CHANGES TO FT400 HOOSIER TIRE FOR 2011

Hoosier Racing Tire & the Corporate staff of the FASTRAK Racing Series have worked together and made some changes to the FT400 series tire. "In meetings with the teams during the winter months they were suggesting making some changes to the FT400 series tire" stated Stan Lester, Founder of the Series. "Some actually suggested a third compound, but I am firmly against that. That only cost everyone additional money. We can accomplish the same thing without making teams buy another set of tires by simply allowing them to cut the blocks in half".

"The goal is to make the FT400 tire a choice whereby teams can change to the 400 more quickly" stated Shane Haynes National Tech Director. "The FT200 has been great because it keeps the teams from having to 'soak' tires to get grip. We have broken track records all over the country in 2010 with the FT200 tire. This change will reduce the cost to everyone involved with FASTRAK. Cutting the blocks in half will allow teams to make that change while not abusing their 200's".

"This is one time a change is great for our sport " stated Jody Palmer of FASTRAK. "Simply cut the FT400 blocks in half and save your FT200's. Thats about as simple as it gets in racing"

FASTRAK MAKES ALTERATIONS TO HOOSIER FT400 FROM INPUT OF THE RACERS

By Mike Leone           

January 26, 2011                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)…From its inception, the FASTRAK Late Model Racing Series has always kept a close ear to the thoughts and suggestions of its competitors.  At the conclusion of each year, FASTRAK holds meetings in each region to obtain input from the drivers, car owners, and its regional directors.

One of the hot topics at this year’s meetings was Hoosier Tire, specifically the FT400.  Racers expressed their concern and the difficulty in running the FT400 tire when conditions weren’t conducive for the FT200 as it was too big of jump between the two in compound and/or design.  FASTRAK listened and reacted. 

Hoosier will be making some changes to the FT400.  Altering (grooving) of the redesigned FT400 will NOT be allowed.  The transition of the FT400 will take some time, but we will have time to prepare and make everyone aware of the "new" tire.

 The following alterations will be allowed in 2011 to the existing FT400 ONLY.

• This will be a groove ONLY; NO SIPEING

• The groove will be done with a standard #4 blade (produces a ¼-inch wide groove)

• The groove will remain within the center 5 tread blocks (do NOT groove the side wall!)

• The groove will be centered in the block

• The groove will run parallel to the factory groove (outer 2 are angled)

• You may groove at any depth desired

• Grooving of the block is NOT mandatory

• You may groove 1 block, all the blocks, or none of the blocks…your choice

• You may NOT re-groove the factory grooves

• The $150 tire protest fee will apply to the grooving of the FT400 as well as conditioning.

(The white marks are the added grooves that will be legal.)  Contact Brad Hibbard at 330-540-7223 for instructions of how to cut the grooves in the blocks making sure of their legality.

Also, drivers utilizing the Hans, Hutchens, or similar devices will receive a 25-pound weight break in 2011 competition; not the 50 pounds that was initially announced.

You can reach co-directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone at the FASTRAK Northeast office at 724-964-9300.  E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143.  The office is open daily late mornings and after 1:30 p.m.  For more information, check out the FASTRAK Northeast website at www.fastraknortheast.com.  Become our fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fastraknortheast.

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