ernart
The difference figures out to be about .5 to .6 seconds on a 1/4 mile track, and that was Sammy's and Bryan's times. That wouldn't be the same on a 1/2 mile or a pavement track. On the bigger tracks or the ones where the driver can hook all that extra Horsepower the National Motors would have a big advantage. On the 1/4 mile dirt tracks even the stock block or 1000cc cars can't use all of the Horsepower power on hand. That tends to even things out just a little. I would love to have some of the older Midgets race with us, (most of the other racers right now would not) as long as the track is small enough there is not that big of an advantage with another 100 horsepower.
There used to be a saying that on a 1/20 the mile track the 1/4 midget was the fastest thing out their. On a 1/10 up to 1/5 mile track the 600cc Micros are King, but when the track gets bigger and rougher them little tires just can't seem to get a grip and they fall off rappidly. They tryed putting 1000cc motors on sidewinders up in New York several years ago. the problem was all that extra power just went up in smoke.
When you move up in status to National Midgets the top Drivers also change things a great deal. There are a very few of them that have the God given talent to be able stay on top of a very high performance race car. They are the guys racing out front and then moving on and up to more lucrative although less enjoyable duties.
Keep the Midgets on the smaller Bull Rings 3/8th mile down to 1/5th mile. The racing will be much closer and intense. There will probably be more contact with other cars, but the crowds will love it. If they love it they might go back and tell their friends. Most of them will not be astute race fans and will not appreciate a well executed slide job, or running that right rear up against the cushion but come to think of it at one point in time USAC didn't see the beauty in them slide jobs either. Ask Steve Butler about USAC's feelings on slide jobs.
Honest Dad himself
