News from the Source

As we speed toward April 8th and the start of the 2017 IRA season, here are 4 things every IRA fan needs to know.

1. The Drivers: As of March 23rd, there are 16 drivers who have bought IRA memberships as well as many others who have indicated they plan to run on a part time or full time basis. The drivers who currently have bought memberships are: Chris Dodd, Todd Daun, Kris Spitz, Dennis Spitz, Scott Uttech, Bill Balog, Russel Borland, Scotty Thiel, Scotty Neitzel, Johnny Fahl, Ben Schmidt, Michael Decker, Jereme Schroeder, Trey Datweiler, Steve Meyer and the defending champion Jeremy Schultz.

2. The Tracks: 17 different tracks across 4 states are set to play host to the IRA in 2017, including returns to Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minnesota, the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, Iowa, and 34 Raceway in Burlington, Iowa. We will also be returning to two Illinois tracks that are well overdue of an IRA presence, Fairbury American Legion Speedway and the Dirt Oval at Route 66.

3. The Format: With a new year comes a new format. Heat races will now see an invert of 4 instead of 6, and the feature line up is also seeing an overhaul. Heat race winners and the next 6 or 7 fastest times (making up the top 10 A Main starters) will now each draw a number (1 to 10) to determine their individual starting positions. After that, all other heat race transfer cars will be lined up by heat race finish then qualifying time (2nd place finishers, then 3rd and so on). B main cars will no longer get their times back and instead will tag the tail of the A Main. Also, feature action will see a change, as lapped cars will now be moved to the tail of the field on every caution. All cars 1 lap down at the time of the caution will be given their lap back until there are 5 or less laps to go.

4. Other Sanctions: As in past years, the IRA will once again work with other major series’. Three times in 2017 the IRA will clash with Illinois’ Midwest Open Wheel Association. Also, there will be two chances to see the IRA and Tony Stewart’s All Stars Circuit of Champions do battle.

• Kim Tennyson on Mar 23, 2017
• Article Date: 3/23/2017 by Gared Tennyson