Clarifications, but few changes seen in IMCA rules for 2010 VINTON, Iowa (Nov. 19) – As promised, IMCA’s 2010 rules look a lot like those employed for the 2009 race season.
“There is nothing major in next season’s rules,” IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root said. “The majority of what is different from this year is clarifications, how we interpret a rule and how it is enforced.”
“We’re always trying to close gaps and eliminate gray areas,” he added. “Writing rules so they’re better understood by drivers, tech inspectors and builders is in everyone’s best interests.”
Stock Car drivers will be allowed to use a Ford engine and Ford body on the 1978-1987 GM frame. The 2010 rules also allow for the use of alternators in the Stock, Northern SportMod and Southern SportMod divisions.
“Allowing the use of the GM frame by the guys who want to drive a Ford makes it a lot more consistent with what everybody else is doing and more cost effective,” Root said. “Alternators are also an issue of convenience because drivers won’t have to be charging their batteries all the time.”
SportMod drivers had been using alternators because rules didn’t say they couldn’t. They’d been barred from the Stocks because of the use of external regulators.
“It was easier for us to not allow alternators when we needed to simplify rules on electrical systems,” Root said. “Now that we have a better grasp on traction control, it’s something that fits better in our rules.”
Modifieds will be limited to the use of a single carburetor spacer, no more than two inches thick.
“There was no rule on this before. We were starting to see stacked spacers and some pretty exotic things,” explained Root. “It’s an issue of performance. It’s not common but it’s not necessary, either.”
Crankshaft and connecting rod guidelines are addressed in rules for the Hobby Stocks, Northern SportMods and Southern SportMods.
A required one inch inspection hole in the oil pan is also spelled out for those classes.
Any changes in procedures and/or the point structure for next season will be announced in December, as will plans for the Sprint Car and Crate Model divisions.
The 2010 rules have been posted on the IMCA website. Rule sheets will be distributed during the off-season at trade shows and swap meets, and included in packets mailed to drivers applying for new competitor’s licenses. |
