The votes have been tallied.  We got quite a few responses.  More than normal I would say.  I will give the results along with an explanation of what I think it means along with a guess as to why the voting went the way it did.

Issue one: Should accessory wishbones be allowed?  The answer is a resounding yes.  People that voted "no" felt that the rules allowed for the later "under the axle" type wishbones to be used and that this was a better alternative than using the inferior "over the top" type with a brace.  As a result, there should be no more concern with accessory wishbone braces. 

Issue two: Should we put signs on our cars saying who we are and where we're from?  The answer is "yes", by a nearly two to one ratio.  Some people that voted "no" had privacy concerns.  Start making up signs with your name and hometown.  3 inch high letters are the preferred size.  I still have my old ones from 1977 that I think I'll use again.

Issue three: Should drivers be allowed to receive help from the trouble truck or other people other than other drivers while under time?  By a two to one margin we think so.  One person who voted this way said it is more fun if you can receive help.  The result of this is no change from how it's been the past several years.  You will not be penalized for receiving help as long as you are not trailered in.

Issue four: Should the starting timers be allowed to adjust your leaving time if they think it should be?  This is something that we have been doing for years.  If traffic or some other thing doesn't allow a driver to leave at his exact prescribed time, the timers will let him go a few seconds later, then adjust his time accordingly.  We voted nearly unanimously to allow this.  The result is that the rules come into accord with reality.

Issue five: Shall head combustion chambers be limited to 230cc and be required to have their original shape?  This is an issue that I believe still needs to be addressed.  The issue failed by a very small margin.  Some people that voted against it did so because it didn't go far enough or failed to really address the problem.  As far as I'm concerned, it is still illegal to raise the compression in your cylinder head by any means other than milling.  Any alteration of the combustion chamber other than that specifically prescribed in the rules is still illegal.  If given the chance, I personally will vote to disqualify anyone who has modified his combustion chamber for any purpose other than to clear the pistons or the valves.

Issue six: Should cast iron cars be required to run restrictor plates too?  By a small margin we say "no".  I know some people were working on cast iron engines and felt that they were having the rug pulled out from under them.  I personally think that the experiment hasn't had a chance to play out fully.  I would be for waiting a little bit to see how the trend goes then reassess the situation.  I will say this though.  If I am the only cast iron car ever again, I will voluntarily ask to be allowed to have my car installed with a restrictor plate.

Issue seven: Crystal timers?  We don't care, go ahead and use 'em.  Some people who voted "no" felt that to vote to allow them would be a dirty trick.  They thought it was not in anyone's best interest to inflict one of those horrible timers on anyone.

I have posted the new rules onto the webpage www.montana500.org

I have been in contact with Bozeman Ford.  They have expressed a desire to do something nice for us.  I don't know just yet what that will be though. 

Bozeman local, Bob Braun recommended the Continental Motor Inn as our base hotel.  I have talked to them and they seem to be able a accommodate us.  They say they have a big parking lot and that there is room for motor homes, trailers and T's.  There are no hook-ups though. The address is 1324 E. Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715. Phone: 406-587-9231; Toll Free: 800-221-1886.  Tell them that you are with the Montana 500 and you will get a good deal.  Thursday we will tour Yellowstone.  You are on your own for accommodations there.

Index:

page three: The Box