ATTENTION RACERS (PLEASE READ)

Recently, some situations have come to my attention -- second- and third-hand -- which need to be addressed.
First and foremost, let me make it clear that Tennessee Mud Racing Organization (TMRO) is in no way, shape or form associated with or aligned with the Championship Mud Racers Association (CMRA). At times, this Website has provided information on CMRA races, and links to that organization's Website. Those instances were provided as a courtesy to mud racers.
As a racer myself, and a fan of the sport, I know it is often hard to find events to attend. So with that in mind, when the opportunity to provide drivers two races in a single day and twice the chance to come home "in the money," I did my best to let them know about the opportunity by cross-promoting CMRA daytime races which were held on the same dates as TMRO races later that night. Several drivers seemed to enjoy being able to take advantage of the opportunity to race twice in a day, and it was my pleasure to help inform them of that opportunity through this site.
This week, however, I have been told by CMRA president Beverly Crockarell to remove any links to their events or their site, to avoid giving the impression our organizations are somehow linked.
Secondly, regarding the TMRO rules:
Apparently, some of you have a problem with the entry fees and rules used at my races. Rather than voicing your complaints to me, however, I have to hear about them from third parties.
Yes, my entry fee is higher than some races you will attend -- in fact it is double what is charged at a CMRA event. However, my purse is nearly double as well, and higher than most races you can enter nationally. And this purse is paid at EVERY TMRO event, not just special races.
If a majority of the drivers who wished to enter a TMRO event came to me with concerns that the entry fee was in fact too high, I would, of course, listen to their complaints and take the necessary steps to lower the fee -- if that's what it took to continue to race. HOWEVER, a lower entry fee would, naturally, result in a lower purse to the winners. That is simple mathematics... drivers pay a bit more to race with TMRO, but have a chance to win a great deal more if they have the fastest car that night.
Regarding rules, it was brought to my attention that many front-engine drivers feel that rear-engine cars have an unfair advantage. If that is the case, let me remind you that a front-engine, small-block Chevrolet finished second in our April race, and won the modified class at our June 23 event, beating several rear-engine cars in the process. Where is the rear-engine advantage?
When the rules for TMRO were devised, our goal was to provide an arena where ANY driver, from any state, in any type of mud racer, could compete against each other and know they had gone up against the best in the country. We chose not to bend the rules, or alter them so the "good old boys" could have an easy shot at the money, or so our local drivers could have an advantage. When I raced, I wanted to know I had beaten -- or been beaten by -- the best competition out there. Our other local drivers, and others I've talked to who travel from around the country to race with us, feel the same way. They are true competitors, and when they win they want to know they won fair and square.
With the exception of the weight limit, TMRO's rules echo the NMRO rulebook, almost to the letter. When you race with us, you know everybody else in that pit is giving their best, and the playing field is completely level. The best car, and the best driver, on that given night, go home with first place.
If you feel you're being cheated, or someone else is being given an advantage, stay home. If you want to race with the best, and have a chance to call yourself the best, come out and race. We'll be glad to have you.
With all that said, I'd like to thank everyone for their support, and for everything they've contributed to TMRO's success. We have drivers who come down for every race, who tell us this is their favorite place to race. I know the complaints aren't coming from every driver, or even most drivers. But it only takes one bad seed to ruin the whole bunch, and that's what ends up killing organizations.
At TMRO, just like at any other organization, putting together these events is quite a chore. Making everyone happy every single night is impossible. If you have, or ever have had, an issue with our rules, fees, venue, staff, or anything else regarding TMRO, please contact me at 931-607-1105. All feedback is appreciated, and can only serve to help make our races better for the drivers and the fans.
Without a promoter, there's no race. Without racers, there's nothing to promote. But without the fans, there's neither of us.

Chris Terry,
TMRO president