The claiming driver must have raced three consecutive nights and make the claim at the same track where he/she was claimed.
All claims must be in compliance with all other IMCA requirements for the Modified, Stock Car, Hobby Stock and both SportMod divisions.
“Drivers who have supported sanctioned tracks and sold engines in good faith this season continue to deserve the opportunity to claim,” IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root said. “We have done everything we could to write a set of eligibility requirements that are reasonable and as fair as possible. However, those requirements are too often being manipulated by drivers who race the minimum number of times to become eligible, then make an engine claim and never come back.”
“That affects the quality of racing fans are paying to watch, and it jeopardizes the divisions that have claim rules and the livelihood of tracks,” he added. “The claim remains important but it does not take precedence over every other issue at our race tracks.”
The claim policy outlined last month will remain in effect for the upcoming IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals.
A new structure for engine claims effective in January of 2011 will be announced as soon as possible.
“The costs of racing, from the car itself to getting to the track, paying pit passes and entry fees, are at an all-time high during the toughest economic times many of our drivers have ever known,” said Root. “IMCA will not abandon the claim but as our Northern SportMod division has proven, it is possible to provide a set of rules where claim and non-claim engines can co-exist and the racing can remain competitive.”
Questions about the engine claim suspension can be directed to Root at the IMCA home office, 319-472-2201.
