Preseason ISMA News & Notes for 2009
ISMA ROLLS BACK NOVELTY TRAILER PRICES FOR 2009
Oswego, NY — While the ISMA competitors are preparing to roll out their winged supermodifieds for the 2009 racing season, the ISMA management has decided to do some rolling of its own. This season, to help battle the tough economic situation, ISMA has been determined that all pricing at the Novelty Trailer will be rolled back to the same pricing as in 2000.
During the entire 35th racing season, ISMA fans will be able to pick up their favorite t-shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, hat, decal and more at a reduced rate. While ISMA has no control over pricing at the tracks they visit throughout the year, they can help the fans out with that special souvenir sold at the Novelty Trailer. The new pricing begins with the 2009 opener at Waterford Speedbowl on May 23 and continues through the Thompson Int’l Speedway World in October.
BEING AN ISMA MEMBER HAS BENEFITS AT THE RACES. Just reminders that becoming a member of ISMA can help you receive a pit admission discount at most of the races. If your dues for 2009 have been paid you will receive a membership card by the beginning of May. If you have not joined, anyone may do so by contacting Delores Murphy as soon as possible at (315) 668-0068 to ensure you receive a membership card prior to Waterford. There will be a decent discount there for ISMA members.
FAST TRACK MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEMS will be once again required of all ISMA drivers and officials. The owner of Fast Track Medical Response has informed the group that they will generously donate the bracelets to all ISMA drivers in remembrance of Lois Matczak.
All ISMA drivers and officials must sign up for Fast Track with a registration form and not on the website as in the past. Applications will be mailed soon. To get more information on Fast Track Medical Response Systems, visit their website at www.fasttrackmrs.com.
CORR/PAK, ISMA’s new Canadian-based sponsor has announced recently that in addition to their series sponsorship contribution, they will also contribute $1,000 to be distributed to the ISMA teams in attendance to compete at Delaware Speedway’s doubleheader weekend in August. It is hoped this extra money will be used to defray some of the travel costs for those teams making the haul.
AND WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF CANADA, please make sure that everyone who plans to cross the border between the U.S. and Canada has their proper paperwork to make their trip back and for the easier.
Beginning January 31, 2008, the United States has ended the practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship at the border.
U.S. citizens, ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth. View the complete list of acceptable documents at CBP.gov for land travel and sea travel.
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
U.S. citizens can also apply for a U.S. Passport Card, which facilitates entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards. Passport cards issued by the State Department cost $45 for adults. Because the card is only useful for US borders and NOT valid for air travel, it’s wiser to spend the money on a regular passport.
As of June 1, 2009 crossing the Canada/US border will require a passport or other form of secure ID. All travelers coming from Canada and Mexico, the Caribbean Bermuda will have to show a passport or suitable alternative that have been limited under the new rules to passport cards, new enhanced driver’s licenses and Trusted Traveler Programs cards, such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST to enter the U.S.A. The new rules are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
So check these new measures apply now to Canadians and Americans as well. There are several sites online which explain the new rules. Don’t get left at the border when you travel to Delaware and Cayuga from the American side or to the U.S. from the Canadian side!
2008-2009 ISMA YEARBOOK PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY.
It’s that time to begin the assembling of the 2008-09 ISMA yearbook which is always a collector’s item. The yearbook recaps the 2008 race season with race stories and photos, and also contains up to date profiles of the ISMA drivers and owners. The book, which is sold at all ISMA venues during the season, provides extra revenue for the drivers’ and owners’ point fund. Ads are currently being sold to help pay for the cost of the book’s printing and every little bit helps. Anyone who would like to place an ad – which are quite reasonable in cost should contact Delores Murphy at (315) 668-0068 or Carol D Haynes at 315-342-1363. Anyone can advertise so call today. Yearbook profile and Ad sheet information will be available as a download on the website shortly. The goal this year is to also reduce the yearbook cost to the fans and bring that back to a $5.00 charge. The more ads we get, the better the chance to meet that goal.
Sources: Carol D Haynes/Kathy Harrington/Delores Murphy/ISMA PR