A look towards 2009

With the 2008 season just about behind us, the time is now to move on to 2009. The ASRS Officials are busying working on many things we hope will not only attract more drivers, but also imprive competition throughout the league. Among some things to be addressed this winter:

1) Regaining the loyalty of our longtime members and ensuring lengthy stays at ASRS. Not only are we going back to our roots, we are also looking at ways to build stronger, longer lasting friendships with all of the drivers here.

2) Improving championship battles, which will include a rules change in the Camping World Truck Series that will allow drivers to miss two races before being excluded from the Chase for the Championship. (The current rule allows one missed race before a driver is excluded from the championship chase).

3) Working partnerships with other leagues, whether it be through a strategic merger or just a strategic alliance. Our goal is to not only strengthen our league, but also the online short track racing community. We are in the process of debuting an "Official Partner" program that will allow supporting sites to display the ASRS logo and show their support of the league. The Official Partner program will also allow ASRS to be seen in more places by more drivers.

4) Addition of select "just for fun" events, such as a Crash O Rama and a Street Stock World National event throughout the season. These events will allow some drivers to test drive ASRS and enjoy a night of fun simulated stock car racing.

5) A few tweaks to the rulebook will be made over the offseason, allowing closer competition and higher quality racing while opening the door to even more drivers. The changes will be mostly minor updates.

6) There is talk of charging a "team ownership fee" in 2008 instead of a General Membership fee per driver. Anyone wishing to own a team within ASRS will have to have a "Team Owner's license" that will be sold at the beginning to the year. Under the proposed program, teams will be strictly limited to four teams. The license is expected to cost $10 if the proposed rule is put in place for 2009. But, nothing has been decided on in regards to that proposal.

7) Work is ongoing with the "Realignment 2009 and beyond" plan, while it appears we will continue to utilize NASCAR Racing 2003 Season by Papyrus, there is an outside chance we may switch to ARCA Sim Racing by The Sim Factory at some point in 2009. Again, plans are unclear at this time and no final decision has been reached regarding ARCA Sim Racing or rFactor. We have been very impressed by the ARCA Sim Racing sim and the quality of support the folks at The Sim Factory have given everyone in that community. With more and more tracks coming out and updates being released frequently, ARCA Sim Racing could hold the keys to the future of ASRS.

On behalf of everyone at ASRS, I want to say thank you for your support in 2008, I hope you will continue to support us through the Winter Heat program and the 3rd Annual Snowball Derby. I hope to see each and every one of you again in 2009. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season. If over the winter you come up with a suggestion or have a comment or a concern I urge you to email me at jim@americansimracing.com and I will be glad to take a look at what you would like to discuss.

Best Regards,


Jim Foose
President & General Manager
American Sim Racing Series
http://www.americansimracing.com
Email: racerfoose42@cox.net
AOL IM: FOOSERACING42