WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – During his famous inauguration speech in 1933, Franklin Roosevelt told a nation in the depths of the depression that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

For racecar drivers, the list may be a bit longer. Volatile fuel prices and the escalating costs associated with parts and repairs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the material needs of today's competitors. From the most well-funded teams in NASCAR to the pure stock driver from Anytown, USA, the rising cost of racing is enough to strike fear in anybody's checkbook.

"Obviously there's an uneasiness about the economy right now," said USMTS president Todd Staley. "Everybody from sponsors and team owners to track operators and race fans are tightening their belts and watching their balance sheets closer than ever. We've been extremely blessed with enormous support from sponsors, drivers and fans during these past ten years, so we wanted to add some stimulus of our own to the extended USMTS family.

"The USMTS offers one of the best values in all of motorsports. For that reason, we feel that the fans will continue to include USMTS events as part of their entertainment budget so long as the product on the racetrack continues to be the best of the best."

More than 800 different drivers from 23 different States took part in USMTS events in 2008 as the rugged road warriors staged nearly 80 events at 45 unique venues in 14 different States throughout America’s heartland.

Therefore, by unanimous bipartisan consent of the congress of the United States Modified Touring Series, the following stimulus package shall be immediately implemented for the 2009 racing season:

ARTICLE I: For the third straight year, the USMTS is holding the line on ticket prices for fans attending USMTS National Tour and USMTS Southern Series events. For most shows, the recommended adult ticket price will remain $15, with discounts for kids and free admission for young children. Furthermore, the USMTS will be offering new ways for fans to get discounts on tickets, contests to earn season passes and more.

ARTICLE II: Drivers will see no increase in 2009 for the cost of entry fees or a USMTS license. There is no requirement to purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event. Benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, contingency awards, points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at www.usmts.com and more.

ARTICLE III: However, drivers will see an increase when they visit the pay window after each event. For instance, fourth place was $800 and will now be $900 for licensed drivers, while seventh through tenth in each USMTS National Tour main event will also see an increase in prize money. All licensed drivers that qualify for the Holley "A" Main will be guaranteed at least $300, up from $250 last season.

ARTICLE IV: The 2009 race season will see two track provisionals at all USMTS races during the 2009 season. On nights when there are 40 or fewer cars entered, 20 will qualify through the heat races and Real Racing Wheels "B" Mains. Two USMTS provisionals will be awarded, along with two track provisionals to create a 24-car Holley "A" Main starting field. On nights when 41 or more cars check in, 22 qualifiers will be joined by two USMTS provisionals and two track provisionals to make up a 26-car starting field. Track provisionals will generally be awarded based on track points, but drawings or other means may be used at the discretion of the promoter.

ARTICLE V: The Top Dog bonus will remain in effect for both the USMTS National Tour and USMTS Southern Series in 2009. Beginning with the third event in each region of the USMTS National Tour, drivers will be guaranteed a minimum of $400 at each event where that driver is among the top-10 in points for that region. USMTS Southern Series drivers will be guaranteed a minimum of $300 at each event where that driver is among the top-10 in points, while drivers ranked 11th through 15th will earn a minimum of $200.

ARTICLE VI: Finally, for the fourth straight season, the Casey's General Stores Hunt for the USMTS National Championship will crown the USMTS National Champion. Eighteen events make up The Hunt for 2009, with all single-day events paying $3,000 to win. The Sept. 18-19 doubleheader at the North Central Speedway in Brainerd, Minn., will pay $2,000 to win on Friday and $3,000 to win on Saturday. The 11th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree is set for Sept. 24-26, with $2,000 going to the winner on Thursday, $4,000 on Friday and $6,000 on Saturday.

God bless America.

Beginning its 11th season in 2009, the USMTS is the ultimate playground for America’s hottest Modified drivers. To learn more about the United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.usmts.com online for the latest news and information from the USMTS.

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PRESENTING SPONSOR: Casey’s General Stores.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, Arizona Sport Shirts, AwesomeRaceSuits.com, Awesome Racewear, Bear Tire Company, BRODIX Cylinder Heads, Childhelp, Gressel Racing, Houston Specialty Products Co., Karl Chevrolet, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, New Vision Graphics, Nitroquest Web Solutions, PBM Performance Products, Q.E.M., Inc., Western Flyer Xpress.

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: Boom Drilling, Buzzard Racing Engines, Day Motor Sports, Ramirez Race Cars, Olympic Fire Protection, Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar, Ruter Farms, Yeager Machine.

CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AFCO Racing Products, Belleville Motorsports, BSB Manufacturing, COMP Cams, Duralite Racing Wheels, Dynatech Racing Exhaust, GRT Race Cars, Hawk Performance, Holley Performance Products, Hyperco, ISKY Racing Cams, KSE Racing Products, Marsh Racing Wheels, Quarter Master, QuickTime Performance Race Parts, Real Racing Wheels, US Brake.