2022 Corvette Connection Raceway in Pictures

 

ISF Changes for 2022

For the last several years the ISF has run in conjunction with 
Indyslotcar in the fall and early winter an with SHMUC running in
late winter and spring.
 This year we will not be running the traditional ISF schedule in the fall. We would run the regular SHMUC divisions as we have before but mix in the old school ISF divisions of GTP, F1 and GT with a few modifications.  Each race night we run a SHMUC division and an ISF division and maybe a quickie Vans race like we did last season. Run the same rules of stock chassis for the ISF divisions like we have in the past but open the tire rule to any slip-on tire.  Basically, the ones that you can purchase from Lucky Bob’s. Also, for the ISF division, we could run the Alphabet mains like we do in SHMUC.



F1 – 440 narrow chassis with stock components – run any of the slip on tires available at Lucky Bobs.

GT – 440 chassis, stock components – run Bob’s tires. GT type bodies
(Corvette, Lambo, Ferrari, Porsche, Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, Nissan,
etc… really everyone knows what a GT body is - no NASCAR or IndyCar/F1)

GTP – AFX Super G+ chassis, stock components. Same rules as always plus run Bob’s tires.

Qualifying is a heat race to seed the Mains.  

Road Course: two 90 second halves. 

Oval: four 60 second quarters - (run all lanes).
Mains will be the Alphabet style ladder.  

Road Course:
All mains B and lower are two 2 minute halves, A main is 4 minute halves.  

Ovals:
All mains B and lower are four 1 minute quarters, A main is four 2 minute
quarters - (run all lanes).

Ev Out of 2022 Indy 500

 

It has been a bit since this old reporter had a scoop on a news story.

So when HO Team Penski president Sim Tindric said he had an inside story for me I grabbed my pad and pen and turned on my trusty microcassette tape recorder and listened and asked questions.

“Ev Kamikawa will not be racing for HO Team Penski in this years Indy 500,” he started after downing a double shot of whiskey.

My jaw dropped.

“With the success of Newgarden, Power, and McLaughlin at the big level we realize we can win the championship and we need to focus on that. Plus with the high inflation rate making things cost more, we need to make sure we have the funds to continue that championship chase.” Another shot of whiskey.

So you are saying that the first four time winner of the event and the leader in pole positions isn’t going to start the biggest race of the year for the biggest team name in Indyslotcar?

“That is correct.” Another shot. “Besides, he hasn’t won a race for us for what…three seasons? In our organization if you can’t bring success the major isn’t going to stand behind you.”

You mean captain.

“No, I mean major. Captain refers to Roger Penske of Penske motors fame. Major refers to the HO Penski Team boss Renske Penski. He is my boss (another shot).”

So is Ev being fired? Is he out of a ride for next season?

“No. We hold the option on his services in the #12 car for next season. He hasn’t had a steady teammate for at least a decade,” Tindric said. “We teamed Joe Heitz with him and Heitz waxed the floor with him. That is why we didn’t punish Heitz when he ran into Ev those times. Do you need a shot? I haven’t seen you drink anything yet.”

No thanks. Ev won a race in the ISF this year plus three in SHMUC. Doesn’t that give the organization some faith and hope for him that he has wins left in him?

“The F1 win was with Ferrari money. The SHMUC wins were with Ev’s money. He financed those rides, the team didn't. Why do you he is endorsing anything he can these days? He needs the check to fund the rides."

Ev Kamikawa a pay driver?

"We don’t care about that money. We are just not going to spend our money on him when we have an Indycar championship to win this year. He couldn't beat his son at the last race-that is the third time in a row his son has beaten him in Indyslotcar by the way. What can you expect with results like that? HO Team Penski fights for wins not 10th in the championship.”

What did Ev say when you told him?

“We left him a voicemail. He did call back and left a message. Something about answering questions at a local watering hole on Thursday night. I probably shouldn’t tell you that we are looking for someone else to lead the team next year with or without Ev on the team. We figured we would tell you and he can read about it like everyone else. This will probably help his career. Remember when the big team let Helio go? He had some one off rides for the big team in the 500 and then went to another team and got his fourth win. Maybe it will be the same for Ev."

Who would you get to replace him?

"Who wouldn't we get? Take your pick.
Anyone else in the field is eligible. Ev might be on the team with any of those drivers but he would be second fiddle."

I think I will take that drink now.

“Too late. I'm leaving,” Tindric closed. “Well Mr. Scribbler. See ya around in the pits!”

Sorry Ev that you are reading this. You’re still my favorite Indyslotcar driver. I guess the drive for win #5 will have to wait another year. I hope not longer than that.

Until next time...It's great being In the Pits!

Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett