Important Announcement
I have news regarding the 2009 Reedy Race. First I would like to personally thank all the drivers that signed up. Your participation is proof that the Touring Car segment of our hobby continues to be strong and competitive, and new categories like RCGT increase participation and bring new blood to the hobby. I also don’t want to forget to thank Scotty and Billy. Without them, there would be no race.
Unfortunately, due to the economy and the swine flu, some of the Invitational class drivers have chosen not to attend, and many have cancelled at the last minute. Only 12-13 remain. This means that we have had to make some changes to the Invitational class so that the race can remain the prestigious event that it has always been and continue with its unique head-to-head racing format.
To do this we have decided to combine the Modified and Invitational class drivers and utilize the “World Cup” qualifying/racing format. Many of you may not be familiar with this format so I will explain how it works.
For example, there are currently 41 drivers in Mod and Invite. We will set heats like a normal event and run 4-rounds of IFMAR qualifying on Saturday. Using qual points, we will take the best 2 of 4 points combined to determine the 21 drivers who will move on to Sunday’s Invitational heats, which will consist of three seven car heats running four rounds. Like always, the lowest point total from these 21 drivers will determine the 2009 Invitational champion. The remaining 20 (or more) drivers will be sorted into mains on Sunday with a triple A-main to determine the Modified class winner. The B-main drivers will race twice with the best combined finishing points determining the winner. If there is a C-main, That will run twice as well.
Some technical rules will change. One difference will be to tire quantity and prep. Sauce and warmers will be allowed. Each driver can purchase 4 sets of tires but must use no more than two new sets each day. Previously, it was stated that Invitational drivers could only run 5-cell. But now any driver in this combined format can choose to use Lipo or 6-cell. Additionally, the 5-cell weight limit has been reduced to 1425g. LiPo and 6-cell powered cars will be limited to 1500g.
Everyone who signed up for Modified will still receive at least the same amount of track time as they would have had with the original format. No additional tires are required so there is no added expense. Plus drivers have the unprecedented opportunity to qualify for the Invitational class. I can look at the list and know who is foaming at the mouth right now! But I understand that some may feel that this is not what they signed up for. We will gladly switch these driver’s entries to 13.5. If any 13.5 drivers want to take advantage of the chance to qualify for the Invitational class, we will gladly switch their entries to Modified. To make any changes, please contact Scotty via the reedyrace.com website.
There will be no changes to the format for the 13.5 or RCGT classes. They will run as advertised.
This is all very last minute and we have not sorted out all of the details. Anything we missed will be discussed at the driver's meeting. Unfortunately we do not have all the Modified class email addresses so we are hoping that those that read this can inform the other participants. If you have any questions you can contact Scotty via email or me via PM.
Thanks for your patience and understanding. We are confident that the Reedy Race will continue to be one of the most prestigious events of the year.