Everyone,
We hope this finds you safe and well.
The message is one of the toughest messages we have ever assembled.
After many hours of deliberation, debate, internal and external examination, we have no choice but to not replace the event on Saturday, July 10, 2021 and will be removing the Saturday, July 3, 2021 event from the schedule. This adjustment is a proactive move, rather than a reactive move to events later in the season.
This is not an easy decision and the explanation follows.
This is not something we controlled however it will be something we do our best to manage.
While our forecast was in early and it was indicated that we would be okay, the manufacturing schedule has changed at Hoosier Racing Tire due to multiple factors. This comes at a time when things seem to be at a record year but after a conversation with our distributor, things have once again changed.
There are multiple factors in this decision, however, the goal is to protect our marquee events, competitors that turn out for events as consumers, as well as our business investments and provide the consistent platform that the Race of Champions has always strived to provide at our events.
In regard to the Modifieds, we could have changed compounds or used tires that are intended to be the “same”, however the designation is different, which would create unrest amongst competitors claiming tires “are different” and “not the same”. This is a risk we are unwilling to take. Our goal has always been to provide a consistent and steady product.
In regard to the 1070 program, we may be forced to limit teams to one (1) tire per race in the Sportsman Modified division until production is completed. The Super Stock division, will remain under the strict guideline of one (1) tire per race.
Street Stocks will remain on the Towel City tires (either casing) for the duration of the 2021 season.
We have already adjusted the Four Cylinder tire situation allowing competitors to utilize DOT tires with a minimum wear rating of 200.
While many may claim to have the answers or selected details, they are not privy to the entire story, the countless hours the people at Hoosier, Hoosier Tire Canada and Hoosier Tire East have spent in regard to this situation are incredible as are the hours spent planning to manage what we can to give everyone ample opportunity to compete.
We recognize this is not ideal and so does the tire company, to the point where they have asked us not to do this, however to protect the integrity of each entity, move forward in a thoughtful and professional manner, and protect the running of our marquee events, this will be our decision. It will rest on our shoulders. The risk of changing things up “mid-stream” is just too great.
There is an incredible amount of work that goes into each event and we have already experienced communication challenges in regard to tires. We do not want any team to show up and not have tires and this happened last season, based on communication breakdowns.
From this point forward, if there is no communication when we are asking, please do not expect us to be able to accommodate you when you just “show up”.
We will resume our schedule on Friday, July 16, 2021 with the opening of Spencer Speedway and proceed with events from that point.
For our entire industry, this is an unprecedented experience. Complaining, negative social media posts will get you absolutely nowhere and it will continue to help those who want to destroy this sport accomplish their goals.
In speaking from experience the two tire companies are actually in sync with these details and facing similar struggles as has been publicized.
In regard to practice or testing. Tires will be limited until the conclusion of the 2021 season. Plan accordingly. Teams that are accustomed to private testing will not be permitted to purchase tires and tracks will be informed to not permit private testing. In fact, some of those teams, have already been informed and will not be welcome to waste the resources of individual teams that are dedicated to racing with the end product.
We apologize for having to inform you of this.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@rocmodifiedseries.com or inbox us on Facebook.
Thank you,
Joe Skotnicki and the Race of Champions Family