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LEADERS EDGE (Offline)
#28 10/15/15 7:05 PM

Originally Posted by DAD:
I remember several years ago this guy started a thread on IOW. He said he was interested in starting a new class of Midgets up at a track north east of Indy. He advertised for months it seemed like. He invited all racers interested in such a class to a meeting up in Indy. It sounded interesting so I went. We sat around for a couple of hours and talked about what we wanted and what we did not want. He took notes. He went back home and composed a set of rules for his class, and I am sure the same things were said about him and his desire to get just a little off of the beaten path.

Things were kind of slow at first and he had difficulties making up a full field of cars. He did exactly what he said he was going to do and paid a pretty decent purse. Now his class has grown and seems to be doing pretty good. Who would have ever thought that you could run regular Midgets>Focus Midgets>Eco-tec Midgets and even Mini Sprints together in harmony. Well it worked out pretty good. He has left some open dates in his schedule and perhaps several of the cars that he races could also race in this new class.

This new class does have the luxury of support from other larger racing organizations giving it both Money and experience to get the new class up and running. Sponsors are coming on line, and dates are being set as we speak. It won't be perfect and will require changes as problems arise and then solved.

These little engines remind me of the Motorcycle engines. They are not developed to the tune of the 1000cc motors but then the only motors to rival them race in F-1 and Indy. But with twice the displacement they do not need the sophistication of the little motors. They should be strong enough internally to handle the racing in Midgets and on short tracks with little or no modifications to the internals.

Start them pretty much stock and don't start throwing parts at them until they show that they need it. One of the fastest Eco tec cars I have seen one that is capable of beating the National Midgets motors up at Montpelier is basically stock inside.

Let's give it a chance and see what happens. I know most old school racers are used to patching up those heavy old Midget Motors to run again and again. But all of those parts are expensive. I can buy a 2014 Eco tec for $1500.00 slightly used, much cheaper than a new crank for an Esslinger or other modern Midget motor, and it was assembled under the best of conditions with the best of tools and very highly trained If somewhat focused technicians.

These little motors ain't you Daddy's Pinto's anymore.

Honest Dad himself

After reading this I fully understand why people would give the finger to midget racing and just buy a 410 sprint car. No hassles....just go race it.

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