The United States Auto Club released the conclusion of the most complete and exhaustive tire testing process ever conducted in grassroots racing after four tire samples taken at a February event were initially found not to meet the manufacturer benchmark by an initial laboratory test.

The abnormality of four tire samples identically non-conforming to the manufacturer benchmark led to further testing and analysis as a means to validate the entire testing process used as a guideline by many seers and tracks.

Due to the unprecedented nature of the initial results, USAC conducted a second test at two additional laboratories, along with a second round of testing at the initial laboratory.  While the initial lab once again reflected an unusual chemical spike in the results, the two additional labs could not validate any unknown chemicals varying from the original tire manufacture.

As a means to be conclusive in the results, USAC sought one of the highest authorities in rubber compound analysis, used by OEM manufacturers for rubber chemical analysis and polymer performance testing.  No previous level of grassroots racing has taken this step before in analyzing rubber compounds post-race.  The extensive analysis provided several insightful facts that can be valuable in understanding future tire analysis:

·        Chemical analysis of unused tires was conducted to study tread rubber compound compositions and identify types of chemicals incorporated by the manufacturer.

·        Chemical analysis of used tires was conducted to study routine chemical containments from track contact surfaces after a race.

·        Chemical analysis of different used tires was conducted to study non-routine chemical species that could be present and influence performance during a race.

·        The chemical in question, which was identified in the initial first lab test, was not found in all subsequent testing by three additional labs.

The findings of the final lab results were conclusive. No significant difference in chemical analysis between the known samples and the original manufacturer benchmark were found.

Any National Sprint Car Series Entrant can review all test results at the USAC office upon request.

“The analysis and steps we took in this process were painstaking and costly, but the results give us 100% confidence in our decision and in standing in front of competitors, fans and member tracks,” stated Kirk Spridgeon, USAC Circle Track Series Director.  “While going forward with the initial results may have been easier in some ways, we know how important it is to pursue the correct results and ultimately have a means for validation of any penalties assessed to competitors.”

The intense testing process was conducted on the basis of team appeals to the original findings and offer insight into the appeal level process USAC has in place for its licensed members to assure integrity in the sporting competition.

NEW TIRE APPEAL PROCESS OUTLINED

As a means to assure validation and confirmation of tire testing results are available to competitors in the tire testing process, USAC has modified the 2022 Circle Track rulebook to enhance the Tire Penalty, which now includes a multi-level appeal process along with escalating penalties and fines when a tire has been found to be chemically altered from the original tire manufacturer specifications.

STEP 1:  Initial Failed Tire Test - Level 1 Lab (current rule)

·        Race Disqualification and Loss of Purse/Prize Money

        6 Race Suspension In Series

·        $2,500 Fine

STEP 2:  First Appeal - Level 2 Lab ISO 17025 Certified (new)

·        To appeal to a Level 2 Lab requires team deposit of additional $2,500 within one week of penalty.

·        If Level 2 Lab meets benchmark, all prize money and fines are returned.

·        If Level 2 Lab does not meet benchmark:

1.      Total Race Suspension 12 Weeks

2.      Total Fine $5,000

STEP 3:  Second Appeal - Level 3 Lab ISO 17025 Certified (new)

·        To Appeal to a Level 2 Lab requires team deposit of additional $5,000 within one week of denied appeal.

·        If Level 3 Lab meets benchmark, all prize money and fines are returned.

·        If Level 3 Lab does not meet benchmark:

1.      Total Race Suspension 24 Weeks

2.      Total Fine $10,000