If you can read this, racing is too close! In fact, by now you’ve missed the season opener and half the National program at Blackhawk plus the first Showcase event! Relax, there’s still time to make the first LOL event. But if you’re a student needing a Novice Permit you’d best hustle and contact Dave Bowman at 612-683-0784. If you’re a Nationally licensed driver and interested in spending Saturday May 24 instructing (and getting a nice sweatshirt for your trouble) contact me at 612-944-5034 (open wheel) or Norm Nelson at 612-935-0212 (closed wheel) and we’ll get you on the roster.

Several interesting items are on the Comp Board agenda including a possible SCCA race at Elko Speedway, possible new racetrack locations in our Region, and various proposals for distributing complimentary tickets to this year’s Jack Pine Sprints. There also is a proposal to delay the annual Awards Banquet until after the new year to 1) get away from the busy holiday period; 2) allow a bit more time for consideration of awardees; and 3) to take advantage of possible non-holiday discount banquet pricing. If you have thoughts on the above, contact the Comp Board or show up for the monthly meetings (first Tuesday) at Murray Motorsports.

Some possibilities have been raised to deal with the treacherous conditions on BIR’s main straightaway in the event of rain. One is to move race Start/Finish close to the end of the pits to get more of the field past the very slippery drag race start line at the green flag. Also, we trust the authorities will be more cognizant of rain, and red flag races if cars are all on slicks to allow for a change of tires. I would be in favor of showing a yellow flag from Turn Ten until a new start/finish when rain occurs to prohibit passing on the extremely slippery stuff. Or maybe we can talk to Carl Pohlad and move the Metrodome north since indoor baseball in the Cities has fallen out of favor.

There will be another hospital visit opportunity for drivers to meet (and cheer up) sick kids. We’ll get the details out as soon as possible. Happy racing!

Copyright 1997, Land O'Lakes Region.
Last revised: May 5, 1997