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As the American Mini Sprint Association (A.M.S.A.) looks forward to crowning Jason Soudrette its 2007 champion at the upcoming Lawrenceburg Speedway awards banquet, many of its competitors are already making plans to mount their own championship charge for 2008. As one of the longest running mini sprint associations in the country, with a history that dates back to 1989, the A.M.S.A. is in the midst of a resurgence that has produced record car counts, a schedule featuring top venues and increased fan interest. During the 2007 season the group saw 37 competitors (including 12 rookies) compete for the season ending points schedule. A championship that was contested at a few of the midwest’s finest racing facilities including Lawrenceburg Speedway, Twin Cities Raceway Park, the Osgood Fairgrounds and Thunder Valley Raceway.

Proponents of this exciting class of racing are quick to point out that there are several factors contributing to the success. During Lawrenceburg’s recent FunFest we had the opportunity to walk around and gather a few of the racers perspectives on the factors fueling the American Mini Sprint Association’s success.

Just like the frequently heard phrase at the race track, ‘the track came to me’, the American Mini Sprints Association and mini sprint racing in general have found themselves in a position where ‘the market has come to them’. It is no secret that open wheel racing is enjoying new found interest as the premier training ground for tomorrow’s stars. While midgets and sprint cars are established rungs on the ladder, mini sprint racing has recently earned its position on the ladder. Mini sprints have become an excellent stepping stone for quarter midget and go-kart drivers with their eye on full-size sprints and midgets. The A.M.S.A. has developed an impressive list of alumni that have utilized the class as a launch board towards future success. Drivers like Kraig Kinser, Jimmy Kite and Shane Cottle all have roots that can be traced back to the American Mini Sprint Association. The A.M.S.A. is equally as proud of the new bumper crop of young talent that was showcased during the 2007 season. Nearly all of the mini sprint drivers that we talked to in the pits have designs on a future in sprint cars.

The market has also come to the A.M.S.A. because of the specifications of the car they are currently running. Club owner, Jerry Tague explains, “We are fortunate that we are in a period where the mini sprint just makes good sense. With the exception of the powerplant, mini sprints share characteristics that are identical to a sprint or midget. For all intensive purposes they are a midget with a motorcycle powered engine. The economics of the class place it in reach of both weekend warriors and parents looking to provide their child the next step. Today a brand new race ready car can be purchased for anywhere between 14,000 and 18,000 while a good used car can be purchase for anywhere between $7,000 and $12,000. Engines are readily available for anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500.”

Finally the market has come to the A.M.S.A. because track owners have recognized the classes value. “We have to thank Tom Wieck for placing the A.M.S.A. on his schedule a few years ago. Tom’s move to Moler Raceway Park left us in a position where we had to re-establish the credibility of our class with the new promoters at Lawrenceburg Speedway and Twin Cities Raceway Park”, commented Tague. A.M.S.A. competitors are thankful that both Lawerenceburg’s Dave Rudisell and Twin Cities Mason Fleetwood provided opportunities in 2007 and seem committed to the class in 2008. Rudisell recently commented, “I see a bright future for the mini sprints at Lawrenceburg. We intend to have them back at least as many times in 2008, and most likely more.” Rudisell’s comments were echoed by Mason Fleetwood who intends on running the A.M.S.A. 7 or 8 times during the 2008 season. “Going into the 2007 season we were really unsure how our schedule would look. I am so greatful to both promoters for committing to our group so early. It certainly places the group in a position for continued growth”, commented Tague.

The A.M.S.A looks forward to honoring all of the competitors that participated in 2007 including its top five rounded out by Dustin Hueston, Matt Arrington, Kevin Rice and Logan Hupp. Additionally the A.M.S.A. announced modifications to its weight rule announced in the interest of containing costs and creating a level playing field for all. For more information on the A.M.S.A. visit www.americanminisprints.com.

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Congrats to fellow 'nati boy Jason Soudrette on the AMSA Championship:thumb:

Way to go Jason. Congrats on an awesome job this season.