From Andrew Kunas
VANCOUVER, Wash. – At Saturday’s general meeting in Portland, Ore. the IXL Metal Conditioner NorthWest Wingless Tour announced that it has reached a sponsorship agreement with Hoosier Tire West, making it the official tire of the Pacific Northwest’s premier non-wing sprint car tour.
In return for the sponsorship from Hoosier Tire West, the NWWT is implementing a tire rule for the first time in its short history. Beginning in July, teams will be required to use the Hoosier 105/16.0-15 MED or the Hoosier 105/18.0-15 HTW tire on the right rear for all events. As of now, the series will eventually require Hoosier tires on all four corners of the car. In 2012, both rear tires will be required to be Hoosiers, with all four corners required in 2013.
Due to the late development of the deal, all NWWT teams will be given the races in April, May and June to use their other brand tires before the new right rear tire rule goes into effect beginning with the July 9th event at Sunset Speedway in Banks, Ore. The Hoosier Tire sponsorship, however, begins with the season opening event at Cottage Grove Speedway in Cottage Grove, Ore. on Saturday, April 30th.
Money from the Hoosier Tire sponsorship will help the IXL Metal Conditioner NorthWest Wingless Tour cover operating expenses. The move also helps the NWWT get better in line with other 360 sprint car tours and tracks around the country, where Hoosier tires are often required. While the 16” wheel and tire on the right rear has become very prevalent in 360 sprint cars, both with and without the wings, many of the NWWT teams have 18” wheels on hand instead. This resulted in the NWWT and Hoosier Tire West agreeing to allow the 18.0-15 HTW tire.
More information on the IXL Metal Conditioner NorthWest Wingless Tour can be found online at http://www.nwwinglesstour.com