National Midget Forum ideas?

pgray · 12/12/07, 4:20 PM

Upon further questioning of those with a deeper association to Midget racing than myself , it would seem little is known about the National Midget Forum. Largely unannounced if not undisclosed meeting locations over the years , private invitations to participants , and a confidential meeting agenda seems the norm. Likewise , anything decided in these meetings have escaped publication. Accomplishments , if any , are unidentified.

The issues pertaining to the sport today and those concerns as expressed by Don Moore are real and are understood by all who operate a Midget , be it owner or driver. Don's post states the unfortunate realities that are compromising the continued health of Midget racing. Don's post is not ******** , just the truth expressed with the frustration of knowing that nothing will be done. Don , like all competitors , operates within the rules. We may not like all of the rules but we would rather compete in today's environment because tomorrow's is not assured. It's not a question of what we like about Midget racing ... we love Midget racing !

" If you don't understand , you just don't get it ... " Al Unser,Jr. :greenflag:

Paul Gray
USAC Midget # 28

www.paulgray28.com
______________________

Anderson36 · 12/12/07, 6:50 PM

I can say one name for certain that has attended the forum for many years.. what is discussed and what is resolved is a whole other issue.

LaVerne Spencer, he's been around midget racing a long time, his views are along the lines of what Don Moore said above regarding going back 40 years.

I also think his partner in the Illini Racing Series Jerry Murphy has also attended with him, but that I am NOT 100% sure on.

I only know of these two because they are based here in my area.

12/12/07, 8:56 PM

there are many ways to cut the cost of midget racing. engines, tires, chassis, etc. But everybodys first goal must be to improve safety. We need a group effort by all clubs to look at the cars, the tracks, the safety crews, and the drivers safety equipment. Head and neck restraints must be mandatory! Trained safety crews at each track. trained tech people to make sure every driver has the right safety equipment. just my own opinion that aint worth much.

Kevin Crowder

DonMoore10 · 12/12/07, 9:00 PM

Bob Higman is another one who has been a part of the forum for a long time. He may also have something to do with the administration of the forum.

NOTE: My previous post was done with a clean sheet of paper in mind.

8ball · 12/12/07, 9:13 PM

A start to lowering the insane costs of midget racing today would be to put a limit, or a total ban on titanium in the engine. It would definitely help out with the costs of engines, but on the downside would really hurt some of these teams that have 8 engines on hand. Then again, I have never heard of a rule change that has made everyone happy.

I also like Don's idea of creating a minimum weight rule that includes both car and driver. Some sanctioning bodies have started to do this already and I think it will help keep some teams from buying all kinds of titanium and carbon fiber chassis components.

Unfortunately a lot of the problems with racing promotions and such stretch to all kinds of different motorsports, and not just midget racing.

12/12/07, 4:20 PM	#11 Re: National Midget Forum ideas?
pgray Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 353	Upon further questioning of those with a deeper association to Midget racing than myself , it would seem little is known about the National Midget Forum. Largely unannounced if not undisclosed meeting locations over the years , private invitations to participants , and a confidential meeting agenda seems the norm. Likewise , anything decided in these meetings have escaped publication. Accomplishments , if any , are unidentified. The issues pertaining to the sport today and those concerns as expressed by Don Moore are real and are understood by all who operate a Midget , be it owner or driver. Don's post states the unfortunate realities that are compromising the continued health of Midget racing. Don's post is not ******** , just the truth expressed with the frustration of knowing that nothing will be done. Don , like all competitors , operates within the rules. We may not like all of the rules but we would rather compete in today's environment because tomorrow's is not assured. It's not a question of what we like about Midget racing ... we love Midget racing ! " If you don't understand , you just don't get it ... " Al Unser,Jr. :greenflag: Paul Gray USAC Midget # 28 www.paulgray28.com ______________________

12/12/07, 6:50 PM	#12 Re: National Midget Forum ideas?
Anderson36 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 119	I can say one name for certain that has attended the forum for many years.. what is discussed and what is resolved is a whole other issue. LaVerne Spencer, he's been around midget racing a long time, his views are along the lines of what Don Moore said above regarding going back 40 years. I also think his partner in the Illini Racing Series Jerry Murphy has also attended with him, but that I am NOT 100% sure on. I only know of these two because they are based here in my area.

12/12/07, 8:56 PM	#13 Re: National Midget Forum ideas?
superglide Posts: n/a	there are many ways to cut the cost of midget racing. engines, tires, chassis, etc. But everybodys first goal must be to improve safety. We need a group effort by all clubs to look at the cars, the tracks, the safety crews, and the drivers safety equipment. Head and neck restraints must be mandatory! Trained safety crews at each track. trained tech people to make sure every driver has the right safety equipment. just my own opinion that aint worth much. Kevin Crowder

12/12/07, 9:00 PM	#14 Re: National Midget Forum ideas?
DonMoore10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,474	Bob Higman is another one who has been a part of the forum for a long time. He may also have something to do with the administration of the forum. NOTE: My previous post was done with a clean sheet of paper in mind.

12/12/07, 9:13 PM	#15 Re: National Midget Forum ideas?
8ball Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 29	A start to lowering the insane costs of midget racing today would be to put a limit, or a total ban on titanium in the engine. It would definitely help out with the costs of engines, but on the downside would really hurt some of these teams that have 8 engines on hand. Then again, I have never heard of a rule change that has made everyone happy. I also like Don's idea of creating a minimum weight rule that includes both car and driver. Some sanctioning bodies have started to do this already and I think it will help keep some teams from buying all kinds of titanium and carbon fiber chassis components. Unfortunately a lot of the problems with racing promotions and such stretch to all kinds of different motorsports, and not just midget racing.