I-96 Speedway held their annual driver's meeting on Saturday Morning at Gregory's Tavern in Ionia and nearly a full house showed up at the Saturday Morning meeting to discuss I-96's 2010 plans and to talk about the Late Model Series in specific.
Nearly 36 driver's attended the meeting and a vote was taken and a decision was made to move to UMP sanctioning of the Late Model Series in 2010.
I-96 also voted to moving to the GM CT 525 for next year as part of the move to UMP and this passed by a very large majority.
Mike also announced that all the regular series will be run on the new high banked 3/8 mile track. The 1/2 mile will be used for special event shows such as World of Outlaws and the AMA Grand Nationals.
Many I-96 drivers plan to run the 525 next year; a couple guys expressed some interest in Ford's SW374 engine. I-96 presented an option to run a sealed 604 engine or go with an open 604 engine with a couple of upgrades pushing the hp some.
Summary of the meeting:
1. I-96 will be move back to UMP for 2010 (super late models)
2. Upgrade the GM 604 engine with the GM 525 engine
3. Have an option to run the Ford 374 engine
4. 604s and open 604s will also be an option
5. Super engines are allowed to race.
6. Weight for supers will be 2350 and crates will be 2200.
7. Single tire rule - to be finalized in the spring - driver would prefer the LM40
8. Cars with a crate engine will be allowed to have a maximum spoiler height of 12"
9. All regular Saturday night events will be held on the 3/8 mile for all classes.
10. Presented an outline of an engine leasing program for the 525, 604 open and std. 604 that will be ready after the holidays.
11. Will offer 604 and 604 open engine leasing program to mod drivers as well.
