PA Postscript '08
There is nothing quite like a drive across PA on I-80, especially during the winter. It was nonetheless worth the crappy drive to see so many old friends and to be a part of the MRA meeting that took place there.
In my last column I stated that the last thing that the sport of mud racing needed was another sanctioning body. While I still stand by that, after attending the MRA meeting and hearing what they had going for them, the real question becomes, "Will we need thee, NMRO, in the future"? Don't get me wrong, the MRA has a lot to prove and a long way to go, but the officers and delegates have really put a lot of time, money and effort into this organization. I have been keeping up on the MRA website, and though most of the buzz is centered around the rules, I do think there are a few things that many people don't know.
First, there are set and fairly short term limits to all elected officials. Second, the MRA has set up very specific track construction and safety guidelines. This will include minimum safety personnel requirements, as well as having inspections for track width and shutdown lengths. Driver safety is also a big concern, with the 2008 guidelines becoming mandatory in the years to come. Something else to come out of this meeting was the Fast Mud race dates for '08. The Harvest Fair race will be on August 23, and the Shootout will be October 11. The blower class is also being considered for inclusion at the Shootout, and both races are being considered for MRA sanctioning. There was also a discussion on races that are sanctioned, and ones that are supported. At a sanctioned race, all MRA class, safety, and track rules will be followed, and eventually points will be issued. A supported race will be those that follow most of the rules, but either can't or won't enforce all of them.
As for the '08 season, Mean Streak will be running as many MRA races in this area as we can, and according to prez Mike Zibella, there may be a number of new races up this way. As of right now, the only NMRO race on the schedule for us will be Bloomsburg, and when we get the dates for the other races we will post them.
I was disappointed to hear of Chris Terry's resignation as a board member of the MRA. I really don't understand his actions, and much of what I have read doesn't make much sense. I will say that one race date conflicting with another is no reason to throw away the whole organization. This happens in other forms of racing with little ill effect. In the day of $4 a gallon diesel, not too many racers can afford to travel. So how do the TMRO's actions benefit anyone (they don't), and they only open the door for animosity in a sport that doesn't need it. Sadly, there will always be those naysayers that take cheap shots at those willing to step up and lead or speak their minds. Since you can't please everyone, I say to my friends at the MRA, keep it up, there are a lot of us that think you are doing a great job.
That's all for now.
In my last column I stated that the last thing that the sport of mud racing needed was another sanctioning body. While I still stand by that, after attending the MRA meeting and hearing what they had going for them, the real question becomes, "Will we need thee, NMRO, in the future"? Don't get me wrong, the MRA has a lot to prove and a long way to go, but the officers and delegates have really put a lot of time, money and effort into this organization. I have been keeping up on the MRA website, and though most of the buzz is centered around the rules, I do think there are a few things that many people don't know.
First, there are set and fairly short term limits to all elected officials. Second, the MRA has set up very specific track construction and safety guidelines. This will include minimum safety personnel requirements, as well as having inspections for track width and shutdown lengths. Driver safety is also a big concern, with the 2008 guidelines becoming mandatory in the years to come. Something else to come out of this meeting was the Fast Mud race dates for '08. The Harvest Fair race will be on August 23, and the Shootout will be October 11. The blower class is also being considered for inclusion at the Shootout, and both races are being considered for MRA sanctioning. There was also a discussion on races that are sanctioned, and ones that are supported. At a sanctioned race, all MRA class, safety, and track rules will be followed, and eventually points will be issued. A supported race will be those that follow most of the rules, but either can't or won't enforce all of them.
As for the '08 season, Mean Streak will be running as many MRA races in this area as we can, and according to prez Mike Zibella, there may be a number of new races up this way. As of right now, the only NMRO race on the schedule for us will be Bloomsburg, and when we get the dates for the other races we will post them.
I was disappointed to hear of Chris Terry's resignation as a board member of the MRA. I really don't understand his actions, and much of what I have read doesn't make much sense. I will say that one race date conflicting with another is no reason to throw away the whole organization. This happens in other forms of racing with little ill effect. In the day of $4 a gallon diesel, not too many racers can afford to travel. So how do the TMRO's actions benefit anyone (they don't), and they only open the door for animosity in a sport that doesn't need it. Sadly, there will always be those naysayers that take cheap shots at those willing to step up and lead or speak their minds. Since you can't please everyone, I say to my friends at the MRA, keep it up, there are a lot of us that think you are doing a great job.
That's all for now.
posted by Mean Streak Mud Racing at 7:08 PM
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