the body too wide, attempting to cover the tires) we won’t be critical.
*No spoilers of any kind are allowed.
*No ‘plastic skirting of any kind is allowed.
Any questions? E-mail them to ‘hotmod09@hotmail.com’ and we’ll get you the answer!
