I.M.C.A. Old Timers

November 19, 2011

The first planning meeting of the IMCA Old Timers Vintage Stock Car Touring Series was held November 19, 2011 at the Wintergreen Resort and Convention Center Baraboo, Wisconsin. The site was central for all attendees. 

There were over 22 in attendance, and they hailed from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

The purpose was to explore the possibility of starting a new IMCA Old Timers Old Timers Vintage Stock Car Series. We also wanted to set up rules and guidelines for the Series that will fit different drivers, racecars and Race Tracks in the upper Mid West, with the purpose of promoting our sport.

There was a lot of discussion defining this Series and Vintage Racing.

Competition and Exhibition Racing were discussed.  While the general consensus was that we want to actually race (vs. strictly exhibition) there will be NO BUMPING, AGGRESSIVE DRIVING or “Trading Paint”. There was concern about one or two cars doing all the winning, or running away with the show.  I believe the consensus was, that if you win a heat or feature, you should not win for the next two or three events

1. Gentlemanly behavior, both on and off the track must be maintained, and driving with ones head.   Faster cars need to respect and show consideration for slower cars, and slower cars need to maintain their line to allow for safe passing. Drive to your ability and the cars capability but do so in a safely and without incident.  The idea of this series is to promote our sport, and make our Series attractive to Promoters, track owners, spectators and Sponsors of our various Race Cars. The entire Series, the integrity and collective class of the entire group must be of the highest level, and the quality in appearance of both our Race Cars and the behavior of the Drivers
2. We must have fun!
3. We will work to have a schedule that the majority of members will participate in, between 6 – 8 race dates per season.  It is extremely important that every event have an adequate number of cars to put on a quality Vintage Race.  If we “pick and choose” too much, sooner or later there won’t be any races to “pick” from

The next topic discussed was rules for the new series.  After much discussion we arrived at the following rules.

1. Only 1984 and older cars are allowed.  However, exceptions can be made if a car has history or is newer it may be allowed to compete following a request by owner/driver.   The general consensus was that we want to “allow” any car that truly is a Vintage stock car.
2. Regularly raced, weekly (Hobby or Late Model) or competing cars will NOT be allowed.
3. A maximum of 10” wide tires are allowed.
4. Stock Stubs or manufactured frames and Coil Over Cars are allowed.
5. Helmet Safety must be maintained with a SNELL Rating of no more than 5 years old.
6. Seat Belts must carry a date of not more that 5 years.
7. All General Rules from the IMCA Old Timers 2012 Rules were adopted
8. All Flag Rules from the IMCA Old Timers 2012 Rules were adopted.
9. All Safety Rules from the IMCA Old Timers 2012 were adopted with the exception of # 5 and # 6 above, pertaining to Helmets and Seat Belts.
10. All of the IMCA Old Timers 2012 Stock Car Rules for 2012 were adopted with the above exceptions.

It was made known that an announcer for our series would be preferred, and desired by the Promoters and Track Owners.  Gary Stein graciously volunteered to fill that position and his help is greatly appreciated.

We also discussed various ideas pertaining to finding and sustaining a Sponsor for our Race Cars, and also securing a sponsor for the series, once we’re established.

We also discussed the idea of trying to schedule the 6 – 8 race dates per season in pairs falling on a Friday - Saturday, or a Saturday – Sunday, so as to hold down the cost of traveling.

The IMCA Old Timers have agreed to be the sanctioning body for this group.

The question of membership or being a member to race came up.

It was decided that joining IMCA Old Timers is not necessary to race, however, your support of the club would be appreciated.  The IMCA Old Timers has a rich history of supporting Vintage auto racing and provides great value to its members for very little money.  We welcome the 8 new members that did sign up.

The meeting was adjourned with the idea that another meeting will be needed again after the first of the year to check on progress of booking dates and other Series matters.

Contacts;

Jim Heiland                             Gary Mitidiero

612-889-2100                          708-935-1041

Arlington, MN                        Homer Glen IL

www.IMCAOldTimers.com               www.midwestvintageracing.com