Revin
MN
Joined: 12/10/2002
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Here is why we went with the classes we currently have. We used to have Semi-Pro & Pro, both were mod classes. The semi-pro class allowed up to 600. Later we allowed 700's, but they had a delayed start. The problem was when a driver was supposed to move to Pro, they needed to change from a dialed in sled to a larger motor & race better drivers. The majority of the semi-pro drivers never moved up to Pro. When the stock classes were added we started seeing new drivers stick with the sport and advance to Pro a lot faster.
I have seen for years new drivers enter the sport that have no idea how to tune a mod. In my opinion the newer drivers progress a lot faster when they only have to worry about driving & handling. There are a lot of us that have ran exactly what they are running and we can give very accurate clutching, jetting, & handling tips. When they are inexperienced and running combinations of aftermarket mods, I have seen a lot of new drivers struggle & never succeed.
I know that the classes are not perfect, but I still do not see how adding another mod class will make the show better. I would like to hear from everbody that will run in the IWA 600 Pro class. With all the current snocross sleds out there, it should be easy to find used 600 mods of 3 brands. I would like to know what IWA Pros that currently do not run Pro Stock will compete on a Mod 600 & Mod 800. If we are going to get more of our top racers in both Pro classes, I think that it is a great idea, if not then leave as is.
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mbenoy119
IWA World Headquarters
Joined: 01/17/2005
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I don't think we are simply going to add a 600 mod class, I think we are talking about changing from our Pro Stock format to a class with open chassis and either 600 mod OR stock 800. If the numbers are there, we would also run a mod 600 drag class.
What we need for what is now the Pro Stock class is growth. 35% of our purse goes to that class and it generates about 12% (on average) of our entry fee revenue. I think there are a few factors that have contributed to that, but historically, the class has never taken off like we thought it would.
The class has no parity and therefore will have no growth. Not many racers are willing to do what Jeff Fischer has done by running his brand of choice in the open class and running the ONLY choice of you want to be competitive in Pro Stock. Mark, I know you have said that you could make a Polaris or Cat run just like your Ski-Doo does, but I can tell you this much...If I had a $10,000 Polaris 800 RMK with DFI, I wouldn't even dream of tearing it apart to race watercross with it. As it stands, at least for Polaris, you are dealing with the 132 HP 800 in the outdated Edge chassis trying to compete against sleds with 20 more HP that weigh 60 pounds less. The Cat only gives up about 12 HP but is also heavier and has other design limitations that make it much more difficult to work with.
I'm sure that you can take your Pro Stocker and it will still win races, even against 600 mods.
Without growth, the class can't continue as it doesn't support itself within our current structure. It's that simple. We just need to find a way to get more numbers into the class and with the ample 600 mods out there from the Snocross world, I believe that is the easiest way.
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mbenoy119
IWA World Headquarters
Joined: 01/17/2005
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DM16 wrote:I have a chassis and a 600 motor waiting for this rule to be passed, I remeber racing a 600 mod against 700 mods back in the day in semi-pro open. I do think if this rule passes to change the name of the class for less fan confusion. Maybe take a Ice racing term and aply it, maybe call it Pro Sprint ovals or Pro champ??????
I was thinking Pro Formula? (which is the "Champ" 600 class on the ice oval circuits)
The "formula" would be: Open chassis, mod 600 motor or stock 800 motor
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Akbar
Wisconsin
Joined: 05/20/2006
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well stated Mike, I think the whole point is to get more entry into that particular class along with making competition better because from what I see the doo's are kicking everyones but in the stock class when was the last time a make other than ski doo won a prostock final?
Fatz or Big Sam #178
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H2OX175
wisconsin
Joined: 03/07/2006
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Mark does bring up a good point about a new person trying to tune a mod sled. when I started watercross racing I never even changed slides before, just bought new sleds every year. I think the plan is to still allow stock 800 motors in this class. I think we need to give this class a chance . Kenny
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Revin
MN
Joined: 12/10/2002
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I am all for the best show possible. If we get more Pros running both classes I am all for it. I do not know if this will get more of the Pros to run both classes or if they only want to maintain 1 sled. When you run 2 sleds you double the workload and the maintenance costs. Who will we add with the new class? I would love to see all of the current Pro racers run both classes. If this is the answer, I am all for it. I have spoke with a few that are totally against this idea. So I think it would be a good idea to survey all of annual members to get an idea if they would run both classes.
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DM16
the mean streets
Joined: 08/09/2005
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Mark I will be returning to water-x next year if this class comes into play.
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Fontaine Racing
webster wisconsin
Joined: 03/18/2005
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Just curious
why do you guys run a 800cc class for pro stock?
seems that the mfg's. all build a 600cc race sled, which is intended to be fairly equal in the performance department.
the pro stock class in sno cross, ovals, cross country, hillclimbs, etc. all use the 600.
no disrespect intended, just a question from an outsider.
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CHUB_CHUB
Ely, MN
Joined: 07/04/2008
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id more than be willing to run a 600 mod in the class if i got space for another sled to travel along with to the races and that would be along with running the standerd open class, would a semipro pilot be allowed to run his semipro open class and the pro class if the 600 mod came into affect? or would he have to move up 2 pro for both classes?
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glhperformance
downing wi
Joined: 01/20/2005
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Mark you make a good point but look at our numbers this year besides grantsburg. The only class that has had growth is pro open. Pro stock has the same or less and so does semi pro open but semi pro stock has numbers that have depleted. I think that you will see better iron from all manufacturers in the new class and as mike stated that the rev xps in the 800 stock form will run all day with the mod 600s. I am for staying with the rules we have if we can find a way to get more people into the sport. May be Mr Fonaine is right. Make the stock classes a 600cc rule then all the manufacturers have a equal playing feild if stock is the way we should keep it. But at this point our stock chasis are not much different than a mod sled. I also think that there are many ways of going about this to get numbers up. I for one would love to be racing pro stock right now on a rev but my budget is not in the works for doing that at this time. So all in all i dont care what way we go with that class as long as the IWA board can come to some resolution on how to make that class grow because it makes me sick to see a class that doesnt even have enough entries to have to have drivers even qualify for sundays event and see the money put into the purse for such a class.
glhperformance
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