USAC Racing Forum

General Chat => Point .25 => Topic started by: michiganracer on September 17, 2009, 03:04:42 PM



Title: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: michiganracer on September 17, 2009, 03:04:42 PM
We are thinking about using the free pass USAC offered this weekend in Columbus. After a disappointing weekend at a "NEW" track in the Toledo area, We think we are more than ready to try the USAC experience before our Club has a vote on this issue. We are going to need some advice on gearing up a Junior Honda and a Light 160. The Hoosier tires may throw us for a loop but we just don't want to be out of the ballpark on the gearing as well. We WILL NOT be going back to Napoleon, Ohio on September 26th and 27th. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!!! 1 regional race in May, 1 in August and 1 in September so far; as a family we feel like we missed a whole summer of competitive racing. We also do not see 70 cars as being very competitive. We have heard that there is a signifigant increase in the number of cars at the USAC events compared to the region 4 events and THIS EXCITES US  :o  If anyone could offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated. In closing, have a great day and hope to see you this weekend.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Swartz on September 17, 2009, 04:33:46 PM
Sorry I can't help you. It's been several sanwiches since we were "light" anything. dmmc posted that 4.58   5500-5600  should be close for light 160. The Hoosiers have been good other than having to be carefull mounting them to keep the sizes consistent. If you want to have some more fun go to the Bellview race. Full program Sat. night and then again Sun. morning.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: goffin20 on September 17, 2009, 05:44:32 PM
Sorry to hear of your disappointing weekend.

However, you and your family will LOVE USAC!!!  Very professional organization and NO CHILD OR FAMILY IS EVER EXCLUDED OR LEFT BEHIND!!!

You will also LOVE Buckeye!!!  This was our first track and our home track for 5 years and the track we retired from in August.  A great bunch of families and drivers and there will be a lot of helpful people around should you need help.


Not sure about your motor and the rpm’s it likes but we ran the following.

Hoosier A35's, mount RR on 8" wheel

Gears below are based on a 34 3/4" RR diameter.

Smoker with 3 1/8 stagger


Jr. Honda
Engine Gear   37
Axle Gear    29
Ratio      4.70
Rpms      5260/4990
Racing laps   6.26


LT-GX160
Engine Gear   36
Axle Gear    27
Ratio      4.50
Rpms      5350/5095
Racing laps   5.88


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: RBurns17 on September 17, 2009, 07:53:23 PM
We are thinking about using the free pass USAC offered this weekend in Columbus. After a disappointing weekend at a "NEW" track in the Toledo area, We think we are more than ready to try the USAC experience before our Club has a vote on this issue. We are going to need some advice on gearing up a Junior Honda and a Light 160. The Hoosier tires may throw us for a loop but we just don't want to be out of the ballpark on the gearing as well. We WILL NOT be going back to Napoleon, Ohio on September 26th and 27th. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!!! 1 regional race in May, 1 in August and 1 in September so far; as a family we feel like we missed a whole summer of competitive racing. We also do not see 70 cars as being very competitive. We have heard that there is a signifigant increase in the number of cars at the USAC events compared to the region 4 events and THIS EXCITES US  :o  If anyone could offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated. In closing, have a great day and hope to see you this weekend.

The Kokomo show drew more than 70 cars on just day 1 of the weekend.....


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: slowpoke on September 17, 2009, 11:03:40 PM
Take advantage of your free pass with USAC , I know you will really enjoy the competition this weekend ,heck we have had some tough competition all year long even at most of the weekly shows. I don't remember ever getting anything free from anyone else,forgive me I'm sorry we did get a coloring book in the mail.
I am sure if you could get more of your club members to come down and experience what a great time we have had all summer with USAC they will be more than wanting to join the ranks and have a great time with us next year. 


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: michiganracer on September 18, 2009, 11:09:24 AM
Thanks for all the help, I'm working on the cars right now and dismounting the vegas off of 8'' wheels. Just when over the rule changes, looks to be pretty much the same.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Swartz on September 18, 2009, 11:34:58 AM
Make sure you:
1. Put on USAC stickers.
2. Get the cars safety stickers.
3. Your driver has pants for his fire suit.
All are DQs. Anyone else got something I've forgoten?


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Kim on September 18, 2009, 01:20:01 PM
I also believe you need to bring a birth certificate for your driver - even if you are using your free pass.  I know of some people coming up from North Carolina that will be using their free pass, too!  Can't wait to see everyone.

Kim


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: rookiecheif06 on September 18, 2009, 01:48:17 PM
I have been looking into .25 for my son the last couple of months and USAC is definitly the way to go, still very regional, Ohio and Indiana mostly. If you are NW ohio based, check out NWOQMRA
club, I have been going to the track and they do a nice job with the racing events and I plan to join for 2010 season. I will be attending the gen next race this weekend in Columbus, Ohio if you can break away try checking out Saturday's events At CMS.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: d4hall on September 19, 2009, 12:46:19 AM
Don't forget submarine belt. aka 5 point harness


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: goffin20 on September 19, 2009, 12:49:41 AM
A raceiver which can be rented at the track on race day, keep an extra AAA or two in your pocket.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: MMRAracer on September 21, 2009, 10:12:33 AM
Michiganracer --->  I cant agree with you more. I heard that they had just under a hundred cars on saturday for Honda day at the USAC Columbus .25 event. And they were done by 4:00 which gave them time to watch the USAC midget races on the big track. That is about the amount of cars that we have seen at the qma events for BOTH days except for the states race which had 150. They had over 170 cars for the two days. Why do we keep getting lied to over and over and then bullied around by a few members that are not looking at what is really best for our clubs and racers? The way certain qma members acted at our last club meeting was a disgrace to our club. We had no support from the Mini Indy club at any of our events. It is time to move on to better racing and a better racing environment that the USAC .25 offers to ALL of us. I only wish I had joined USAC and gone down and raced with that group this past weekend.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: wolverineracer on September 21, 2009, 04:46:39 PM
 I am also sick of the lies and continued anti USAC BS we are being fed up here. I have called USAC officials and asked questions about some of the statements that were made and all are false.
 QMA has also just announced restricting their new Lt World Formula class, which USAC has been running for a year now with no modifications and no issues. I have already purchased a QMA scatter shield and am not putting one more dime in their pockets.
  I had to make a choice either to run the new Napoleon track (parking lot) or try Columbus USAC. I sure made a mistake, should of been in Columbus.
 The writing is on the wall where we should be going racing. We should be able to run both at our tracks but QMA will not allow it.     
 Michigan clubs need to wake up! I have had a lot of fun over the last few years but I'm not going to support the QMA communist party anymore!


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: ssssmoke on September 21, 2009, 05:08:50 PM
also guys when usac had a couple bumps in the road the racers spoke up, and they listened to what the racers were not happy with and made changes. something we have never seen before. also, the fact is there is no looking back. the car counts are getting bigger every race. people are enjoying the races more and more. and the spec tire is as good as it gets. im sure m.w. and d.y. were sh%ttin thier skivies when they were peekin over that fence and seeing people loving the .25 racing life at cms this past weekend. 160+ strong!!!


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: LLR on September 21, 2009, 06:45:24 PM
mich racers, I will tell you first hand that usac is not perfect and stll make mistakes but like smoke said THEY listen. Even some of the dumb ---'s can't stay away.I beleive there we're 98 cars on sat. done by 4.I had to switch motors and was unable to watch big cars but was done switching motors by 6. You guys still have a shot at racing usac at buckeye don't pass it up. Also tell let you now how much bs is going on my daughter set track record in hvy mod at lansing and was pulled from the web site by Mark W. that's pretty low


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: michiganracer on September 21, 2009, 07:17:32 PM
  Thanks USAC for a eye opening weekend  :o. Our family had a great time. I was surprised at how many other QMA members where there. Even a QMA club board member or two were in attendance. I guess I'm not the only one looking for a change. the car count and competition was excellent. I really like the fact that we could just race. We didn't have to worry about corner workers, judges,flagging, ect.ect... It also was REALLY nice to see that there was NO POLITICS...... Just racing...... Mr. Spink was very helpful, and was always willing to  take the time to answer any questions we had. I think anyone who has not tried USAC should at least talk to someone who has. I think you will be surprised by the truth. Unless you ask someone with the poor johnny syndrome of course. from what i personally have seen this really is about the kids and there future in racing. Not some crazy parents on a power trip or with there own agenda... I sure do wish we would have gone to the .25 Nationals at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I hear that was really something special. I wont miss out on it next year.. THANK YOU USAC...


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: goffin20 on September 21, 2009, 07:24:36 PM
"Also tell let you now how much bs is going on my daughter set track record in hvy mod at lansing and was pulled from the web site by Mark W. that's pretty low"

A track record should stand until it is broken, period!  Guess he felt if he couldnt beat it, he could remove it...  That really is a shame though because it was something she earned.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: ssssmoke on September 21, 2009, 09:06:46 PM
mr. bear was at the nationals and told me directly that he was impressd with the show. im glad you came down from michigan to race and expressed your thoughts on how it goes in usac. that is an unbiased opinion for all to hear.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: GB3 on September 24, 2009, 04:43:28 AM
Those are the state's race Track Records @ Lansing.This is what you are looking for. And it is still there. http://www.capitolquartermidgets.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/cqma2009trackrecords.pdf


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: BARRY LANDAU on September 24, 2009, 09:19:49 AM
Track Record Correction for LLR…. If you view the Lansing Website you will note that the 2008 states race track records are posted on the front page. Heavy Mod record was not broken, therefore it was unchanged. If you click on the 2009 updated track records you will note her name is still posted. Many of the records have been broken in 2009, post the new surface. The fact that she is still standing is commendable, and still noted on the website.



Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: BARRY LANDAU on September 24, 2009, 09:32:01 AM
I have always respected USAC's web site and have never posted anything negative on it but after reading several commits on different treads I have to say that I am total disgusted with a few of you that are continually trash talk QMA, this is one of main reasons that I flat out refuses to run a USAC race. This has also made me a strong advocate on keeping our track a QMA track. I also find that when some of you change your user name to post a commit on a tread as a “Rookie” from a QMA club to be very deceiving, do you really think that the readers are that dumb………….you are insulting the intelligent of good members in both originations but are fooling No-One. As an outsider watching in at this site I do not get the message you are trying to send when you are trashing QMA, to tell you the truth this maybe why you have not breached any of the Michigan clubs.

I am a QMA member that happens to be enjoying were I am,  I am with my child doing what we want, that is racing with great kids with hard working mom's and dad's just like all of you. I am sure that USAC did not create and pay for this web site so that you “so called adults” could sit around and trash other people, clubs or organization.  My kid along with his race buddies all visit the USAC webs site and are laughing at all the lame commits about how USAC is better then the QMA. My son asked me the other day” Hey dad are those kids in USAC still turning left” and I had to laugh. USAC is a great organization but this does not mean everyone needs to join them, QMA is a great organization but this again does not mean everyone needs to like them. I agree that both have their share of problems....while with the QMA you may not like the board and with USAC's the thing I do not care for is the few insignificant Queens that are trashing others while using a sign-in name instead of real name, why is that?

Most of the QMA mmembers that I race with weekly have raced anywhere between one to six races with you guy’s at USAC and thay have had a great times but this has not make them want to switch and go USAC. I on the hand would like to race some USAC races but due to all of the crying little babies on this Forum and one of your grand Pooh-Bah’s that has lied to me about things that went on in USAC……..well that is what turns me along with others right off.
   
I believe that USAC runs a great ship and USAC is not the problem…the problem is the 5% of the little crewmembers that get to steer the USAC boat once in a while, (chating on this Forum). NOW I AM NOT SAYING THAT EVERYONE ON THIS WEB IS A CRY BABY only about 5%!!!!!

You need to stop the trash talk, it looks bad for USAC, you need to get back to the kids and maybe, just maybe you will see membership increase. If I may give you an example of your Forum's trash talk: I was at the first race in Ohio at the new track that Tony Marks built and it was one of the best times my son and I have had in Quarter Midgeting. We will always remember the great time all that showed had. No one and I mean No one left disappointed like that “ rookie”, “michiganracer” want you to believe, that was just an outright lie and the fact that no one that that weekend ran both Jr. Honda along with Lt. 160 is telling us that this guy wasn't even there. I want to know who in ether origination has ever done what Tony did for QMA or USAC kids living in Ohio??????? He built a fricken track, $10.00 or $100,000.00 he built a fricken track and now, the "Rookie", "michiganracer” trashes him………...so here is a million dollar question for you Mr. “michiganracer”, what have you done for ether originations?

My only suggestion would be is to ask USAC to step up to the plate and monitor or filter the Compulsive Complainers that are trashing anyone, any club or any other organization before their commits make it to this Forum because they are ruining a good thing for USAC's good people. People do look at this site and decision are made from this site and as again a outsider looking in at the latest entries off of this tread……….well lets just say I still have no interest in bring my son or club into this USAC environment and I am sure others feel the same.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Swartz on September 24, 2009, 09:48:41 AM
Mr. Landau, if that is your real name, it was QMA that excluded people competing with USAC from running QMA races. USAC has done nothing of the sort.
Myron Swartz


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: BARRY LANDAU on September 24, 2009, 09:57:35 AM
Yes that is my real name and if you are in USAC why do you care what QMA dose...did they single out you?.....if not you can still race with us, just join a QMA club. All I am saying is it is time to move on, if you have nothing good to say don't say it because the kids are reading these posts. We as members NEED to start getting along to show the kids we can............we are all in the same boat, trying to raise kids.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Swartz on September 24, 2009, 10:04:41 AM
We wanted to race QMA as well as USAC. I thought both had distinct opportunities. QMA shut that down emphaticly as well as denying memberships to many of our friends from tracks that predate the existance of QMA by many years. Why don't we go discuss this on QMA's open forum. Oh,.....wait..


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: BARRY LANDAU on September 24, 2009, 01:47:21 PM
Myron, I am not a lover of QMA I am just a racers dad, I understand your concerns and admire you thoughts about your friends but when it comes to the district thing I do not know what to say. I was told the same thing by our prez…..the difference is our prez like me know that this was never going to happen, If I am not mistaken there was Prez from the Ohio area that believe that this was done and was telling everyone that the deal was done when in reality it had not yet been approved by any of the clubs or the QMA, not to his fault.

Just so you know, you now have a USAC members that are trying to spread the rumors that by next year there will be no region 4 QMA, now you tell me how they know this?

 Another point: Tony Marks new track………it’s the nicest track you could ask for, you need to see it, you should come and race it this weekend but yet there was a USAC member that drove to a weedy parking lot to take some photo’s and started sending them around saying that this is the track, why? What does it matter what our new track looks like to you at USAC? There are some guy’s in USAC that are just trying to start problems amongst people and the problem is the kids can see it, this is not to say that QMA is so innocent of wrong doings. I am just tried of trying to explain to my son that “no, the men of USAC do not hate you because you a QMA member”. I thank you for your response.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: sfreitas20 on September 24, 2009, 02:34:47 PM
From Wikipedia regarding the IRL/CART split: "The split between the IRL and the CART governing body was extremely acrimonious, and both series greatly suffered because of it, as the fan base also split. The 'war' between competing groups of fans was most active on the Internet, especially on motorsports message boards, and tended to affect any attempts at impartial views of either racing series."

The key point I think everyone should recognize: "and both series greatly suffered because of it" - The way I see this relating to Quarter Midgets is we have two groups that put on racing for kids and the longer the war wages, the longer the kids suffer.  The sooner both sides move on to happily co-existing the better for everyone involved, especially the kids.

Just my two cents worth...


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Swartz on September 24, 2009, 02:56:00 PM
This USAC QMA thing does nothing to impact the greatest number of QM racers. The ones who run "outlaw" or independent tracks. I just can't stand the QMA Natn'l attitude that they "own" quarter midget racing. Without the clubs they have nothing.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: BARRY LANDAU on September 24, 2009, 08:21:34 PM
Myron, I would like to go "Outlaw" racing, sounds like funny. You are 100% correct about the QMA but it is what it is.

Stay well buddy,

Barry


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: whatruthinkin on September 25, 2009, 02:03:00 AM
Why would anyone put a letter out like this and then ban families from QMA for voicing their opinion? (or voting to go USAC) Read below and you can tell who's unethical and completely unprofessional.
They don't need any help from this forum talking them down to get to non-existence.
They will lead them selves to non-existence.

As for USAC it's been a great year ,thank you for making this sport fun for the kids

September 23, 2008
The QMA National Board would like to make all of our members aware of the current effort by USAC to put together a quarter midget racing program that masks the program already in place by our organization.  The National Board does not support this effort and considers these efforts to be  unethical and completely unprofessional. QMA attempted to work with USAC for eight years and they did not offer any of the support they promised other than serving as a management company.  Now they are soliciting our members with the offer of support and promotion. 
 
Quarter Midgets of America, which is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2010, has always been an organization run by members, on behalf of their children, who volunteer their time to promote this sport across the country. It has always been a member driven organization where each and every member has a voice.   We have a Rule Change Proposal process, as well as a voting process in place that ensures this.  All current rules, procedures, engine platforms, safety procedures, and technical specifications are all based on the input and expertise of our members.  Every member of QMA has a say in how the organization is run.  USAC does not offer this opportunity.  While QMA is a not for profit organization USAC is a profit driven organization. 
 
As with all organizations not every member will agree with all rules and procedures, but please keep in mind Quarter Midgets of America’s mission statement has been and will continue to be “…to create and maintain a clean, safe, healthy sport, which may be enjoyed by all family members in a close relationship with good sportsmanship toward all”.  Quarter Midget racing is the only sport we promote and our efforts are not diluted by our commitment to other forms of racing.  For fifty years all officers from the national level down to the local level have dedicated themselves to do what is best for our children and to teach them true sportsmanship.






Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: sfreitas20 on September 25, 2009, 09:00:32 AM
Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see anything unethical and unprofessional about that letter, but I am also not looking at it with any type of bias either way. 
The first paragraph is heavy on opinion, but nothing slanderous or grossly mis-stated there. 
The rest of it seems pretty factual to me, except for the part about USAC not offering their members a say in how things are run.  However in QMA's defense there is no formal process in USAC, like QMA's RCP process, for members to request changes.  As we know we can call James anytime we want to give feedback about something that needs changed and that works.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: RBurns17 on September 25, 2009, 11:04:16 AM
It's all lies. USAC is a not for profit organization also, and QMA knew that 100% when they made that statement.


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: goffin20 on September 27, 2009, 01:21:16 PM
Bottom line is QMA excludes children and families and denies memberships based on the way they vote or what QMA perceives as something detrimental to their organization.  USAC has not denied ANYONE from joining or racing at any time, even some trouble makers from QMA, everyone is welcome!

Neither organization is perfect but one of the organizations seems to be the more professional and mature of the two.  Both organizations also have their complainers and whiners, however I have seen, heard and witnessed FAR MORE negativity and people trashing USAC than any at USAC have of QMA.

Many of us that race USAC don’t race USAC because we hate or despise QMA, it’s for additional racing opportunities.  Many wish to race both organizations USAC and QMA as we have also raced outlaw races, speedrome, rumble etc.  How is that any different???

It’s a kids sport, kids should race and have fun doing it and NOBODY should ever be excluded except in extreme circumstances like threats, violence etc.  Oh, which QMA has turned a blind eye and brushed under the carpet on many occasions.

As for negativity and kids reading the forums, just check their facebook and myspace pages, the kids are just as negative and they learn it first hand from their parents.  Look at all the negativity that was posted after the first USAC race in Columbus this year that they watched first hand, streamed live on USAC’s website.  Why were they even sitting at home watching???


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: racemom2000 on October 03, 2009, 08:57:37 PM
Good grief, Barry. I do belief the main post was entitled, "Ex QMA Member Needs Help". If this person wants to jump ship and head over to USAC, and if you refuse to race USAC for your own personal reasons - then why get your undies all in a big fat wad? If you're so dead set on staying with your current organization, why even worry what USAC members vent here about being disgruntled with QMA.

We don't race QMA, cause we've been perfectly happy with where we are. But I've heard plenty of trash talk about QMA myself. Will that stop us from racing there, if we decide to do so? Nope. Every track and every organization is full of politics. Not just ours. Not just yours. So don't worry so much what others have to say (unless of course, they're directing trash talk directly towards you). There's far more beneficial posts here, than disgruntled ones.

Besides, it seems you've fallen into the same situation as those you're pointing fingers at in your recent posts. If you have a problem with a member, just private messag them. That way, when the other 95% of us "non-cry-baby" members want to read up on what they've missed, they don't have to scroll through your various novels and novellas of complaints......


Title: Re: EX QMA MEMBER NEEDS HELP
Post by: Kendall42 on October 06, 2009, 09:50:43 PM
Rookiecrewchief...I think you had written the post below.  Will this be your families first year in QM racing?  You state you are going to join NWOQMRA, I am glad to hear that.  If you guys are a rookie family, please get ahold of me.  I am the Rookie director at the club.  We have a good Rookie program and each of the last 2 years the kids have moved up mid-late year and were winning races by the end of the year.  I would like to get a pulse on what new rookies I will have headed into 2010 and start preparing to work with them.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Brad Kendall
NWOQMRA Rookie Director
brad@bradkendall.com



I have been looking into .25 for my son the last couple of months and USAC is definitly the way to go, still very regional, Ohio and Indiana mostly. If you are NW ohio based, check out NWOQMRA
club, I have been going to the track and they do a nice job with the racing events and I plan to join for 2010 season. I will be attending the gen next race this weekend in Columbus, Ohio if you can break away try checking out Saturday's events At CMS.