International Supermodified Association


The International Supermodified Association is a sanctioning body of short track auto racing in the United States and is the largest sanctioning body of supermodified type open wheel racing.

History

Founded in 1974 by multi-time Oswego Speedway champions Jim Shampine and Nolan Swift to ensure the future of supermodified racing. With the help of local businessman, Tom Heveron, they formed ISMA as a forum for owners and drivers to express their ideas and opinions as they felt that they were not allowed to do so under the management of Oswego Speedway.
The goals were to upgrade supermodified racing with better safety conditions, more events per season to insure sufficient purses and to aid drivers with their race related problems. The association worked with track managements in making decisions and in discussing ways of improvement. The club encouraged new drivers and owners interested other tracks in supermodified racing and helped to make the division stronger and more well known to a wider audience.
Tom Heveron as President, with the help of Vice President, Jim Shampine and Secretary/Treasurer Fred Graves, led ISMA through its developmental stages. ISMA negotiated with Lancaster for a 40 lap race held on July 3, 1974, which Todd Gibson of Richwood, OH won. The following year ISMA booked races at Fulton Speedway with a $5,000 purse and $1,000 to win.
Starting in 1976, ISMA developed a point fund with tracks contributing $500– $1,000 per race to this fund. Unlike most other point systems, ISMA awards points to the car owners as ISMA is an owners club rather than drivers. Joining the Heveron, Shampine and Graves team, Shirley Letcher took over the responsibility for the point system. In just three seasons, ISMA had accomplished sanctioning over $96,000 in purse money and races, adding a point fund of $4,400 paid by promoters, having tow money at all of the ISMA sanctioned races, having insurance certificates from each promoter on file, and working with other promoters for more races in 1977. Steve Gioia, Jr. became ISMA's first points Champion.

Current

ISMA continues to be at the forefront of supermodified sanctioning bodies, pioneering the franchise system, in which teams purchase a franchise at the beginning of the season. Creating a win-win situation for both the teams and promoters, each of the 19 franchise teams are allowed to miss up to 3 shows during the race season while being guaranteed a minimum starting purse of $1,000 at each event. This system helps to ensure solid, stable car counts and a successful event for the promoter.
ISMA generally sanctions between 13–17 shows a year including two of the prestigious supermodified Triple Crown Series at 1/4-5/8 mile paved short tracks located in 6 states and Canada.

Champions

SeasonDriver
1976Steve Gioia Jr.
1977Jim Shampine
1978Steve Gioia Jr.
1979Doug Heveron
1980Doug Heveron
1981Doug Heveron
1982Doug Heveron
1983Den Wheeler
1984Bentley Warren
1985Steve Gioia Jr.
1986Steve Gioia Jr.
1987Joe Gosek
1988Bentley Warren
1989Bentley Warren
1990Bentley Warren
1991Russ Wood
1992Pat Abold
1993Pat Abold
1994Russ Wood
1995Mike Ordway Sr.
1996Russ Wood
1997Russ Wood
1998Mike Ordway Sr.
1999Russ Wood
2000Joe Gosek
2001Dave McKnight Jr.
2002Russ Wood
2003Chris Perley
2004Chris Perley
2005Pat Abold
2006Chris Perley
2007Chris Perley
2008Chris Perley
2009Chris Perley
2010Russ Wood
2011Russ Wood
2012Mike Lichty
2013Lou Cicconi Jr.
2014Ben Seitz
2015Dave Shullick Jr.
2016Dave Shullick Jr.
2017Jonathan McKennedy

Competitors notable outside of ISMA: