RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

The richest Midget race of 2008 – the October 9-11 DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach (Granite City), Ill., has joined the USAC Mopar National Midget calendar. Saturday night’s (Oct. 11) feature event offers $15,000 to win and $1,000 to start, completing three nights of racing at the 3/8-mile dirt oval located just east of the Mississippi River, northeast of St. Louis, Mo.



Co-sanctioned by USAC and POWRi, the event will showcase the finest Midget racing on the planet at a track with USAC history dating back to 1961.



Preliminary events are scheduled Oct. 9-10, with features each night, building to Saturday’s climactic “shootout” for $15,000.



Josh Wise won USAC’s last Midget race at Tri-City, in 2005, on his way to the USAC National Midget title. Defending two-time USAC National Midget Champion Jerry Coons Jr. finished ninth in that 30-lap race.



Tracy Hines is the current USAC Mopar National Midget Series point leader and he and Coons are trying to join USAC’s elusive list of “Triple Crown” champions this season. Hines needs to win the Midget title, while Coons needs both the K & N Silver Crown and Sprint Car titles. Coons leads the Silver Crown standings and is second in the Sprints.



The race has associate sponsorship from Wente’s O & W Restaurant and the Bob Wente Classic. The Wente family is represented among the track’s USAC feature winners as Bob won in the Midgets there in 1969.



A total of 47 USAC races have been conducted at Tri-City. Danny Frye won the first Midget race in August, 1961 and winners since then have included Indianapolis 500 veterans Tony Stewart, J.J. Yeley, Tom Bigelow, Pancho Carter, Jack Hewitt, Greg Weld, Jimmy Caruthers, Larry Rice, Mel Kenyon and Wente.





--USAC--

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Hmmmm.....I guessing Mr. Miller has done an about-face here. Thought there would no longer be any "co-sanctions".

Interesting:rolleyes:

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

More like POWRi has done an about-face. They realized:

1) there's nothing arrogant about being the #2 Midget group in the country. POWRi knew without the top USAC teams, any claim they made to the "biggest Midget race in history" would be bogus. Thanks to Kenny Brown and no thanks to crooked official Jim Siner, they have made the right decision to let USAC share in the running of this event. Now we know it'll be a fairly officiated event.

2) It truly will be the biggest Midget event in history now that the top USAC teams will be there. These same teams were going to pass on the event for fear of being screwed once more by bad officiating from Jim Siner.

I'd also like to point out that my friend dirtywhiteboy has been perpetuating one of his anti-USAC agenda rumors that USAC was scheduling a pavement race against this show. Guess you were wrong about that one too, kid. The reality was Kevin Miller was doing everything he could to even get the Siner brothers to sit down with him and understand why a truly co-sanctioned event is the best for both parties.

Midget fans everywhere owe a huge thanks for Miller and Kenny Brown for getting this done!

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

about face or not it's still good for the Midgets.!!

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Just wondering... What's so crooked about Siner and POWRi's officiating? :confused:

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

I just see it as USAC doing whats best for USAC (Not necessarally a bad thing) and bringing some of the top Non Winged and Midget races under their banner. You want higher purses? This is one way to get them and its another way to move the brand into new or long since lost regions.

Chuck

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

I want you to find the exact posts I made stating such a claim.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Its too bad they are going head to head on 10/4 for the Hut Hundred.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

To some, crooked officiating is an official making a call against you. Obviously the poster feels that is what has happened.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

They need USAC to add credibility to a $15,000 to win midget race? I have had the opportunity to speak to one or two drivers over the last couple of months about this race and I guarantee you the first question they ask is not "Is it USAC sanctioned?" Ask someone at Anderson Speedway how much that helps (and that is not a slam on the 400. I really enjoyed it and will be back next year).

As to the statement about dirtywhiteboy, all I know is that a USAC employee told me a few weeks ago that they were tentatively planning to have an event at ORP on the second week of October. I don't know what exactly dirtywhiteboy said somewhere else, but you might want to rethink that accusation. I was subsequently told that they had dropped that plan.

Just in case anyone is curious, I called the track and they are not selling reserved seats, which was a surprise to me. Everything is general admission. I think this may be bigger than they think, or perhaps I overestimate how well what could be a fantastic midget event can draw. Am I wrong, or won't people turn out for midgets?

Frank Daigh

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Can somebody tell me why POWRI scheduled a race at Du Quoin on August 30th when that's the night of the $15,000 to win Firemen's Nationals at Sun Prairie?

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

They have done this for the last 3 or 4 years. Sun Prairie changed from Sun. to Sat.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

That is just it Frank, I haven't said anything, anywhere, anytime about USAC racing that weekend. My contention is that Mike McCormick is someone with an axe to grind against anyone who doesn't bow to USAC like a king. There is only one king I bow to and HE isn't named USAC.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Ok, makes sense i guess. Just to bad it has to be on the same day. Do you think anybody who's outside the top 5 or so in POWRI points might skip it and go to Sun Prairie?

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Just a point for Mr. McCormick.....I spoke with 2 of the current top 10 USAC Midget drivers at Springfield last Saturday that told me they were planning on running the race at Granite City, and that was pre-USAC involvment.

And for Chuck who says....a reminder that POWRi has had this race scheduled for months, also pre-USAC involvment.

October 4 will be the second race this season that USAC has scheduled against POWRi.....August 6 the other.

Somebody explain to me the big hard-on that some on here have for POWRi :confused:

....Just observations:D

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

This is strictly my personal opinion here.

I have been to many POWRI shows and talked with both Kenny and TIm and have an enormous amount of respect for both of them for what they have built for a racing series. The way they run things at the track is strictly professional and displays in my opinion what a race series should be and the way a race series should be run. Both Siner and Brown come across as genuine in their thanks that they give to every driver and team that comes to the races. I was actually shocked the first time I saw that as I had never seen nor heard of any series owners or officials doing that. The entire time I was at Springfield in the pits I never once saw a USAC official at any teams transporter thanking them for supporting the race by being there. Another example would be UMARA. I never have seen anyone walk trailer to trailer and thank the drivers for coming out and supporting the race or the club.

To me that is why POWRI gets a huge thumbs up for the way they do things.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

What are you talking about Randy? Or was it just a jab at me again :)
This is exactly all I said and only what I said, I have nothing against Powri or USAC

I just see it as USAC doing whats best for USAC (Not necessarally a bad thing) and bringing some of the top Non Winged and Midget races under their banner. You want higher purses? This is one way to get them and its another way to move the brand into new or long since lost regions.

Chuck
__________________

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Good post Chuck
Why wouldn't USAC want to be part of 15 grand to win midget race...
Good job by Tri City and Poweri getting the thing together in the first place

Tri City is a sweet track...you guys won't be disappointed

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Thats just my point, USAC wants to move to EVENT status and IMHO should. Having a Sprint schedule mostly in Indiana is only diluting all of Indiana Racing and also keeping USAC purses stagnant. If they can find a way to keep the best and pay more. I also see more teams wanting to be part of it. Possible sponsors and TV may follow.

I still think USAC needs a couple more dirt midget races in Indiana besides Midget week simply to get a recognization factor going. Something thats been slowly fading since the demise of NAAMARS. That or PowrI or USAC regional should expand to hold some IND racing.

Chuck, who only wants whats best to grow the sport. Not hurt it.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

I assume you'll be at Granite City then to help grow the sport??

Or will you be sitting home on the computer instead??

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Mr. McCormick,
Please before posting, bend over, reach up real high and pull your head out of your a$$. Then you might, and I use that term loosely, might have a clue what your talking about. I've raced with just about every midget club in the US. I've had calls go my way and calls not go my way. Right now in all the clubs that I race with, I think that there are VERY good people in charge of the shows. Wether it be Mr. Parks, Mr. Carey, Mr. Siner or any of the other people that are in charge, they are about the fairest group of individuals that have been in charge for a while.

I think you'd be interested in knowing the facts about this race before posting and if you'd like to discuss it further I would be happy to do so. I'm not hard to find at the track.

Thanks for your time,
Mike Hess

P.S. Nice comment ASQ...See ya at the next one...

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

:O: :thumb

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Boy I hope the great USAC tag on the event helps more then it did at OSKY:angry-smiley-007:

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

I dont think Chuck saw my first post,so I'll ask again.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

I seen it and will ask if you work for a living? My workdays are Saturday 5am thru Monday 12hr days and a 8hr day during the week of my choosing. Vacation time is limited between racing, family and GF.

The answer is no. I won't make it this year. That doesn't mean I won't next or the year after. So I will be at the Burg or on my puter after I work 12.5hrs and get all the other stuff that has to get done in life.

Except for the Burg I can't make many weekend races but have somehow managed to visit 7 tracks (Some twice or more) other than LBurg this year and am thankful to make those.

TY, Have a nice day.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

:O:

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Tim, I talked to Brad Loyet at the Prairie and he said he plans on being at the Firemans although I think he is well within the top 5 in Powri, maybe 2nd? I hope I have it right, he is always more than exciting to watch.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

I was working till the last POWRi race at Little Belleville when I found out I could buy Morty out 10 times over,and decided to take a break from working till I could only buy him out 7 times over.

I didnt really think you would be there. Your all for higher purese and things like that,as long as someone else is paying to get in, while your home posting your opinion on anything and everything.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

And your a blow hard making atacks from in front of a puter yourself that you'd never make in person.

It's not about me. Its about making the sport so some people could make a living doing it and not just a stepping stone. To me sprint-midget racing is more exciting than any other form of motorsports. Just because I can't make it doesn't mean the event won't be bigger with the best running it and something I'd have more desire to take a vacation, Drive 700 miles and pay 30-40 bucks to see.

Like I said, have a nice day. I suppose you can make these 700 mile trips for one day shows at the drop of a hat.
Chuck

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Who's attacking?? I just asked. Your here with your many opinions on anything and everything,so I thought I'd ask. I figured the answer beforehand though.

As for the 700 mile trips for one race,yeah done that many times,sometims even to get rained out. Done quite a bit of traveling this year,and in particular the last few weeks. Last count on the odometer from the last of July was close to 6000 miles,and 99% of that was just going to the races.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Great, Wish I could too. Rest assured I traveled all over Ohio and Indiana with a few side trips to WV and western PA thru the 80s-90s I do as much as I can now and thats all anyone could ask of any race fan even if its just one race a year they can make. Heck I've seen people from PA more often than our track regulars this year. Im glad they can make it. Want to make their tracks sometime.

But they don't have wingless racing or full up midgets very much and thats all I was fighting for. More exposure, For the fans, for the racers, for the sponsors or the ability to draw in more sponsors due to the increased recognition

I also had several events and tracks I've tried to make reschedualed, rained out or cancelled and I can't get the vacation day I took to do it back.

Yeah I post too much and sometimes am wrong maybe more often than not. I don't take issue with being corrected or a different view. I take issue on being questioned if Im a fan or not and thats what I thought you were doing here.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

:angry-smiley-007:

:rolling

See ya at the races!!

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Hey Andrew, been back to New England recently? I miss NEMA and the Supermodifieds. Great time of year in Maine right now! :thumb
David.

Re: RICHEST MIDGET RACE OF 2008 Oct 9-11
 

Nah David,I havent been home since I moved my stuff here in late 2006. I wanted to go to the Vintage Celebration at NHIS this past May,but my boss screwed those plans up for me.

I miss NEMA and also the Supers at Star for the Star Classic.. The Star Classic is just a couple weeks away. Oswego Classic is this weekend,only got to do that once. Also miss the World Series at Thompson. There is a big race somewhere in New England every weekend when its heading into the fall season. Wish they would do the same thing here in Indiana,Illinois, and Ohio during the same time period.

Theres more racing out here during the summer months though!