[Spridgets] SMRS Gingerman Race Season

[stanbmason at aol.com]

Spridgetonites,
We are getting closer to GMan here is a highlight of that weekend:
SMRS (Sprite MidgetRace Series) 2023 Season Start

(revised March 6, 2023)

April 29-30 DriverSchool and May 4-7, 2023 Gingerman Race

 Highlight Plan / Agenda

Summary:  This is our opening race of the season andSMRS.  This is a great time of year to havefun with all those friends you haven’t seen for a while.  It also allows you to get back into thegroove (literally racing groove) in the Beautiful South Haven Lake MichiganResort Area among the dandelions and flowering fruit trees.  We will have 4 races this year (Gingerman May4-7, Blackhawk June 16-18, Grattan 11-13 and we will add Waterford Hills July21-23) with the best 2 out of 4 deciding overall points at our Grattan GrandFinale with end of season awards.

On the safety aspect of our racing I have observed less andless hand signals from Group 2 with our Spridget Group doing a little better,but there is always room for improvement. I would like to remind all of us to use hand signals, which allows forsafer racing by letting the overtaking driver know you are aware of him andpointing him by.   The acknowledgment ofthe hand signal is more important than the actual direction you are pointing themby.  The pointing direction that you wantthem to pass, may not always apply depending on what combination of turns arecoming up, but it does show you are aware of their presence.  It is always the overtaking driver’s responsibilityto complete a safe pass.  I have copiedand posted the criteria for the “Jim Donato Most Respected Driver Award”, whichwe encourage to set the proper attitude and goals for a safe weekend.

Jim Donato SpriteMidget Race Series Most Respected Driver Award (Traveling Steering WheelAward) Criteria:

I.                   Predictable/ Trusted (uses mirrors, points faster cars by, passes safely and allowsothers room to pass and is always a defensive driver over competition, stays onracing line except when car failures would leave fluids on track) 

II.                 Objective(listens to others and approaches concerned drivers with openness.  Can sit down with any driver and feelcomfortable that he did the right thing when on the track)

III.               Observant(looks forward to observe incidents and flag stations, inspects car betweensessions for safety to avoid causing accidents to others on track.)

IV.               Respectful(Avoids Red Mist, which is identified as an emotional win at all costs attitudeand maintains Vintage Spirit Philosophy)

Agenda (tentative, please verify these times when you get your  race packet):

Thursday is a class day in the afternoon for Driver SchoolStudents.  Friday is the on Track Day forStudents.  We have always done a greatjob supporting new Spridget Drivers with advice and mechanical help to keepthem running throughout the weekend. Please let me know if you can assist.

Thursday May 4 (Set up)

·        I will arrive around noon and stake out ourtypical Spridget Paddock Area (Please look me up and introduce yourself.  I will be around my Red Enclosed Trailer withSpridget Decals and Thicko on side). Please plan on paddocking with us it is agreat way to meet other competitors and understanding all the fun we havetogether.  Big Healeys are always welcometo join us as well.

·        I will attempt to secure our typical paddockspace, which you will find on the same road as you enter the track going Northon the East Side of the this road, just past first bathrooms is our typicalSpridget Paddock. 

·        Race Car Tech Inspection for all drivers isavailable from 3-6

·        Friday May 5 (Driver School)

·        I will be there before 9AM to support anySpridget Driver School attendees and will attend the Graduation Ceremony andDinner. 

·        Race Car Tech Inspection for all drivers isavailable from 3-6

 ·        Saturday May 6 (Practice and Race Day)

Group 2 is inRace Group E this time making us the last group out for all sessions.  The following is an early tentativeagenda.  You should confirm times whenyou receive your Driver’s Packet.

·        7:45 AM Mandatory Driver’s Meeting Tower / TechBar

·        9:30 AM Warm-up Session

·        11:30 AM Practice Session

·        Noon – Track Touring and Group Lunch Pleasebring enough brats and other dishes to support your crew and another 20% forthose that support us for - 2 lunches. Please boil brats prior to coming so we can grill brats quicker and haveless grease fires.   I will bring platesand plastic ware.  This is always a goodtime to discuss any issues anyone may have along with SMRS Gear for sale tosupport our Series.  

·        2:45 PM Qualifications (this session counts towards SMRS positionpoints).  The fastest per class will get8 points and descend per position.  Youdo not to be out for duration of session.

·        4:55 PM Sprint Race (this session counts towards SMRS durability pointsand you must be out for the whole session to be awarded maximum 8 points)

·        5:30 PM or after race session Portable Cape OfGood Hope Pub (announcements and toasts for Queen and our Racing Heroesfollowed by “God Save The Queen”  Pleasebring whatever beverages you may have for toasting)

·        Track Dinner Party

Sunday May 7 (Race Day) 

·        9:30 AM Sprint Race Group 2

·        11:30AM Group Lunch SMRS Race Season & RaceHighlights.  Highlights of Black HawkFarms by Ron Soave / Tom Wilcox.  DonKelly who is taking the lead on the Waterford Hills SMRS Race will highlightplans too.

·        1:10 PM Sprite Midget Race (this session counts towards finishingposition points per Spridget Class)

·        3:50 PM Feature Race Group 2

·        Please remember to sign up for the Sprite MidgetRace when registering or before Saturday 10AM at Registration.  We are very fortunate to have our own raceagain this year at GMan and your registering for this race will determine ifthat continues.

We always have room for streetSprites Midgets and Big Healeys in our Paddock Area.  If you would like to crew, assist or learnwhat a race team is like please see me and we will find a place for you.

I look forward to seeing all mySpridget Friends at GMan for another great year of fun on and off the track!

Stan Mason


 


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