2003 MMRA CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR - FAQ's

1.  Why was this tour developed?

There were several reasons. 
First, we wanted to personally meet as many racers as possible - not just the ones who come to the Nationals. 
Second, by helping to coordinate this tour, racers who want to travel to "Big" races will know where the big races and big car counts will be. 
Third, by bringing a big race to several areas, we can help regional directors impress their local tracks with the national scope and size of minicup racing. 
Fourth, these events will provide a valuable, sellable series that can help MMRA attract sponsorship which will benefit the sport. 
Fifth, these events will also be opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers to meet and greet a larger number of racers than simply picking an event in a region.
Sixth, these events can provide make-up/drop dates for the overall championship - i.e. if you miss a local championship qualifying race, you can replace that event with a tour race and still be in the championship hunt.
Seventh, these big events will also impress potential racers in the stands and hopefully build the car count in the areas the tour visits.

2.  Do I have to be an MMRA member to race?

No - Any racer with a car meeting all MMRA specs. will be allowed to compete in one tour event.  You must still be an MMRA member to compete at the Nationals or to race in more than one tour event.  Also, non-members will not receive any points.  This is to allow local racers with MMRA-legal cars to join the fun at these exciting events - and hopefully choose to come on board in the future.

3.  How does this affect the regional qualifier program?

Each regional director will still identify 4 local races that will count as championship qualifying races.  As such, a local racer could still win the championship by only attending local races and the Nationals.  These tour races are simply another option.

4.  Can I win the championship by just running the tour and the Nationals?

Yes - assuming you have more overall points than all other racers. 

5.  Can I mix and match tour and local qualifying races?

Yes - MMRA will take your 4 best races races plus the Nationals to determine your overall points standing.  For example, you could run 2 tour races and your 4 local qualifying races and MMRA will drop your worst two races from those six events and add your points at the Nationals for your total.

6.  Can I just run tour races and my local races for the championship?

No - to win the championship, you'll have to race against all the best drivers at the Nationals.  Of course you can skip the Nationals but then you'll only have points from 4 races.

7.  So there is an advantage to running the tour as far as winning the championship?

Yes - you'll get to drop some dates whereas someone who only runs locally will not.

8.  Could this also help someone who planned to just run locally?

Yes - if he misses a qualifying race or perhaps crashes in a qualifying race, he can now replace that event with a tour race and get back in the championship hunt.

9.  Will tour races always be different than regional qualifier races?

Not necessarily.  In some cases, for some regions, a tour race may also be a regional qualifier. 

10.  Why should I race tour races?

First, the big car counts should make for exciting racing.
Second, they'll give you more opportunity for a better points finish because of possible drop dates.
Third, they will all pay a handsome purse.

11.  What's that about a purse?

Each tour race with 30 or more cars will pay a purse of over $2,000 split between Open and Future Stars classes. Click here for a complete breakdown.

12.  What about the rules?

All MMRA rules will be enforced.  These tour races are not the place to bring cheating motors or illegal cars.

13.  Who will be "in-charge" at the tour races?

Track rules will prevail as far as lineups, qualifying procedures, etc. and will be explained by track officials the day of the event.  Tech will be handled by a combination of MMRA staff and our local hosts.  Payouts and awards will be handled by MMRA.

14.  How were the dates and tracks chosen?

We generally wanted one race per month leading up to nationals and we tried to space out the races as much as possible.  We chose regions with strong car count so we could meet the maximum number of racers and also have big car counts for every event.  Finally, tracks were selected for their overall quality, willingness to work with MMRA, and also their locations.

15.  Why is the tour just on the East Coast?

The east coast has racers over a wide area and we knew where they were strongest based on 2002 figures.  The west coast will be new to MMRA in 2003 and we anticipate most racers will be in a more limited geographic area.  When plans are made for 2004, we will look at how many racers we had on the west coast and determine if there should also be a west coast tour in 2004.

16.  Why are non-members allowed one tour race?

We want to meet all minicup racers with MMRA legal cars.  Hopefully this will assist MMRA in creating a better association and eventually attracting these non-members to the team.  If there are so many cars that some members don't qualify to start the races, we may re-evaluate this policy.

17.  Will the points system be the same as for the regional qualifiers?

Yes.

18.  Are there any entry fees?

Yes.  Each tour race will have an early bird entry fee of $25 which goes to $50 the day of the race.  The Grand Nationals races will have an early bird entry fee of $50 or $80 later - same as last year.

19.  Are there any other fees?

Each track will have their own fees for pit passes which will vary by track. 

20.  Can I run both Open and Future Stars with my 12-16 year old racer?

No - all drivers are either Open Class or Future Stars.  You'll have to pick one or the other.

21.  Will I get my car number for the tour races?

Maybe.  Just like at the 2002 MMRA Nationals Presented by the U.S. Air Force - all car numbers will be assigned for each event based on when we receive your entry form.  First come, first served.  Also, each event stands alone so although you may get your number at the first round, if someone else enters the next event with your number before you, they'll get the number for the next event.

22.  I have more questions - how can I get answers?

Just send an e-mail to mmra@mmraracing.com