While I try to hold back sounding defensive on behalf of USAC, or myself, I believe there are many mistruths being spread here that need addressed. After receiving a call from a potential new car owner voicing concerns from this discussion, I felt compelled to respond.

Mr. Moore, who I have met once in the last 18 months for a brief 5 minute conversation, points to a statement I made from PRI the 3rd day on my job, in December 2007. Yes, my assessment has changed since that day over 18 months ago. Last month USAC had EVERY midget engine manufacturer and several top builders together for a meeting discussing our concerns regarding the cost and durability of current engine platforms. After four hours of intense discussion, the group was unified in the direction to embark. USAC is now working with industry leaders exploring this viable solution for implementation. More on that to come. In the meantime Don, my offer to come and discuss the direction of USAC or call directly anytime, still stands.

Several people point to a recent race with 11 midgets, yet three weeks ago we had 40 midgets at ORP. They all still there. The simple fact is that those who do not run for USAC points, especially late in the season as the points championship narrows down, elect to run where and when the wish. Tracks that are especially hard on motors tend to attract fewer cars. While we see a decline throughout grassroot motorsports in car count due to economic conditions, it is not specific to midgets or USAC.

And while I have addressed this subject openly on this forum previously, I will again state my stance on co-sanctioning as many of you are unaware of the position USAC has taken. WE ENDORSE CO-SANCTIONED EVENTS! Our position on these events is that USAC must retain the leadership in the officiating, timing and scoring of the event to ensure the integrity of our National Championship. Pretty simple. Nothing has changed or been modified in that direction in the last 18 months. We have offered many midget organizations a stronger relationship in the past year. SMRS, based in Oklahoma, has even become a partner with USAC in their series.

Here are some other key facts you may not be aware of:

The competition base for USAC has more than doubled in the past 12 months, up 115%
Our internet web traffic has increased 650% in the past year
Fan counts have been exceptional this year at the tracks.

There are some planned meetings upcoming (dates yet to be announced) with our competitors to ensure their knowledge of our gameplan and the results thus far.

In the meantime, lets not forget the positives in the sport and work together to build new fans, owners and drivers. Just two weeks ago we put the Silver Crown cars back on the track in Oswego and stopped selling grandstand tickets (5000+ capacity) one hour before race time! And Indiana Sprint Week saw great crowds and incredible racing action that went wire to wire down to the last lap.

The negativity published here, without all the facts, nearly cost us a new car owner today. Thankfully he took the time to learn the real facts and not just read opinions based on forum discussion.

Kevin