Share your ideas for Pro Racing 2009

The 2008 Pro Race season drew to a close with the Awards Banquet on Nov. 1.   Those who made it had a great time, and we hope the rest of you can attend next year!

Now starts planning for the 2009 season, and we should have a schedule and rules package completed around January 1st.  The following are some of the issues that we would like to have your ideas on.  Send us an email or call to let us know what you think.

• Night Races
  This summer we had a pair of night races, and they seemed to be a big hit.  After asking about them at the banquet, we KNOW they were a hit.  So we think we should do more.  Let us know how many you think is a good number.
   
• Alternate Track Configurations
  We have been in the habit of running the same full 'national' configuration for all of the weekly shows.  Maybe we should mix it up a bit? Safety would have to be the first issue to conquer, but there are tracks we could use that would not comprimise safety.  It would also have to be fun for the racers.  Let us know if this is something you'd like to do.
   
• TAG Rules
  2008 saw the use of TAGUSA rules, and there was some discussion about changing during the summer to WKA rules.  This was decided against mainly because changing mid-season is disruptive to many racers.  With more stability in the WKA ruleset, and because it is more widely adopted throughout the rest of the region, following WKA TAG rules in 2009 is something that we are seriously considering.  TAG racers, Let us know what you think.
   
• HPV Engine Rules
  WKA has published that they are changing the Manufacturer's Cup HPV class exhaust rules.  The 2008 rules had a minimum flex length with the HPV-3 pipe.  The 2009 rules will have no minimum flex length and use the HPV-4 pipe.  In the past CHMS has used national rules to keep things easy, but now we have to make a decision.  If we implement it, this new ruleset will make more horsepower, therefore dropping laptimes.  All racers would have to purchase a new pipe to comply.  We are unsure whether the increased hp would affect engine longevity.  Given the strength of the class at CHMS, in both size and competition, we need your input as to our rules for '09.  If you raced HPV this season, or would like to next year, we want to hear your thoughts for or against the new rules.
   
• Full Rear Bumpers
  WKA has also published that ALL CLASSES will be required to have full width rear bumpers.  Bumpers need to cover "somewhere between the center of each rear tire and the outside of the rear tire."  CIK plastic bumpers, tubular steel bumpers, or welding 'elephant ears' on existing bumpers are all legal options.  We are unsure if we will need to require this at CHMS, or if it can stay as an optional piece.  Contact WKA for details and to voice your thoughts on this issue.
   
• Spec Racer
  This fall, we hosted 5 Friday night races for the Spec Racer class.  It  was a HUGE success.  Anytime you can have this much fun racing for a $1749 complete kart, it is bound to bring in more people.  Now we need to decide if this class will run a Friday night or Saturday night program.  Let us know if you have an opinion either way.

Have any other issues we should take a look at?  Want to be sure we don't change something you really loved this season?  Make sure you tell us now, while we are planning for 2009!