WISSOTA responds to western driver request to create
a Wyoming-based pilot program for new LM division

ST. CLOUD, MN - During their meeting on Friday, February 23, the WISSOTA board of directors discussed a proposal made by drivers from Wyoming who intend to begin a crate engine, or sealed engine, Late Model division to run during the 2007 season.

The board of directors discussed the offer extensively during the meeting and also involved four other attending member promoters in the discussion.

The board of directors voted to extend to the Wyoming drivers the offer of a WISSOTA “pilot program” designed to gauge interest in the new division, which will be called the WISSOTA Midwest Late Models, and evaluate the competitive aspects of it as well. WISSOTA board member and head technical adviser Bill Engelstad was asked to work with Herb Horn, who has represented the interested drivers and contacted WISSOTA, to finalize a proposed set of rules for the limited engine Late Model division.

The drivers proposed use of the complete set of existing WISSOTA Late Model chassis and body rules for the division and the WISSOTA Late Model transmission rule as well.

The drivers also proposed the use of Hoosier racing tires in the division and up to three different engine choices. Two of the proposed engines are the GM Performance 602 and 604 engines; the proposal also included a request to allow drivers to use any legal WISSOTA Midwest Modified engine in the division during its first year. Several weight limits for the various engine packages were also proposed.

The drivers also proposed that they:

•Purchase a WISSOTA competitors license;

•Receive point fund monies for the pilot program;

•Have the opportunity to earn a “regional championship” in WISSOTA. The “region” was defined by the drivers to include the tracks in Gillette, WY, Casper, WY, Sheridan, WY and Rapid City, SD.

WISSOTA board members Randy Queensland and Scott Hughes - and possibly others - will attend a racers meeting in Gillette, WY on Wednesday, March 7 to discuss this proposed program and a variety of other issues with western drivers and promoters.

In addition to the western pilot program proposed by the Wyoming drivers, WISSOTA had already begun crafting plans for an informal crate engine Late Model program to be spearheaded by Kopellah Speedway promoter Rick Kobs, who is also an experienced Late Model, Modified and Super Stock driver.

Kobs, who plans to use his crate engine powered Late Model as a show car at Kopellah Speedway, will also field the car as an occasional entry in regional crate Late Model competition with the intent to bring all of the information from his experience to the WISSOTA annual meeting in November 2007.

The WISSOTA board of directors would like to thank the western drivers for bringing their ideas to the organization and Kobs for his forward thinking on behalf of the organization.

Further announcements will be made in the coming months regarding these programs.