[Anon]

Gas city opening week 8 cars? Montpelier opener 14 cars? I don't understand. If midget owners/drivers love midget racing like they say where are the cars? I hear people complain about money and I don't understand the reason for their complaints. If you want more money show up with 25 cars and they may raise the payout. If you got into racing for the money then you should get out now. There's no money in racing. But people will show up to a USAC race and pay $70-$100 to get in the gate and race for 4th on back because Keith Kunz has the top 3. Does this make sense to anyone else? Why would anyone race for the same money and pay double the entry fee? I just don't understand. We need more than 10 cars at gas city this week to help keep midgets alive in Indiana.

[johnnythunderhead]

I agree, if you have a midget and you enjoy racing get it out of mothballs n have some fun, make some $$$ n find yourself a major sponsor. if you're an owner who doesn't drive your creation there are many capable pilots out there to help land you in the winners circle. take Indiana back one track at a time (and the above mentioned tracks are opening their arms to you) perhaps some ambitious and knowlegable soul might consider forming a sanctioning body to schedule midget races throughout the state next year, but remember the track owners and promoters can't do it without your support, so come on out, because we all know that sprint cars are awesome but midgets are just about as fast but are a whole lot more agile!

[jjones752]

Speaking from only a personal perspective, I think it's a little premature to throw in the towel on Indiana Midget Racing in 2014 after only two complete shows. The weather has been a major factor in jamming a wrench into Montpelier's plans. We were added to the April 26th program after three cancellations; Harold and his crew exhausted themselves and one tractor trying to get the track into raceable shape for us, then killed their other tractor trying to make the track better for last weekend, only to come up excuciatingly short. Given the uncertainty I think 14 cars was a respectable turnout for the opening night, and I know of at least 3 rides that will probably be there for the May 17th program that weren't ready to go yet. Montpelier averaged 24 cars last year, which is encouraging to me. I look for things to improve markedly in the coming weeks. Brian does a good job keeping the interest up on IOW and Montpelier is very good at updating things on their website, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
I can't really speak to what's going on at Gas City, except for a couple of points. First, there hasn't been a lot of information about the series forthcoming directly from the promoter; to me it seems like Mel figured if he put Midgets on the schedule they'd just show up. He didn't commit to allowing Mini Sprints to compete until the week before the opening night, and then it was just word-of-mouth with nothing official being posted on the track's website or a forum such as this. Second, being a Friday show it's difficult for a working stiff like me to get clocked out and loaded up, although now that I'm told chain-drives are Kosher I do intend to try later in the season, if circumstances allow.
A little further West, the IMRA seems to be gaining momentum with a very Montpelier-like model; it would be really great if, as they grow, they would creep a little more towards Central Illinois while at the same time the Montpelier series found partners to preach the Gospel in the Central and Western reaches of Indiana. Then, in a perfect world, somewhere out there on I-84, one of those visionaries that Johnny is praying for will promote an inter-state gathering of the Small Car Enthusiasts.
Until then, keep the Faith...

[Jim Gardner]

So it's confirmed that 1000cc mini sprints are good to run at Gas City? Once school ends I'll try to hit that up.

[jjones752]

That's what I've been told, Jim, by someone who did speak directly with the promoter, although there's nothing in writing anywhere on the Gas City I69 website. On the other hand, there's nothing on the website that says "no" either...

[mc/rider]

Pennsylvania seems to have a good program.With promotion,parcipatation,sponsers,fans and a few seasons of good luck we should have a great series.Its just that easy

[johnnythunderhead]

that aardc east coast midget group is very successful and their rules and motis operende should be examined closely, as they have been operating for over 200 years, they specialized in wild sea pony racing before there were automobiles

[jjones752]

Originally Posted by mc/rider Pennsylvania seems to have a good program.With promotion,parcipatation,sponsers,fans and a few seasons of good luck we should have a great series.Its just that easy

Maybe Sean can put a camera on the 97; if the season goes like the first night he'll get three good shots of the lead pack going by me every week. That's gotta be some good footage!

[cwfan08]

What Montpelier has going is a pretty good deal..I think, especially starting out, they went the right direction with allowing chain driven cars as well as your regular midgets. I know the first year ppl just wanted to see how the series was going to go and Harold and crew stuck to their guns and were paying out regardless of how many cars showed..He really stuck his neck out there trying to get this series going and last year we had full fields just about every night..The weather this winter really hampered things and they are still pretty far behind but still trying to get races in when they can..As for Gas City the only way its going to work is to allow chain driven cars as well..Its just hard for anyone to pull to Friday night shows with it still being a work day. .Hopefully the car counts start building throughout the year. Everyone have a great night.

Tyler

[Wayne Davis]

Here in Florida we allow both Chain and Driveline cars. 1000 to 1206cc along with focus and ecotec engines....we do not allow "National" special built engines...We are already trying to set up for a 6 straight nights of racing here in Feb. (Florida). Our rules are more in the lines of IMRA so you can race "COMPETITIVELY" with an engine under $10,000.