Updated Friday, May 17, 2024 - 8:45 AM
The start of the 2024 season for I-96 Speedway was one of change and challenges. Before the season could ever start, the track was blasted by early spring storms that caused significant damage to the structures on the property. Regardless, the season rolls on. The first and third weeks were washed away by rain, however, the two events that have been contested have drawn less than stellar car counts. In a social media post this week, officials with I-96 Speedway announced a rule amendment to the Late Model division.
The post reads as follows:
"After many conversations with track officials, we have decided to change our tire rule in the following class: Late Models. We are adjusting the rules to allow both American Racer and Hoosier LMT-3 with the option of LMT-4 on the right rear. We are also going to allow Hoosier 30s with the option of a 40 on the right rear. We are hoping this allows some new drivers to come to the track..."
An update posted on Thursday indicated that not only will the tire rule be blended, but drivers who elect to race within the DIRTcar UMP rules will receive national points. In the same post, the Speedway revealed their pay structure for all divisions, offering $2,000 to win for Late Models, $900 for IMCA Modifieds, $600 for Pro Stock/Truck, $500 for Street Stock, and $300 for Four Cylinder. The DIRTcar UMP sanction only applies to the Late Models and the drivers who follow the UMP Rule Book.
The move falls in line with the continued discourse within Dirt Late Model racing in Michigan. While a majority of tracks that race Super Late Models are on American Racers, including Crystal Motor Speedway, Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, Thunderbird Raceway, and I-96 Speedway, a clear pushback from Hoosier-faithful remains as tracks like Tri-City Motor Speedway, Merritt Speedway, Oakshade Raceway, Attica Raceway Park, and incoming traveling Series remain on the DIRTcar UMP sanctioned Hoosier; in turn creating smaller field sizes for most American Racer tracks.
Crystal Motor Speedway has fought the Hoosier Racing Tire takeover with the most success, by the numbers. In the first four events of the season, Crystal has averaged 25 cars for their premier division. Thunderbird Raceway, who also fought weather challenges this spring, has pulled an average of 14 cars in two weeks of racing. Mid-Michigan Raceway Park had just seven Late Models on property for their opener on Saturday. One potential key element for these numbers is that Tri-City and Merritt Speedways, who are DIRTcar UMP sanctioned, had not opened for the season while these events were contested. Both tracks will be open this coming weekend, offering the first true test of loyalty.
In comparison, Tri-City Motor Speedway averaged 26 cars in the first four weeks of the 2023 season while Merritt Speedway averaged nearly 19 cars in the first four regular shows of the season (excluding Memorial Day Weekend Special). The numbers suggest that drivers in the state are split nearly in half on which tire they prefer to race, or are willing to buy. The last remaining question is, how will the tires race when put together?
I-96 Speedway, which has pulled fields of 14 and 10 cars during the two completed shows, will put that question to the test allowing both to be raced in the same event. The Hoosier Racing Tire is typically described as a softer, lighter tire that has more grip, but "burns off" faster, while the American Racer is a harder, sturdier, heavier tire that is known for its longevity throughout multiple races and laps. So far this season, a heavy and fast track at I-96 may prove to be the equalizer in the tire, as a softer track is typically less likely to cause wear on a tire.
Fans will get their first chance to see the "blended" rule book this Friday, May 17th during a Regular Night of racing that also features Pro Stocks/Trucks, Street Stocks, 4 Cylinders, and Mini Wedges. Gates open at 5:00 PM with racing scheduled for 8:00 PM. For more information, find the I-96 Speedway Facebook page.
Story - Zach Hiser
Photo - Lucas Hubbell, Hubbco
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