Miramichi Raceway Inc. Update Meeting - April 7, 2012 - Moncton, NBDiscussion Topics -Key changes for 2012 racing season
-New logo
-2012 Program/Schedule
-Request for Racers Support
-Feedback/Questions
Changes for 2012New owner and key staff New owner – Rodolphe Savoie
Track Announcer/Track Operations – Terry McGraw
Race Director – Bob Morrison
Starter – Bob Stairs
Tech Inspector – Jason Richardson
Tower Computer Operators – Sylvie McGraw and Louis Breau
First Responder – Henry Robichaud
Objective to complete program by 5 pm on Sunday evening-Time trials to begin at 9 am sharp
-Qualifying begins at 11 am
-Eliminations begin at 1 pm
It is the intent of the racetrack to improve the overall running of the facility. The racers will play a huge part in allowing the program to run more efficiently. It will be the racers’ responsibility to know the run order for the classes and be ready to head to the lanes in a timely fashion when their class is called. There is some concern that the call isn’t always heard through the track’s P.A. system. The track announcer is also broadcast through a radio station which allows all racers to tune in. Also, as the run order is always the same, a person can watch for racers in his class heading to the lanes as a last resort to know when they are required to be in the lanes. A racer missing the last call to the lanes will be turned around and sent back to the pits. This will be strictly enforced, so please be ready and get to the lanes to avoid missing your scheduled run. Bob Morrison will be the race director and will have the final say in all situations. A steering committee is being formed, which will help in getting any concerns the racers may have, dealt with by the race director.
Improved Sand Trap in Shutdown areaThere has been some concern with the condition of the sandtrap in the shutdown area. For 2012, the sand trap will be tilled each morning before the start of racing for the day. The track also has plans to install a safety net, but with limited funds it will not happen this season. There was a discussion about fundraising (50/50 draws) to generate the funds to install this safety net sooner. Another option would be to increase the entry fee. A $5 increase to the entry fee for the 2012 season would cover most of the cost of the safety net and would benefit all racers. This item will be discussed further in the coming months.
Participate in ADRA Tech Inspection ModelAs was discussed earlier in the off season, some improvements are being made to the way tech inspection will be performed at each of the four tracks. A common tech form is being created and will be used at all four tracks. Tech will be based on the IHRA rule book, which is available to print for free online. Each of the tracks will also have a copy on hand for anyone who would like to view it. Please remember the tech inspectors are in place to ensure the safety of the racers and spectators. The rules are clearly outlined in the IHRA rule book, but if you have any specific questions please contact Jason Richardson, the Miramichi Raceway Inc. tech inspector. Please note that when looking at safety requirements, the class e.t. breaks are irrelevant, the safety requirements are based on the e.t. and mph that your vehicle is running. Tech inspections will still be available on Friday evenings as in the past.
Maritime Bracket Racing guidelines
www.maritimedragracing.com/HTMLobj-19284/2012BracketRacingRulesforMaritimeDragstrips.pdfIHRA Rulebook online
www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=96979CanteenIn an effort to reduce costs, this season the canteen will be operated by the Miramichi Rotary Club.
Friday Night time trialsAlso in an effort to reduce costs, time trials on Friday evening have been eliminated. There may be an option to run some time trials on Friday evening if enough volunteers are willing to offer their time to staff some of the required positions. Also, for special events like the All Out Race and the Noonan Nationals, since the track is rented to the organizers, time trials on Friday evening will be at the discretion of the organizers of these events.
Incentive for Tuesday night racersIn an effort to get some of the Tuesday night test and tune spectators to the track on the weekends, a discount on their weekend entry fee will be offered to encourage them to not only come out on Tuesdays, but also on the race weekends.
2012 ProgramThe 2012 program will consist of 9 scheduled events, reduced from 13 events in 2011. This will include a Test and Tune, four Points Races, the Atlantic Canada All Out race, the Sport Compact/Hooligan Bike Extravaganza, the Noonan Nationals, and the season ending Battle of the Corporations. The complete schedule can be found on the Miramichi Raceway Inc. website. The points races will include two ADRA weekends, one with the Stock/Super Stock Series and one with the Pro Tree Series.
In an effort to accommodate all racers, the track has decided to allow the racers who don’t normally participate in the regular Sunday bracket classes (Outlaw and Drag Radial cars) to run time trials on Sunday with the Super Pro class.
2012 Schedule
www.miramichidragwaypark.com/Fuel and Pit SpacesAs in previous years, VP Racing fuels will again be available at the track. The complete fuel price list can be found on the Miramichi Raceway website. Pit spots will also remain the same, with the option to purchase your seasonal pit spot. The track will determine a deadline for payment of these pit spots.
VP Racing Fuel
www.miramichidragwaypark.com/Request for Racer SupportSince 2012 will be a transition year, Miramichi is asking for some racer support. The track is looking for people to sign up to help with such things as track cleanup, track prep, and to fill in for short periods of time to allow the staff to take a break. The more volunteers the track can sign up, the less of a commitment it will be for everyone. Remember, every little bit helps. If you are interested, there will be a sign up sheet at the track.
SummaryThe meeting was scheduled to bring everyone up to date on the changes happening at Miramichi Raceway Inc. Over the last several months Bruce Howatt has been working with the owner and staff of the track to develop a plan of attack for the 2012 season. The name has changed, the logo has changed, and now we need to put the effort in as racers to ensure the way the program runs on race day changes for the better. This is the only track in New Brunswick, so let’s pull together and make 2012 a huge success so we have a track to race at for many years to come!
Thanks to everyone who took the time to come out to the meeting at the Radical Speed Sport show, let’s make the 2012 season at Miramichi Raceway one of the best yet! If anyone has any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Chris O'Neill
