I had to wonder the same thing. The theme of the press release was to reduce costs which is a good thing. Publishing a price of $22,000... isn't that what the current "cheap" version of the Esslinger costs already? Something is wrong with the picture. Maybe the press release just did not explain in simple terms how this is going to work. IDK. I don't see people lining up for this. If a published price was between 10-12K, that would maybe get the attention of a lot of people. But, on the other hand, you can go out and buy a good used midget engine these days for less than $10,000, even in the 6-8K range. If the current top of the line big buck engines are still going to compete... uh..... I just don't see how this new formula is going to further midget racing. IDK.

Something that would really be earth shaking would be to announce that tires can be bought for $50-60. Trailer tires ( buy for $50- $70) are about the same size as a midget tire and midget tires cost 3 times as much. ***.

Four things need to happen for midget racing to revive, IMO:

1. The midget organizations need to come together and come up with a formula engine that costs around $10,000 using OEM parts that can be bought at any parts store and announce that the formula with begin in 2012. Everything current would be illegal at that point. The cost of the proposed engine is not far off from what many pay for a rebuild. For example, I have an engine in my garage with a rebuild bill of sale for $7600.

2. Come up with a plan for 2012 to run a combo car only. This can be done.

3. Stop the nonsense with the tire costs. Reduce the price of tires to around $50-70.

4. Stop charging midget owners and drivers to entertain the race fans, including pit passes and entry fees. This is a totally rediculous practice that needs to come to an end.