Helpful Tips & Facts Regarding Racing At MRP!

Why race at Michiana Raceway Park?

Michiana Raceway Park (MRP) is a "5-Star Facility", featuring a safe and positive atmosphere with a friendly staff to service your needs. MRP provides the racers a smooth and efficient race program that runs on schedule while giving family and friends several excellent viewing areas to watch the event. Throw in good food and excellent amenities and MRP is THE PLACE to go racing!

Highlights!
9 out of 12 events count for year-end awards points chase!
Big year-end prize fund and banquet!
13 classes to choose from!

Race Day Format:
- Gates open 8:00 a.m. EDT ( Note The South Bend area is now on Daylight Savings time and it is located in the Eastern Time zone) We are always one hour ahead of Chicago.
- Practice starts at 9:15 for open practice and 10:00 AM EDT by class
- Drivers meeting 11:30
- Qualifying Around 12 PM (Green, Green, White, Checkered for qualifying laps)
-Pre final 8 laps
-Final 12 laps
Race laps are subject to change depending on the track configuration and unforeseen issues.
- One Kid Kart practice will be held at approximately 11:15 AM Once the qualifications are complete the Kid kart race is one 8 lap race that runs the same track as the rest of the day's program.
- This is usually around 1 PM. Kid karts do not run for points or track championship honors.


Track Configuration:
Several track layouts will be used this season. On the "SCHEDULE" page, each event date will have a "track code" next to it. You can find out which track layout will be utilized by going to http://www.mrpmotorsport.com/michianaracewaypark.htm and selecting the MRP TRACK CONFIGURATIONS map located on the page.


How to enter the property:
ON PRACTICE DAYS - Use the first gate marked "SPECTATOR GATE"
ON RACE DAY - Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Use the third gate marked "COMPETITORS GATE"

Registration starts at 8:30 at the base of the center blue building known as the tower.
There is no pre-tech, all drivers are responsible for their own safety check as outlined by the WKA rule book. If you have questions, officials are standing by to offer a courtesy safety inspection.
NOTE: WKA rules govern the organization except when noted.


2008 BRIDGESTONE TIRE INFORMATION:
The spec Bridgestone tires are on site at MRP of South Bend (at the track) and available for purchase. Those who have questions about this program feel free to contact us for an explanation as to how this opportunity became available. Visit the rules page to find out what tire is SPEC'd for your class. The spec rain tire is the Bridgestone YJB. The Rotax Challenge at MRP (www.mrpmotorsport.com/Rotax/michianaracewaypark_Rotax.htm) will be on the spec dry and rain tire as promoted in the off season. Wet is Bridgestone YJP and dry is MoJo D2 for all classes.

KID KART Class Information - UPDATED!:
The Kid kart program is focused on developing basic driving techniques. It is not about determining a single winner but the entire group as winners!

TIRE: The tire for this class will be the Bridgestone YGL. You will only need ONE set for the season.

ENGINE**: The spec motor is the Comer 50 in STOCK configuration. No alterations to the clutch or the spec gear (89 sprocket with 219 chain) is allowed in any way.

**At the conclusion of race day, if a competitor wishes to claim a motor, it must be done at the time of passing the scale house upon completion of the race. This eliminates the need for a prolonged hold of the class at the conclusion of the race. The price of a new motor is $650 and that is the claiming rule in this instance. The purpose of this rule is to eliminate the need for customers to spend money trying to buy horse power. The focus of the MRP series is to teach drivers to be better drivers. Parents are encouraged to spend time in practice and quality time at the Michiana Race properties to develop these skills.

Rookie 1 Class Information - UPDATED!:
The intent of this program is to offer a class for the large number of new first year drivers to participate in racing with similar driving experience. This is a year for training the driver as well as crew chiefs. Winning is measured by the fun factor and not who has taken the checker flag first. Adults are requested to act with respect to fellow competitiors and their pit crew.
The class has been opened up to any appropriate youth chassis (this means the right chassis for the correct application). This is a change from the previously announced all cadet category.

TIRE: The spec tire is to be the Bridgestone YHC distributed through Grand Products/MRP and available at MRP (Three Oaks, MI location) or Michiana Raceway Park.

ENGINE: Box-stock Yamaha KT-100 (known engine from a reliable source, inspected and with cc's set to 11.7 by the designated MRP engine official. It is to have the RLV YBX 3 hole box muffler along with the spec Laikaitis Racing Walbro carb.. The fee for sealing and setting the engine is $100.) There can be NO blueprinting done – engines must remain BOX STOCK.
The clutch is to be a single disc L&T MINI, 600-series with an 11-tooth driver. Part # is: 2142-m-11. The class weight is a minimum of 200 lbs.

FOR COMPLETE RULES FOR ROOKIE 1 AND KID KART - VISIT THE RULES PAGE.

All junior drivers must have parents or guardians sign a Parental Consent Waiver. You may download this HERE.


Here are a few facts for all who don't know about the MRP Club to take note:

All membership dues go toward the banquet awards.
All sponsor monies go toward the year end banquet.
A portion of the race day fees go toward the banquet.
The balance of the fees pay for the professional staff that operate the race day which include the following positions all of which are paid:
Race Director
Flagman
Chief Scoring and registration
Assist Scoring
EMT--sometimes two
Three corner workers
Pre Grid steward
Chase trailer to pick up karts plus driver
Scale person
Post tech.
Announcer

Over $14,000 from the funding sources was given to 65 drivers for the 2007 banquet. This is not a small sum. I want to thank the loyal club members and volunteers who help promote the property in a positive way to bring out new participants. This year's efforts will be focused on more fun and a higher kart count in each class offered. If you have positive suggestions or friends you want to see get started in racing, please contact us at the office.
Thanks for your support.

2008 MRP CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES BANQUET INFORMATION:
Banquet sponsors are needed at this time to help us give back to the great competitors that race with us each season.

If you wish to receive regular notices regarding the racing at Michiana Raceway Park - click HERE and request to be added to our MICHIANA RACING mailing list!