Sam Stoecklin
ULMA PR
December 22, 2011

Three months after the final laps of the season were turned, ULMA is preparing for its sixth-consecutive year of sanctioning weekly and special-event late model racing. The association is anxious for the 2012 season to arrive and continues to make arrangements for what is sure to be another close battle for the championship. Last season the championship battle came down to the final weekend of racing when Greenwood, Missouri driver Rylan Long claimed the crown just ahead of Jake Griffin and former champion, Jason Bodenhamer. Long was the fifth different ULMA champion in as many years.

Recently, ULMA drivers participated in an online survey with a chance to provide feedback to the association’s board of directors. Suggestions and comments were reviewed for consideration in preparation for releasing the competition and general rules. Board directors tried to keep changes to a minimum heading into next season but it was evident from the feedback that some changes were needed. One of the most significant changes will actually not take place until 2013, when dry-sump oiling systems will no longer be allowed. Another change for next year includes the increase of deck height to 38 inches. Also for 2012, it will be mandatory that all cars equipped with dry-sump oiling systems utilize a maximum 8,000 rpm rev limiter. For a complete rundown of rules visit the association’s all-new official website at www.ulmaracing.com.

One of the hottest topics in the survey results was focused on the points-earning system. Beginning in 2012, a new point system awaits drivers. ULMA believes the new system will reward member drivers for their active participation in racing events while not jeopardizing the close finishes in all five of the previous battles for the championships. Not only will drivers earn points based on their official finishes, they will now earn points based on total car counts at the speedways they compete and they will also earn points based on how many races they compete in throughout the season.

Last week, ULMA received one of the most exciting confirmations in its history after a representative of Missouri State Fair Speedway in Sedalia, Missouri informed ULMA it will serve as the lone support class for the April 20, 2012 appearance of the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars! This event will easily be the largest audience ULMA drivers have ever competed in front of in the history of ULMA. The last time the sprinters rolled into the ‘Historic Half Mile’ the grandstand crowd was near capacity for a thrilling night of racing. ULMA wishes to thank the MSFS organizers of this event for helping to secure the supporting role in this mega event. This will mark the third appearance of ULMA late models at the half-mile speedway.

The association is pleased to announce the return of Callaway Raceway in Fulton, Missouri (Friday nights) and Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri (Saturday nights) as sanctioned tracks for 2012 and sincerely thanks them for believing in ULMA racing for a sixth-consecutive year. Callaway Raceway has not yet posted their schedule; however, the track generally begins operations in mid April, visit www.callawayraceways.com. Lucas Oil Speedway will host 13 ULMA-sanctioned events in 2012 beginning Saturday, April 21; check them out online at www.lucasoilspeedway.com. Despite a previous announcement by Quincy Raceways in Illinois that they would run under the ULMA banner for 2012, the track reversed its decision within days of their original announcement and will not be sanctioned by ULMA in 2012. ULMA officials also recently learned that another track set for ULMA sanctioning for 2012 may not be open next season. As of now, 24 Raceway in Moberly, Missouri will not be in operation.

Often when there is less than desirable news, there is also great news to report and for 2012 that news is the addition and return of Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Missouri. The tight quarter-mile track located just outside of Kansas City, Missouri had previously held several close competition ULMA races and the association is thrilled that promoter Dennis Shrout has given ULMA at least 12 dates for next season, most of which are Friday nights. Mr. Shrout’s generosity has not only kept ULMA’s name associated with the storied history of racing in the KC metro but late model racing in general. The first race of the year for ULMA will take place at Valley Speedway on Saturday, April 7. Valley Speedway reminds all drivers that there is a muffler rule at the speedway. The approved mufflers are Custom Craft 3 and 2 ring insert, Schoenfeld 112535 short muffler, and Shoenfeld IMCA 609. Visit the speedway online at www.valleyspeedway.com.

ULMA wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We’ll see you at Bodee’s Racers Auction on January 28/29 in Sedalia, Missouri at the Mathewson Center. Drivers completing their registration forms at the auction prior to the start of the season save $25 on their membership!

Stay tuned to the all-new ULMA website for further news and information regarding the 2012 race season. ULMA sincerely thanks the 2011 business partners for their involvement, without them the year would not have been possible! This year’s team consists of title sponsor Crawdad’s Classics Gourmet Hot Sauce, TCI® Automotive, Fast Shafts, Rod End Supply, SafeRacer.com, Kenny’s Tile, Racingjunk.com, Imhoff Construction, Kenny Johnson’s Race Replicas, D&L Motorsports, Photographics by Shelly Payne, and InsuranceSpecialists.com. ULMA is a proud supporter of Homes for Our Troops. To join the team, simply contact ULMA at unitedlatemodelassociation@hotmail.com.