[MRAY3]

This thread was started with 15 “Solutions for the Betterment of Midget Racing.” Since I believe these public forums are intended to be a medium of open discussion, I would like to offer some thoughts on these proposed “solutions.” Some may believe my thoughts have merit, and some may think I’m “off topic“. Either way, the world will continue to turn.
First, I too would like to see something done to contain the cost of midget racing. I do not see the practicality of Indy-car costs and Midget purses. However, a knee jerk reaction when writing rules will never work. Rules must be enforceable. They also must not backfire. If I remember correctly, at the time the “big box” sanctioning body increased the cubic inch displacement limits for the Fontana and the Esslinger midget engines, they both cost considerably less than the Pink Ford, which was winning most of the high profile races at the time. The intent was to make the cheaper engines competitive, not dominant. As soon as the displacement rules were changed, both manufacturers debuted new engines. The Esslinger started winning consistently. The Fontana made great gains. What was the result of all this? The “cheaper” engines are no longer “cheap”, and some owners stopped complaining about the Pink Ford and started complaining about the Esslinger.

Solution #1. Enforce the current rule book…
Yes, keeping the competitors honest is the right thing to do. But, this needs to be done in moderation. To disassemble a race engine in the dirt and dust filled environment of a race track pit area is unacceptable. Using the “P&G” pump to measure cubic inch displacement is marginally acceptable, but dirt can still find it’s way into the engine while the valves are being disabled. I would also be willing to bet that some of the car owners who constantly cry “Check that guy’s engine!” would be the first to cry “Foul!!!” when the race officials came calling to check his or her engine.

#2 Eliminate the tire monopoly.
Sounds good in theory. But be careful what you wish for. I remember the day when there was no tire rule (other than size.) The Firestone sports car “Rain Tire” won many races, Goodyear joined in and started making several compounds of midget tires, M&H Racemaster made several compounds of midget tires, McCreary (now American Racer) made midget tires, and then along came Hoosier. What would the car owners’ tire bill look like if all these companies re-started the tire war. What if they all made a competitive tire, but each brand had a tire that was better suited to different track conditions? In order to win, car owners would have to carry tires from each manufacturer in their trailers. The “Haves” would own every brand and compound of tire, not to mention the wheels to go with them. The “Have Nots” would soon start screaming for a tire rule.

#3. Limit the number of tires that can be used in one evening of racing.
Not a bad idea in theory. In order to enforce this rule, all you have to do is stamp the tires, right? What if a “wealthy” car owner brings more than one car to the track. He has his primary driver (or favorite son) in one car and puts a “patsy” in his second car, just to get the tire(s) stamped after qualifying. He knows the second car won‘t make the show, but that‘s ok, the tire(s) got stamped and will be used for the feature on the primary car. How many officials (watching 100% of the time) will it take to prevent this from happening?
Also, what happens when everyone shows up at a tire killer race track. The promoters did not prepare the track and tires are blowing left and right. The officials change the rules in the middle of the feature, and allow a tire change. (Remember Belleville a few years ago?) How many will scream bloody murder? How many will scream if the officials do not allow a tire change and the driver running 15th wins because his tires lasted to the end?

#5. Eliminate pit pass and entry fees for owners/drivers.
Pit passes pay for the insurance. Yes, at a profit for the promoters. Promoters are not in business to be a non-profit organization. They are not going to lose this source of revenue. They would simply pass these fees on to the crew members.
“Auto racing is the only venue where the entertainers pay a fee to perform.” Entertainers such as singers, comedians, etc. are not engaging in a hazardous activity. Concert promoters have no need for extra insurance coverage outside of their normal liability insurance.

#6. Pay a minimum towing fee for those traveling long distances to race.
Good idea, but where will this money come from?

#8. Consider adopting the new Ecotech midget engine for $10,000.
As a spec engine? And trade a tire monopoly for an engine monopoly? Not for me, thank you.

#9. Ban cockpit adjustable shocks.
I can’t argue too much against this. Banning cockpit adjustable shocks would be a somewhat harmless change, but the savings would be minimal.

#10. Ban titanium and carbon fiber parts.
Again I can’t argue against this. Just be sure to word the rule so it could be enforced. It has been said that a magnet will not stick to titanium. A magnet will not stick to aluminum or most stainless steels either.

#11. Develop a sensible weight rule that includes the driver.
I can’t argue against this either. However, for this rule to help contain costs, there would have to be a minimum weight rule for the car without the driver, and without ballast. What is ballast and what isn’t? How many batteries will fit in a midget? Eliminating the high cost materials would make this rule less necessary.

#12. Separate pavement and dirt championships.
There is a lot of room for debate on this one. Speaking only for myself, I like to see a champion, especially a national champion, demonstrate his or her prowess on both dirt and pavement. Personally, I would rather find a way to eliminate the need for a pavement/dirt dedicated car without going to a spec chassis. Easier said than done. How do you un-ring a bell, anyway? Any ideas?

#13. Incorporate the use of self starters.
Which will add considerable cost to the car owner. The cars would also need a clutch and flywheel, which could withstand the rigors of midget racing, and still fit in the existing chassis. Call me old fashioned, but for me part of the allure of midget and sprint car racing is the absence of starters.

#15. Stay off the mile and half mile tracks.
This would help save money for some car owners, but many racers like high speed tracks and the prestige that goes with them. Midgets running on half mile and mile tracks is not new. Car owners and drivers who dislike the big tracks can choose stay home, without affecting those who do like them.

Just my 2 cents.

Mark Ray
(only Mark Ray...please do not associate my views with anyone else)