From John Lemon
Tulsa, OK — (November 13, 2014) — The Oil Capital Racing Series will see a modified format for determining the starting line-up for A-Feature events beginning in 2015. As with the past two seasons, OCRS will automatically transfer 12 drivers from their qualifying heat races based on earned heat race finishing points along with earned passing points.
Of the 12 drivers that earn an automatic transfer to the A-feature, the top 8 drivers in points will participate in a “redraw” for starting positions 1-8. The driver that draws number one starts on the pole position. The driver drawing number two starts outside the first row and so on until the 8 spots are filled. The four remaining A-feature ‘lock-in’ drivers from the heat races will be placed in positions 9-12. These positions will be lined straight up according to heat race passing points that were earned.
As was the case previously, the remaining starting positions for the A-Feature (spots 13-20) will be filled by a B-Feature race. In the event a B-Feature isn’t contested, these positions will then line straight up according to their heat race points earned.
OCRS utilized a 12-car invert based on combined A and B feature point averages the past two seasons. OCRS president Barry Grabel explained the new change: “ When we decided to eliminate the OCRS Dash race (to determine the first three rows) in 2013, we decided on the 12-car invert system for enhancing the show to our fans. From the beginning, we agreed to a review of that format after two seasons.”
“After the first season, OCRS saw an improvement over the previous format;” said Grabel. “There were multiple winners over the season and there were multiple occasions where the winner came from row five or six and we were pleased with the quality of the program. At the conclusion of this past season, we saw the same results in as early as the second race of the year, yet we saw some different results as well.”
Like many open wheel series around the country, tire wear is an issue that has been challenging to control. “OCRS worked with our promoters this past season to enhance the racing surface as best as possible,” stated Grabel. “The promoters responded very well and we were fortunate to get less abrasive surfaces which improved tire wear a great deal. Our compliments go out to them for a job well done.”
With that came a difference in how the racing developed.
“When we analyzed these past two seasons and discussed the future, it was decided to continue to utilize the 12-car lock-in system with the top 8 of those drawing for their starting positions. We feel this will put a little tweak in what we were doing and still provide fantastic racing action that our fans have come to expect from the OCRS series. In the end, it’s the fans that need to be highly considered as well as our racing teams. We look forward to the continued growth our series has endured,” said Grabel.
The 2014 OCRS Awards Banquet is Saturday December 6th and will be held at the Clarion Hotel at the Tulsa International Airport. The ‘Tire Factory’ is the event sponsor and comedian Rick Read has been selected as the evening’s entertainment attraction. A 6pm dinner will precede the awards ceremony and comedy show. Tickets are $20 and will be sold at the door. Race fans are welcomed to attend and enjoy the night with the OCRS series!