Here We Go Again

A couple of weeks ago, Quincy Raceways issued a press release stating their intention to switch their late model sanction to the Missouri based ULMA . United Late Model Association. The ULMA began as a steel block engine based group designed for the lower budget late model competitor. In the last couple of seasons, they have modified their rules to allow for the crate late models as well as the IMCA type spec engine cars to also compete. With Callaway Raceway in Fulton,Mo. a sanctioned track, and 24 Raceway in Moberly,Mo. set to come on board in 2012, it seemed like a decent fit for QR if they were indeed going to switch from IMCA. Still, I decided to hold off commenting on the switch, as some close to the situation seemed to be hedging their bets as it were as to the final outcome. On this past Tuesday, co owner Paul Holtschlag held a drivers only meeting at his riverfront Quincy restaurant to discuss the move. He also used the occasion to announce an ownership change at the .29 mile 37 year old oval. Tony Rhinberger, a member of the ownership group since the Scott family sold the track five years ago is no longer involved as an owner, with the facility now jointly owned by his father Bob Rhinberger and Holtschlag .
Bob has been a vital part of the tracks management team for the last five years, and was a long time employee during the Scott years, and has purchased his sons interest.
The actual subject of the meeting was which way to go with the late model sanction for 2012, and after some discussion, it was decided to go with the UMP option. UMP - United Midwest Promoters - is headedquartered in North Carolina, but enjoys its strongest presence in the midwest, with Illinois featuring numerous late model venues. The open engine sanction was apparently the choice of more than 80 percent of those in attendance at the meeting. It is my understanding that those who hang onto their IMCA spec engines would still be able to compete under the UMP rules package. Indeed, under the right track conditions, the lower horsepowered machines could be competitive on the QR oval. Still, I would expect that most of the locals who make the switch will be looking to upgrade their power plants, especially if the are looking to perhaps travel to other larger UMP tracks such as Pontoon Beach, Il. and Pevely,Mo. With Stve Shepards Shepps Speedway in Alexander,Il switching to Friday nights in 2012 - no word yet on whether or not they will run the super late models - QR looks to be the only Sunday night sanctioned track in the region, and it is hoped that will help to draw out of town cars. Unlike IMCA, the UMP points formula allows drivers to count points earned at any sanctioned track to be added towards their national total, much like the old NASCAR weekly racing series of which QR was a long time member. While QR may lose a couple of local late models due to the switch, there are also a couple of locals who have been doing the UMP thing in recent seasons, so at worst the weekly car count should increase slightly - at best, an infusion of new drivers will increase the weekly " wow " factor. The track has enjoyed a 14 year run with IMCA, and I am sure I will not be the only one who will miss the Deery Brothers Summer Series events during the season. Whether QR will look to rejoin the UMP Summernationals tour remains to be seen.
Whether more changes are coming it is hard to say - as of now, the lineup is UMP late models and modifieds, IMCA stock cars and sport mods, and non sanctioned hobby stocks and 4 cylinders, although there has been talk of a possible 4 cylinder sanction.
Since QR late model drivers have been strong supporters of the 34 Raceway late model program in recent seasons, the owners of the West Burlington, Iowa facility took the opportunity to assure everyone that they will continue to sanction IMCA late models in 2012.
What is often a slow news cycle for Tri State racing has been anything but thus far, starting with the sale of the racing operation at Lee County Speedway. In addition, rumors abound at tracks in Independence and Maquoketa, Iowa just to name a couple. Keep checking back at Positively Racing.com and we will try to keep you up to speed on what figures to be a busy off season.
Thanks for reading!