January 23, 2004

Well, here it is January, only two more months to get through, before all the Hot, Sizzling, action will be back at the Delaware International Speedway (DIS) and the U. S. 13 Dragway. If you have that same necessity that I yearn for, which is the NEED FOR SPEED, two months still seems too far away. However that is closer than it was last month, although I am still suffering from withdrawals. I have been keeping pretty busy with updates going on in the racing world. But, none seems as fiery as the new class that will be running at DIS. There have been rumors spreading around about a new motor and new division that will be introduced for the 2004 year.

It’s official, there will indeed be a new class, where drivers wanting to upgrade to another class, can, and it will be easier on the wallet. It almost seems to good to be true, but I will do my best to explain what the track is aiming for in the race teams.

Lets start at the beginning more or less. As it stands pretty much many drivers get their start in go-karts, and spend years in that class before they can afford or even jump into another class. Go-karting has come a long way from the early days to what it is now. But look, most of even NASCAR and BUSCH drivers got their start in go-karts, or open wheel. But, when a driver decides to step it up a notch, cost is one of the main factors.

Once a driver feels he can afford, or feels he is even good enough to take the challenge to a new field; a side all those factors above, your next step is pretty much stepping into a Modified Lite which runs a 1600 cc go-kart engine (I believe) or go to a quarter-midget. Delmar race grounds currently have the only facility that has a qualified state recognized go-kart track, a premier Dragway, and the best a half-mile oval of clay in Delaware all on the same grounds. If you are leaving the go-kart arena and climbing to that half-mile clay oval, most step into the Modified Lite. From there the next step is up to another class in time. Then, there are those that just go right into a bigger class right off the bat. Either way cost is a factor. So the track has tried to help drivers along in this transition. Presently, the classes running at DIS are the Modified Lite, Street Modified, Late Model, and the Big Block Modified.

The new class will be an entry level modified from which a driver can someday make the changeover to the Big Block Modified with only minimum changes. Charlie Cathell, track owner, has been working on this idea for a few years, and it finally has come to full center. With the 2004 season just two months away, the news about a new class has been circling.

The new class will be the AC Delco TSS (Technician Service Specialist) Modified after negotiations were finalized. This new class will use an exclusive GM small block specialty motor No. PN88958602. The car will take on the same shape of sheet metal as the Big Block Modified, the Sportsman, and the Small Block Modifieds. But the Crate Motor will be a factory sealed GM motor. The motor comes with cylinder heads, intake, distributor, and competition oil pan. The advantage of this class and motor is the cost. The motor will be sold at a mere cost of $2,800, a much more reasonable cost than any other class. Most of the motors run an average of anywhere from $10,000 to much more. The hopes of Cathell, is that if a driver or when a driver decides to upgrade, the only changes really necessary would be the motor and shocks basically. The cars will pretty much have the same rules as the big block Modifieds with the exception of shock absorbers and maybe another thing or two. Other things such as weight, tire pressure and all can be found on my site, or you can contact the track.

The Crate motor will be available from any GM dealership, but Courtesy Chevrolet, of Salisbury, MD, has been declared the Official Engine Supplier and said they will have two motors on hand at all times. Courtesy, will also be offering special deals on accessory packages such as plugs, wires, fuel pumps, water pumps and items along those needs. An extra bonus for the points leader at the end of the season in this class, is that he will be awarded a new engine, but the engine must be purchased from Courtesy in order to qualify for the new motor.

As far as any other service centers, the AC Delco TSS will have around twenty other service centers around the Delmarva area. They plan on being available for full support both on and off the track. Also, the AC Delco Master Technician Service Specialist will hand out a $50 gift certificate for every winner each week to be redeemed at any of the GM Centers. Also the service centers will not just be limited to just Chevrolet or GM, it will service all and any makes of automobiles. So that is another reason to get busy and get your car ready for this year.

The track is very pleased with the heavy responses about this class. At least a dozen drivers and teams have called to be assigned a number for their car. The hopes are high that everyone will enjoy the new class at a more affordable cost but just as much competition as all the other classes. As with anything new a few bugs may have to be worked out. So the track has imposed a second Test-N-Tune in April. The first night of test and tune will be April 10, 2004. The season opener the following week, then April 27, 2004, the track will hold another Test-N-Tune night. Cathell said, many teams that want to set up their cars have to come during daytime for individual track time. With this new class, set ups will have to be felt out, and he decided to give the guys another night so the cars can do just that. Test-n-tune and do set ups in a true environment rather than daytime surroundings. As it stands right now, the winners purse will be $300 for a win, other place purses have not been worked out yet.

Cathell and officials will make sure that the motors are not tampered with by anyone other the delegated service areas too. Very stiff penalties will be imposed to those violating any of these rules. Any where from confiscating the motor to very steep fines. For more information about the rules, motor and anything else contact the tracks office at 302-875-1911. Any motor questions for Courtesy Chevrolet’s parts department you can contact John or Billy at 410-749-9448.

Next on my agenda is to let you know about a few special events for the 2004 season. DIS has a DIRT Modified sanction race in place for Tuesday, August 17, 2004. A lot of big name drivers will be on hand to compete with our DIS guys and you know our guys will give them a run for their money. The William Cathell Memorial will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2004, and it will host the first URC Sprint show of the year. William Cathell, the founder of the speedway, and grounds to what it has become today, is because of his love of racing. Camp Barnes will be on Wednesday, July 7, 2004, and that is always a big turn out. The proceeds benefit the less fortunate children that the Camp and Delaware State Police help to make an adventure come true for the kids that would not ordinarily get to go. The Diamond State 50 is scheduled for September 15, 2004, and I sure hope we get to have it this year. Tentatively there is a Stacker II Extreme Dirt Series scheduled, more on that at a later time. Any of these dates are subject to change. As far as the World of Outlaws, the date that had been talked about could no longer be offered. To this date no other dates have been scheduled for the WoO.

The U. S. Dragway will open the first points event March 28, 2004. A few test and tune practices before the first event will begin as early as February 29, 2004. The Dragway will have four “Double” points events this year, with the first being May 16, 2004, followed by June 18, July 30, and August 29, 2004.

Also, the NED (North East Division) Brackets will return back to be hosted by the U. S. 13 Dragway this season. So the Dragway will be a busy hot place during that weekend as well as each and every weekend.

I know I am ready for the season to start, only because I live for racing on Saturday night at DIS. Plus I don’t have a car to get ready, just my fingers for typing. And I really did not go into full details, I’ll save that for you tech. bugs. The new class will be fun to see evolve. The track is really trying to make an affordable class for any driver that wants to participate in this series. I am sure there will be some groans here and there, as with anything new. I am sure there will be a few kinks to iron out, but in time things will get all in place, I am sure. The Cathell’s run a first rate track every week, and I see no reason for that to change. But you have to look at the big picture, too. This is a great way to upgrade for some, it should be a cost efficient division which is hard to find these days, plus it will be the first in our area, where some other tracks are thinking along the same or similar lines. We are in a new era for change in Motorsports regardless if we want it or not. And that goes for our track as well as Xtreme, NASCAR, and many others fields. I am sure some will be happy and others not, but if you think about it, what’s not to like about the new class? For engines specs, rules, and dates, check my site www.redbud69racing.com or contact the tracks office at 302-875-1911. Look for a great season full of fun and action every weekend in Delmar.  See you at the track!

Bonnie Nibblett

www.redbud69racing.com

redbud69racing@aol.com