Mountain State Motorsports Promotions has announced that the FASTRAK Late Models and the recently created Hot Mod divisions will be regular participants at the soon to be re-opened West Virginia Motor Speedway.
The FASTRAK sanction, based out of Carnesville, Georgia oversees a national network of race tracks whose common goal is to promote economical Late Model racing. This is accomplished through the mandated use of General Motors spec racing engines and Goodyear supplied racing tires. Known by many in racing as "crate engines" due to the completely assembled engine being shipped to the customer in a crate, the FASTRAK series relies on a GM designed and patented sealing bolt system, thorough inspection processes and strict rule enforcement to keep competitors on a even playing field.
"I raced for decades in one form of competition or the other" said FASTRAK president Stan Lester. "We were like every other racer, and tried to find every advantage we could by spending way more than we could possibly make in return. The whole purpose of the FASTRAK Late Models is to bring engine costs and tire bills down, allowing more racers to be competitive without breaking the bank in the process. FASTRAK has grown faster than I could ever have imagined it would".
Veteran crate engine racers have attested to running engines 2 full seasons, doing only normal maintenance like oil and filter changes before even thinking about refreshing their crate engines.
Economical late model racing? You bet!
The FASTRAK success story is predicated on affordable and durable engines and tires. The reward to racers is the ability to compete in one of dirt racings premier divisions at a fraction of the cost of their open ruled brethren, as well as the lucrative FASTRAK supplied regional and national point funds. Fans are witnessing growing fields of cars with close racing, and what many are calling the rebirth of weekly dirt late model racing.
Mountain State Motorsports Promotions Scott Strode said "In 2009, we sanctioned our crate engine late model division with the FASTRAK organization. We had struggled to grow the class the year before, and saw the value to the racers with FASTRAK. The results were a field of late models that continued to grow until it was our largest weekly class of cars".
"We ended up with 10 different feature winners, racers from 6 different states, and 5 of our regulars currently listed in the top 25 in the FASTRAK national point standings. A lot of our drivers are going to cash some nice point fund checks."
Likewise, the newly developed Hot Mod division encourages economical participation through common sense rules meant to minimize cost and maximize fun and safety. Introduced at the Tyler County and Midway (OH) Speedways in the 2009 season, the Hot Mods provided an outlet for those wanting to race on budget.
"We had been looking 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 Strode. "Prospective racers had been in contact with me for the last couple of years, asking for a more economical class. The inception of the 'Hot Mod' division suited the need perfectly".
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 is the motor set-back and body rules. The racer's appreciated the ease of maintenance on 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. A racer can run pump gas with these motors, and that alone should make this class an attractive option."
"We had 6 different feature winners in the Hot Mod's inaugural year, and new cars showing up weekly by seasons end. We are very excited about the growth prospects of this class. It's designed to put the emphasis on driving ability and set-up, and just like the FASTRAK cars, de-emphasise the money aspect."
The 'Hot Mod' division was the culmination of over a years worth of research and discussion.
"We have 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 racer is the heart and soul of any race track. By providing class options that are more in tune with our local economy, we hope to get folks who want to compete off the sidelines and back into the game." Mountain State Motorsport's Daniel Patterson added.
With preparations for the upcoming 2010 season at WVMS already in high gear, fans can expect to see an action packed schedule of diverse classes of race cars on the areas premier facility, and now can count on the FASTRAK Late Models and Hot Mods as regular participants.
"We want to get the word out there now, so guys can be prepared to race with us when we open in 2010." concluded Patterson. "We're really excited about the future at WVMS and judging from the positive response we've had after announcing the track's re-opening, fans and racers are just as excited as we are".
The West Virginia Motor Speedway, a 5/8 mile clay oval is located in Mineral Wells, WV take exit 170 off I-77, just south of Parkersburg, WV. Stay tuned for more exciting news regarding the premier motorsports venue in the state. Look for an all new West Virginia Motor Speedway website soon at www.wvspeedway.com and for more information call 304-758-2934 or 304-771-5661.
