BDS Racing Promotions/Mountain State Motorsports, the promoters and track operators of the West Virginia Motor Speedway, the new home of the Labor Day classic 'Hillbilly Hundred' will add a new and economical class of race cars to their racing programs. Beginning in the 2010 season, the 'HotMod' division will make their debut at ‘the Speedplant’. A variation of the popular IMCA Southern Sportsmod division, the 'HotMod' class is geared toward economical construction and operation for the competitor, along with an emphasis on safety.
"We had looked for a class of cars that will allow guys who want to run a 'real race car', but don't want to mortgage the house to build a competitive engine, or buy a chassis in order to be competitive" said Scott Strode of the MSM promotional team. "Prospective racers had been in contact with me, asking for a more economical class. The 'HotMod' division has filled that void, and according to the folks who raced in the class the inaugural season, has been exactly what we were looking for."
The 'HotMod' chassis is based on a GM metric passenger car frame, with very limited modifications allowed. The suspension must remain relatively stock, allowing only racing shocks and adjustable spring spacers located in the OEM stock positions, thereby limiting fabrication needs. Engines are limited to a maximum c.i.d. by manufacturer, and require cast iron OEM blocks and cylinder heads. Flat or dish top pistons will limit compression, while ignition limitations, a mandatory 2 barrel carburetor rule and stock valve train components will keep engine costs in check. "Stripped bare, this car is more like what an actual "Pure Stock" should be, but will have the distinct body style of a modified" Strode went on to say. "The biggest difference will be the motor set-back and body rules. The racer's all appreciated the ease of being able to maintenance these cars. The body rules allow for fabricated or OEM bodies, but eliminate the need for the front and rear bumper covers. There isn't a race car that requires less material for a body than a modified. These cars look cool, handle well, and are fun to race because they cost less to operate. Racers can run pump gas with these engines, and all of our 2009 HotMod racers built their own cars, so it is an attractive option for racers operating on a tighter budget."
The 'HotMod' division was the culmination of over a years worth of research and discussion.
"We’ve always taken the stance that we need to look farther than next week or next month if our racing program is to remain healthy. The economy drives every business, and we are no exception. The ‘weekend warrior’ racer is the heart and soul of any race track. By providing a class option that is more in tune with the present economy, we hope to get folks who want to compete off the sidelines and back into the game." WVMS Promoter Daniel Patterson added.
The 'HotMod' division is the latest in the BDS & MSM promotional team's effort to improve the health of racing in general. One year later, over a thousand Hot Mod rule books have been distributed and the natural skepticism regarding a new class of race cars has all but vanished.
Strode concluded by saying "We are all committed to this for the long haul, and feel confident our past efforts reflect that commitment. The class growth in it’s first season showed steadily growing participant numbers, and interest in the class has exceeded our expectations. The timing is absolutely perfect for a class like this, and it's growing by leaps and bounds everywhere else."
The HotMod division will be a part of every WVMS racing event, allowing regional talent the chance to regularly display their skills on the area’s biggest stage.
“We’ve always tried to find ways to maximize our racer’s investment” stated Patterson. “By getting the word out now that the HotMods will be a big part of the future at ‘the Speedplant’ we believe the momentum that was built in 2009 will carry on into the future.”
Fans of the West Virginia Motor Speedway can expect to see the area’s most exciting and diverse racing schedule for the 2010 racing season.
HotMod car construction rules are available by contacting the WVMS office at 304-771-5661 or emailing danpatterson@suddenlink.net. Visit the official West Virginia Motor Speedway website @ www.wvspeedway.com for news, scheduling info, and more as 'the Speedplant' roars back to life in 2010!
