[Andrew S. Quinn]

Hahah forgot all about it. See you down the road within a few weeks surely.

[Mud Packer]

As I sit here pounding the keys and listening to the thunder and watching the lightning, I would like to give you a summary of yesterday. I got up and immediately started to check out the weather forecast for 5 different race tracks. None were a sure deal and some were a safer bet than others. Lawrenceburg, Waynesfield, Lincoln Park, Montpelier and Belleville were on my radar. Staying close to home was probably the ideal answer. But something kept telling me that the 50% chance of rain shouldn't scare me away. The Belleville Bash is were I really wanted to be.

As a kid growing up in Southern Illinois, I watched many races on Friday night at Belle Clair. Unfortunately, they didn't run many open wheel shows back in the day so we watched regular shows. Little Belleville to me is the top midget track I have ever been to with Macon a close second. I enjoy midgets at a lot of different tracks but these two are at the top of my list.

By noon nothing really had changed. Decision time was near and I just felt that if Mother Nature were to cooperate, the POWRi/USAC midget show was the place to be. After the 5 hour trip we were rewarded with 46 midgets and 39 micros in the pits. 6 midget drivers eclipsed the track record and the evening was just getting started.

The heat races were really good and they ran both a C and B main for the midgets. With only a couple of track touch ups, it was feature time. I had checked the radar about 5 times and the weather was just off to the west and north of Belleville. Storm clouds were on the horizon with lightning appearing periodically. Could they get a 40 lap feature in was the million dollar question? With a large cushion for the guys working the top shelf along with the drivers wanting to use the huggy pole it was ready for action.

The race started off fast and furious with everyone using every square inch of the racing surface. A couple of early yellows slowed the action but no more the green was displayed, they were right back on top of each other. One of the early cautions was for a pile up that included among others Rico Abreu and Zach Daum. Both ended up going to the work area with Rico making it back out still on the lead lap. One lap later another caution and Zach was back on the track. With both of them now starting in the rear the race was extremely difficult to watch. Action up front was hot and heavy and Rico was pounding the cushion while Zach was working the bottom. My head was on a swivel trying not to miss any of the action.

Yes there were a number of yellows and maybe a little too much time for the work area but for me the yellows were good for catching my breath. A shout out to POWRi and USAC for working together on a show of this type. Please continue to work together and put on more quality shows like this one.

Also a special mention to the drivers who from front to back drove their hearts out to entertain the fans in the stands. Not only did they get in the full 40 laps, the micros were able to also get in there 20 lap feature. If you were there I am sure that you thought $20 was a bargain for the action on the track. If you were not there, I would highly recommend that you catch some of the midget week shows in either Illinois with POWRi or in Indiana with USAC.

RacinBabe and I were still talking about the show today on the way home. She said that Belle Clair is her favorite track and is glad that the "50% chance of racin" held up and we all saw a great show.

[racenut69]

Originally Posted by Mud Packer As I sit here pounding the keys and listening to the thunder and watching the lightning, I would like to give you a summary of yesterday. I got up and immediately started to check out the weather forecast for 5 different race tracks. None were a sure deal and some were a safer bet than others. Lawrenceburg, Waynesfield, Lincoln Park, Montpelier and Belleville were on my radar. Staying close to home was probably the ideal answer. But something kept telling me that the 50% chance of rain shouldn't scare me away. The Belleville Bash is were I really wanted to be. As a kid growing up in Southern Illinois, I watched many races on Friday night at Belle Clair. Unfortunately, they didn't run many open wheel shows back in the day so we watched regular shows. Little Belleville to me is the top midget track I have ever been to with Macon a close second. I enjoy midgets at a lot of different tracks but these two are at the top of my list. By noon nothing really had changed. Decision time was near and I just felt that if Mother Nature were to cooperate, the POWRi/USAC midget show was the place to be. After the 5 hour trip we were rewarded with 46 midgets and 39 micros in the pits. 6 midget drivers eclipsed the track record and the evening was just getting started. The heat races were really good and they ran both a C and B main for the midgets. With only a couple of track touch ups, it was feature time. I had checked the radar about 5 times and the weather was just off to the west and north of Belleville. Storm clouds were on the horizon with lightning appearing periodically. Could they get a 40 lap feature in was the million dollar question? With a large cushion for the guys working the top shelf along with the drivers wanting to use the huggy pole it was ready for action. The race started off fast and furious with everyone using every square inch of the racing surface. A couple of early yellows slowed the action but no more the green was displayed, they were right back on top of each other. One of the early cautions was for a pile up that included among others Rico Abreu and Zach Daum. Both ended up going to the work area with Rico making it back out still on the lead lap. One lap later another caution and Zach was back on the track. With both of them now starting in the rear the race was extremely difficult to watch. Action up front was hot and heavy and Rico was pounding the cushion while Zach was working the bottom. My head was on a swivel trying not to miss any of the action. Yes there were a number of yellows and maybe a little too much time for the work area but for me the yellows were good for catching my breath. A shout out to POWRi and USAC for working together on a show of this type. Please continue to work together and put on more quality shows like this one. Also a special mention to the drivers who from front to back drove their hearts out to entertain the fans in the stands. Not only did they get in the full 40 laps, the micros were able to also get in there 20 lap feature. If you were there I am sure that you thought $20 was a bargain for the action on the track. If you were not there, I would highly recommend that you catch some of the midget week shows in either Illinois with POWRi or in Indiana with USAC. RacinBabe and I were still talking about the show today on the way home. She said that Belle Clair is her favorite track and is glad that the "50% chance of racin" held up and we all saw a great show.

Well said!.....

[Andrew S. Quinn]

POWRi is at Brownstown Illinois this Friday,and then Macon on Saturday for 2 features there,the regular race,and the rain out from a few weeks ago.

Hurry up Friday.................

[DAD]

Congratulations>>>


Daniel Robinson>>> for driving his FSC chassis--Felker engine prepared Esslinger powered number 57 Midget to a 5th place finish after being sent to the back of the pack several times during the race.

Honest Dad himself