For those who may not be familiar, what are the basics of your series? (Car type, surface, engine, region)
The UCRA is for crate dirt late models. We will use the basic (604, 602) Chevrolet crate engines. The series will race among 6 tracks (Boyd's Speedway, Duck River Raceway, 411 Motor Speedway, Fort Payne Motor Speedway, North Georgia Speedway, & Cleveland Speedway), throughout Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Tell us how you came to found the United Crate Racing Alliance
The Alliance was founded by the promoters/administrators of the 6 tracks. All tracks involved were struggling with a method to "police" the crate late model division, and keep it fair for everyone. The group met in early January 2015 for the first time, discussed various hurdles, created solutions, and within a few hours the UCRA was formed and agreed upon.
How do your rules align with other similar series?
The UCRA rules are designed to align with other crate late model sanctioning organizations, as well as weekly race programs. The Alliance does not have one specific tire manufacture that is required, nor one specific seal within the engine. The rules are made to include any crate late model racer that runs "legal" equipment.
What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in the entire crate late model division is establishing credibility to the rules. The division was created to put everyone on an affordable and "equal" playing field, so racers are always looking to find that extra edge and stretch the rules. The UCRA is based on that credibility, and will strive to keep a well balanced check on all competitors.
What is the one thing that people misunderstand the most about your role as the Series Director?
The UCRA does not have one specific "director". It is actually more of a board meeting among all the track promoters and administrators. Each track will run their own show when the series races at that particular track. There will be an assigned competition tech team that will attend all races and perform inspections. Any issues that need to be addressed will require a conference, then a decision will be made as a group.
What is your view/opinion of the future of Crate Racing?
Crate Late Model racing is here to stay. It has predominately produced the largest number of competitors at most local tracks on a weekly basis. It is a great division for many up-and-coming drivers to compete with some top-name racers.
For more information, you can visit the series website at http://ucraracing.com