First of all this is not MTQRL bashing, I want that straight because everyone seems to be so touchy!!! I listened to the show last night and heard Gary Lee say that 3/4 midget racing is a hobby and not a jumping off place for sprint cars or other divisions. I strongly disagree, all you have to do is look at the United Midget Racing Association alumni to prove that statment wrong. Is this the message we want to send young racers that may be thinking of TQ's, that it is a waste of time and you won't gain anything from the experience? Just asking for anyone else's thoughts on this subject. Thanks.

Is this why Terry Goff has made a career of running TQ's? He never moved up.

I like the TQs on short tracks and they put on a good show, but places like The 'Burg are too big for them.

When was the last USAC champion to come from TQs?

Wasn't T-stew at 3/4 midget champ at Rushville?

Ok, I am not bashing the MTQRL so why pick on some one in the UMRA? I don't know why Terry Goff hasn't done anything else, here's an idea maybe he is happy. As far as USAC goes having dealt with them over the years, and witnessed how they have treated some racers and how unorganized some of their shows are I don't put that much stock in them, if you do that is your choice. As for TQ alumni you have, Tony Stewart, I'm sure you have heard of him, Eddie Carpenter, as for Sprint champions Derrick Sheffell. I'm sure if I dig a little deeper I can find more.

Have you ever seen the UMRA and the burg, or Brownstown, or Anderson? I guarantee those are good shows.

You must have missed the show that we put on at the burg last year during sprint week. It was the best show of the night I was told by many, Terry gold was flying around that place and came from about mid pack to win it. And Im pretty shure Terry Goff had some oppertunities to move up. Not shure on all that has went on with it but im pretty shure Tate Martz if giving the right breaks could currently go out there and run with the best of them. There is also a kid in our club that im pretty shure is gonna do some big things, his name is Brent Turner. And I could list several more. Travis Wellpott! Is a real good one too! And I know I started alittle late but I know my goal Is in the next year or two, to be running a sprinter. So I guess what im getting to is that I dont agree either.

Brandon Gray#11

LOL....Seriously?

Let's see....USAC Champions to come from TQ's....Tony Stewart, Jason Leffler, Ricky Shelton, Josh Wise, Jay Drake, Cory Kruseman. I'm sure I'm missing some....but these are specific USAC champions. There are others that have been mentioned that have won track or other championships like Namars etc (Derek Sheffel, Jason Knoke, Travis Welpott, Tate Martz won a USAC Focus and I think regional title), but all of these guys spent a good amount of time in their younger days in TQ's and won USAC Championships later on.

Goff did move up, a couple different times. He ran quite a bit in the early 90's at the USAC regional stuff at the Speedrome, in fact, believe he won a championship there as well. The situation just never panned out...why? I dont know, there were some personal things that I won't put on a message board.....major reason in today's terms, his daddy didnt have enough $$.

That being said....I agree with the original poster...it can be a stepping stone. On the other hand, perhaps what Mr. Lee was saying is, it can be a hobby as well, espeically when compared to $$ spent in the upper divisions. I know personally, it is for me, I've got no desire to move up, but I can run competively in the TQ series.


PS: Brandon....s(hure) would ne nice to use spell check, lol.

Thanks Brandon!! You're right Brent has an excellent future, and he is a very nice kid as well. Travis Wellpott is also an excellent example. Again my point is we want to send the right message to young racers and if you want to stay in TQ's thats great. I have found the people in TQ racing to be a very good bunch of folks young or older, if they have higher aspirations or just enjoying some good competition.

Tony won numerous races, but never stayed around long enough (IMO) to contend for the points title in TQs.

hob·by 1 (hb)
n. pl. hob·bies
An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.

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I think the point that Mr. Lee was trying to make has been lost. For the Majority of the TQ racers it's a hobby. Based on the definition probably the majority of Sprint Car teams it is a hobby. Has there been people that moved up that started in TQ's or Sprint Cars..of course. I believe I heard or read on open wheel, that was one of the main reasons MTQRL lowered the age to 14 in hopes that it would be a spring board for younger drivers. There are definitely TQ drivers now, give the opportunities, could move up. I believe Mr. Lee's point was anything a racing organization can do to help reduce cost or increase payouts goes a long way. Because the majority of them do it as a hobby.

Sorry A.J. I know im not the greatest at spelling. Im alittle slow! lol! It wouldnt be normal if someone wasnt giving me a hard time. ONLY 3 Days till RACING! Im so excited! And the weather is looking pretty good! Hope to see a big turn out!

Brandon Gray#11