Details announced for single tire compound rule
to be used in WISSOTA starting in 2008 season

DASSEL, MN - WISSOTA drivers competing in AMSOIL Dirt Track Series events will reap the benefits of a simplified tire program in 2008, beginning with the first race of the new season in nearly all cases. For the first time, WISSOTA is implementing a single compound tire rule for each of its six racing divisions.

The move to a single compound rule is expected to be a cost-saving measure for drivers in all divisions, who no longer will have to inventory multiple sizes and compounds for various tracks or various surfaces.

At its most recent meeting, the WISSOTA board of directors clarified details on the 2008 tire rules for competition at WISSOTA member tracks.

In the WISSOTA Late Model division, beginning on April 1, 2008, all drivers will be required to use the Hoosier WRS2 tire in a 55 compound. The front tires and left rear tire must be the WRS2 while the right rear tire can, at the driver’s option, be the Hoosier WRS. The WRS is also a 55 compound tire.

Three sizes will be made available to the Late Model drivers, including 88, 90 and 92.

“We’ve talked to many drivers who race with WISSOTA and other organizations around the country, and we have consistently been told that the WRS and WRS2 are the best all-around tires for dirt Late Models available today,” said WISSOTA vice president and head technical advisor Bill Engelstad.

In the WISSOTA Modified, Super Stock and Midwest Modified divisions, beginning on April 1, 2008, all drivers will be required to use the E-Mod tire on all four corners of the car. The compound produced for WISSOTA and used by all drivers will be the H40 compound.

Two sizes will be made available, including 26.5/8-15 and 27.5/8-15.

“With recomendations from our promoters and many of our drivers, and after several testing sessions at different locations, we have concluded that this appears to be the best choice available at this time for a one compound rule,” said WISSOTA president Terry Voeltz.

“Obviously, we have tracks that are more abrasive than others, and we need a tire that will work at all of our tracks and have the durability required to do so. Regardless of the track or the condition of the track, having everyone on the same tire makes it the same for everyone,” he added.

In the WISSOTA Street Stock division, the E-Mod tire will be utilized for the first time in 2008. In an effort to save Street Stock drivers money during this major change and create a distribution channel for used E-Mod tires from other classes, Street Stock drivers will be allowed to run either H40 or A40 tires on the front of the car through May 31, 2008. The rear tires must be H40 starting April 1, 2008, however.

Beginning June 1, 2008, the H40 compound must be used on all four corners of WISSOTA Street Stocks.

“Although we expect the drivers in all classes to see a savings because of the new tire rule, we felt the Street Stocks should be allowed the chance to pick up some good used tires to start the season,” said WISSOTA board member Randy Queensland. “That should be a help to them and to drivers from the Midwest Mods, Supers and Modifieds, who can sell the Street Stock drivers some of their used inventory.”

In the WISSOTA Mod Fours, drivers will continue to utilize the existing Hoosier medium compound.

“When we talk to the Mod Four drivers,” said Engelstad, “they tell us that they don’t have a tire problem now regardless of the track or surface they are on.”

“We’ll continue to monitor that in 2008 and make sure no further changes need to be made,” Engelstad added.

The single compound tire rule to be used starting in 2008 is expected to be the primary source of tire bill savings for racers in 2008 and beyond. It is intended to decrease the number of tires each racer purchases.

“If the average racer buys two or three less tires each season, that will be a savings of several hundred dollars per team,” said WISSOTA board member Gus Omundson.

But in addition, the new three-year agreeement between WISSOTA and Hoosier Racing Tire will serve to stabilize the retail price of tires to WISSOTA racers. The Late Model tires being used in 2008 (MSRP of $130.00) will cost less than the current WISSOTA Late Model tire. The E-Mod tire will carry an MSRP of $112.00 - virtually the same as in 2007 - while the Mod Four division’s 13” tire will have a suggested retail price of $98.00.

The maximum increase per tire in 2009 and 2010 will be $1.00 per tire.

All tires legal for WISSOTA competition in 2008 will have the word “WISSOTA” molded in the sidewall. Tires without the official WISSOTA designation will not be allowed.

The members of the current WISSOTA board are committed to continuing tire research and testing programs that will help either increase product quality or save racers money. “The 2006-2007 tire testing program was a pioneer effort in this organization,” said board member Scott Hughes. “What we learned will definitely help WISSOTA and its racers this year and in the future.”

For further information, contact Engelstad at (218) 262-5823 or (218) 929-7036.