2004 MMRA CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR - FAQ's

This FAQ section is very similar to the one from the 2003 season.  Please read through it to ensure you understand what to expect at our Touring Series in 2004.  For quick reference, here are the things that have changed:

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 size and scope of MMRA 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 regional qualifier 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?

Yes - This is a change from last year.  In 2003, anyone with an MMRA legal car could run in one Tour race without joining MMRA.  As such, we had racers running in our major events that had not agreed to follow MMRA rules and regulations.  With the development of our Code of Conduct for 2004, we will require all racers in our Tour to join MMRA.  In order to make it easier for racers who are not able to run with us regularly to attend a Tour race, we will allow them to fill out the standard MMRA membership application and pay only $20 for a "temporary" MMRA membership.  That membership will be valid only for the day of the race.  If the same racer wants to come to another Tour race, they will need to purchase a full or temporary membership again.  Also, the temporary membership is only for Tour races - only full MMRA members will be allowed to compete in the East or West Grand National races.

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?

Tour races in 2004 will continue to offer a purse which will now be based on car count at the event.
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 MMRA staff.  All trophies, plaques, purse etc. will be provided 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 the races as evenly as possible.  We chose regions with strong car count so we could get the maximum 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 west coast was new to MMRA in 2003 and consisted of mainly a strong group in Washington state.  Throughout the year, we saw good growth elsewhere and 2004 may have as many as 4 strong Western groups.  If this happens, 2005 may be the first year we can run a west Touring series to mirror the program in the east.  For now however, the east is where most of our members are so we will only have an east Tour again in 2004.

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

No - this is a change from last year.  Our Tour races are our highest profile events and have the strongest competition and car counts.  As such, it is more challenging to do well, and also more expensive to travel rather than simply stay at your local track.  MMRA wants to reward the racers who go the extra mile to support our Tour so the Competition Committee has voted to award one extra championship point to all finishers in all Touring and Grand National events in 2004.  As such, the winner will get 41 points, second will get 40 points, etc.  For more info. on points, check out the "Points" link to the left of this page.

17.  Are there any entry fees?

Yes - this also changes from last year.  There will no longer be any "early bird" entry fees.  We offered the early bird rates in 2003 to encourage racers to sign up early, and make the entry list look great on our website.  Instead, everyone waited until right before the race to sign up so our entry lists looked bad until days before the races.  Then, there would be confusion at the events from racers that said they had mailed an entry that we had not received yet.  To solve these problems, there will not be any early bird entry in 2004.  All Tour races will have a $40 entry fee for Future Stars and Open Divisions and $100 for PRO Division racers regardless of when you enter.  The Grand National races will be $60 for Future Stars and Open Division racers and $100 for PRO Division racers regardless of when you enter.

18.  So why should I pre-register?

Just like last year - car numbers are first come, first served.  If you want to ensure you will not have to change your number, send in your entry early.  Once you see your name posted on this website with your number, you will know you won't have to worry about changing at the track.  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.  Entry forms will be posted as soon as the schedule and banquet information is complete.

19.  Are there any other fees?

Each track will have their own fees for pit passes which will vary by track but are generally around $20.

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.  Can I run both Open and PRO Divisions?

If you are over 18, yes.  If you are between 14 and 17 and have 4 years of racing experience acceptable to MMRA, yes.  If you are 14-17 and don't have sufficient experience, no.

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

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