CHANGED TRACK CONFIGURATION AND DIRECTION
In anticipation of the October 18, 2009, race running backwards (clockwise) and in a different configuration, the track barriers will be moved for practice starting this weekend, October 3, 2009. Practice will also be conducted in the clockwise (backward) direction from October 3, 2008, through the October 18, 2009, race day.
Swap Meet Info:
Blue Max is hosting a Swap Meet on March 7, 2009, from 9 am - 6 pm. Bring your stuff, and your money. Even if you don't think someone will buy your stuff, bring it and offer it for free. Your junk may be someone’s treasure.
Coupled with the Swap Meet on March 7, 2009, Blue Max will have Radar Gun Day. Everyone that keeps times of their laps knows how quick they were driving. But have you ever wondered how fast you were driving? We plan on having a radar gun at the end of the front straight. We may have another radar gun in another location (repairs to track will dictate if possible).
The plan is to have a sign up sheet for the radar gun per session. We will then have a list for the operator and assistant to write down the information during the practice session. Following the session we will post the information at the base of the tower.
We already experimented with the radar gun and it adds excitement to the driving session. It also adds another tool to improve your driving ability.
Track Maintenance Day Info:
March 8, 2009, Sunday, Blue Max will have its work day. We ask that all members come to work. Even if you are not a member, but want to help improve the track, you are invited as well.
We will have materials to perform the work. If you have basic tools, wheelbarrows, shovels, gloves, paintbrushes, hammers, etc., please bring them. Once we have a list compiled for the work that needs to be completed I will try to let you know what additional tools are needed. The track will be closed to karts until the work is completed.
As a continuing effort to get the track ready for racing season, there is a lot of work being performed on the track, including crack repair, section repair, and corner expansion. All of this work is going to make your driving experience at Blue Max more enjoyable.
VINTAGE KARTS ARE COMING TO BLUE MAX ON JULY 11, 2009. Blue Max is proud to assist the Vintage Kart drivers with a priority play day so they can meet, drive, talk, BBQ, and generally live a time that most of us have never even seen. Although these karts are fast and agile, they are not the same as a modern kart. When the vintage Karts are prepared to enter the track the track will be cleared of all 1976 and newer Karts, and Karts with Yamaha engines. This is for the safety of the Vintage Kart racers, and the modern kart racers. The karts are just not compatible together on a racing surface.
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING AT BLUE MAX The track and facilities will be closed from August 3, 2009, through August 7, 2009. The law enforcement training areas will be used during that time and nobody will be allowed into the track or adjacent facilities.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AT OLD RANGE Law Enforcement will be using the old range next to the track on Tuesday, August 18th for training. They should remain within the confines of the fenced area and it will pose no danger to people outside the fenced area. You may still use the track facilities, but be mindful of the training that will be in progress. They originally scheduled to be out there last week, but due to conflicts the training session had to be changed.
AUGUST 30, 2009, RACE Track layout change. Upper track at turn three will not be used, and the lower track at Turn 3 will be used. Also the hairpin will not be used. Having the shorter configuration we can put in extra laps. Possible race day (laps to be determined by Race Director): Practice 5 minutes or longer, Qualifying, Heat 1 (7-12 laps), Heat 2 (7-12 laps), Main (15+ laps), This could be in excess of 50 laps of racing.
BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS NEEDED - It's time to think about volunteering to be a Board member, The process is simple in that you submit your name or the name of another member which will in turn be placed on a ballot in October and sent to all members of the club for voting. Upon completion, the votes will be tallied and the new Board members will take over the club at the end of the year.
The process is simple for getting a name (your's or another) on the ballot. E-mail Secretary Leah Gillmore at leahgillmore@sbcglobal.net with your choice. Leah will be the single point of contact for all ballot submissions.
Please provide your nomination no later than October 1, 2009, so we can begin printing the ballots for distribution.
BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS PERIOD EXTENDED - Blue Max needs more nominations for the Board. Please submit your name or the name of another member by October 12, 2009. After receiving the nominations a ballot will be prepared and circulated for voting. Upon completion, the votes will be tallied and the new Board members will take over the club at the end of the year. The process is simple for getting a name (your's or another) on the ballot. E-mail Secretary Leah Gillmore at leahgillmore@sbcglobal.net with your choice. Leah will be the single point of contact for all ballot submissions.
BOARD ELECTIONS AND RACE AWARD NOMINATIONS - Ballots were sent out. Vote for up to 8 Board Members - Vote for one racer for each special award - Return Ballot by Wednesday, November 4, 2009 RACE DATE CHANGE - There has been a slight modification of the Blue Max racing schedule. The Sunday, November 15, 2009, race, has been changed to Saturday, November 14, 2009.
January 30-31-2010, Club Race Format - Because NCTA determined to do the Super Series IKF race in one day, Blue Max has been researching the time line for completing the CLUB race in one day. Unfortunately, if there is Practice, Qualifying, Heat, and Main the lap count will have to be significantly reduced for a one day event. Also if there are any complications through the day it will get dark.
As everyone knows this is a pre-cursor to the NorCal Super Series on February 7, 2010. And given the quantity of classes and the limited daylight this time of year, Blue Max has decided to have Practice on Saturday January 30, 2010, starting at 9:00 am. Following the practice there will be qualifying on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 1:00 pm.
In the event you do not make the qualifying you will still be able to attend the race on Sunday, January 31, 2010, but the starting grid will be set by qualifying time, and then those that did not qualify on Saturday.
January 30-31, 2010, Club Race Canceled - The first club race scheduled for Jan 30-31 2010 has been canceled. The track will be open for practice in lieu of the scheduled race. The track will be staffed and will run a controlled practice as needed, both days, rain or shine.
The purpose and reasoning behind this decision is to provide those competing in the IKF a more enhanced testing opportunity. Controlled practice will provide all racers with more track time at a reduced cost. If the weather behaves as forecasted, there will be an opportunity to test in the rain. Members test for free and non-members test for $20.00 each day. This gives expanded valuable track time to the drivers as opposed to a regimented race schedule that will provide less track time.
The other compelling issue that we are faced with is the idea of cutting or consolidating some of our club classes that do not correlate to the classes offered by the IKF. Time-wise, it just didn't pencil out. In addition, with the foul weather and limited practice time, we had safety concerns with running novice racers and more skilled drivers the first race of the season. We didn't want to take away the value of being a club member and racing in a club event. We tried several configurations but the sheer number of classes required to accommodate our club races as well as the classes for the IKF event could not fit into an 8 hour day. We have been working on our preparations for the upcoming IKF event. We have been in constant contact with board members of the NCTA. Our race day staff has been increased to insure a smooth race day. Everything that is in our control is covered. We have confidence in our ability and look forward to helping the NCTA put on a great IKF event. This decision was made for the overall benefit of the racer both on the club level as well as the more skilled IKF racers. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.
January 31, 2010, Club Race is ON- The racers asked for it now they got it. The race will go on. Many racers, from Blue Max and other clubs, expressed overwhelming interest in putting this race on no matter what it takes and the Blue Max Board listened. This will help the club be better prepared for the February 7, 2010 NorCal Super Series. Club Race # 1 will be a one day event held on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Racing will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. As in the past Kid Karts go first. Please help us make this a successful event by being on the grid early and ready to race. Time, kart count, and the weather will dictate the exact format of the race day. The plan is for two 5 minute Practice Sessions (fastest lap of second practice session will be your qualifying time), one 8 lap heat and a 12 lap main. Classes will be consolidated as needed. If the race runs ahead of schedule, and with the approval of the Race Director laps, can be added to the Main. If the race is behind schedule adjustments will also be made. Blue Max thanks everyone for their input to guide us through this difficult decision making process. We look forward to, and are ready for, the race. We are sorry for the confusion.
IKF race at Blue Max this weekend is on!
