IRA/IKC run tests at IRP road course By T.J. Koutny INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Oct. 23, 2002) - Dave Larson, President of the International Racing Association (IRA) in a quest for a new challenge for the Championship Enduro Series drivers scheduled this test date to test the safety and difficulty in scheduling a race date next October at Indianapolis Raceway Park's road course driving the track in opposite direction. Thatıs right! Backwards! IRA drivers Tim Lang, Dave Wester, Mac Hubbardand T.J. Koutny were accompanied also by street racer John Martin on the behalf of Indianapolis Kart Club President Denny Hoffman, Board Member Larry Watson and IKC member Greg Wright. Indianapolis Raceway Park re-paved portions of the back section of the track, however the track between turns One and Three still were fairly rough. The backstretch, which in the past had a few large bumps, was ground down making them tolerable. Dave Larson, series' promoter and organizer, came up with the idea of a reversal in the track's race direction to give long-time series' racers something new and challenging. Also, going backwards cut quite a few bumps away from the racing groove. "If it were easy it wouldn't be racing," said Larson. In addition, he wanted to attract new racers to the premier facility and series by making an equal barrier for both long-time racers and those new to this track. After the first few lap on this new configuration I was excited! The track exit speeds were fast and took the kart all the way out to the edge. The whole back section became really fast and you really could feel sixth gear. The track was cold and quite green which really kept you on your toes. After several sessions on the track really shaving off the lap times the track became more comfortable and desirable to drive on. The main concern with more racers was that the long straightaway heading into Turn One (the normal configuration's Turn Fifteen), which was the tightest turn on the whole track but increasing the long straight away speed into a narrowing long ninety degree turn, would be somewhat dangerous. However, looks are deceiving and proved to be so in this case. Although it was challenging and intense we concluded that it would be safe to drive given the room you had and the run off at the exit of the turn was adequate. This race is tentatively scheduled for the first weekend in October next year. You can ensure that this will be a great closing race for the series by giving all the competitors the same edge, which is no edge, for having a better shot at performing well. If the points battles are close, it will surely be an intense and exciting weekend for all drivers. If you have any questions or want more information on the IRA or the Championship Enduro Series please contact Dave Larson at (847) 395-2398 or by e-mail at gempro001@aol.com.