Originally Posted by tothetop1:
Long time reader, first time poster. I know some about mini's so correct me if I am wrong. But heres what I gather and am finding out of this division.
Cars are way overpriced, and people complaining about motor rules. I raced karts for 9 years, and this class of "clones" came around. Its basically a knock off of a Honda ohv engine. It first started off as a Harbor Freight motor, that people could run affordably. About 150 bucks total, and you get a older chassis, and you were in the game of racing. Long story short, after alot of cheating, illegal parts, progression of different engine manufactures, and complaining about the rules, along with promoters not really paying attention to what happened, the division was basically lost of its "intent". Some of these clone engines are now 1000+, and guys are spending 2-3000+ on chassis, along with tires, and other things, you now need the big money to keep up in a class that was intended to be "affordable".
Im watching the same demise of the Mini's. 1200's? From my understanding at the other Non-Waynesfield shows, the AMSA will be 1200's at their other races, and the AMSA is just coming in to handle tech, thats about it. This is probably the best thing that could have happened for Waynesfields Mini-Sprint Division. There was 0 tech at this track, and things were getting too far out of hand, and its just not this division, however to see they are taking a step in the right direction to get things under control is a major plus.
I understand where the "little guys" are coming from. I have a 3500 dollar car, and a whooped 1200. The problem is, if you allow your 1200 to run, everyone is going to be allowed them, it has to be that way, which brings on the major problem of the bigger more funded teams. Just because you own a 1200, and Team X owns a 1000, doesnt mean they are sticking with a 1000 because they know they can already win, they will also be allowed a 1200. So there brings in spending more money, because now, you will have to deal with a bigger more funded team, running more horsepower, having a better car, better tires, better shocks. The motor rule does not change this a bit, except where a select few people can not race. I know people say "horsepower isnt what wins races, driver and setup is". I will fully agree, until you get to the point your at now, you have say 10 cars that could win on any given night due to setup, driver, whatever. Now give 1-2 of them 20-40 more horsepower and watch what happens. This goes for the 1000's with the englers, or other cheater parts. Horsepower does win races, when things are so close as they are setup and driver wise.
I noticed a small complaint on "thin-wall tubing cars". Im sorry, but this needs checked, and it cant be brushed off to the side. Its easier to send someone home, and they have to purchase a different car, than someone die when the cage basically falls apart. Many people do not realize the kind of speed these things produce, and the results could very easily cause some serious injury or be fatal. I understand it can happen in any race vehicle, but come on, there are rules for a reason. Not enforcing this rule is 10 times worse than not enforcing a engine rule, tire rule or anything else. Ive also heard the arguement that they wouldnt be safe enough to run non wing because the cars are junk because of the violent hits the frame takes. I can see a point to this, but I had a friend crash a 305 at Attica, nosed over hard and the left side down tube assembly broke, I can not seem to find the picture, but the wing really didnt do anything to cushion his blows, as it was immediately ripped off in the crash after the nose over. Winged cars are much faster, which obviously crashes a hell of alot harder. Circumstances to not land on the wing would be tough, but it does happen, thats where the thin wall frames come back in, theres a reason the rule is there. Driver safety. It obviously got updated for a reason, and its only there to protect the drivers. Enforce it.
Kudo's on the attempts from Waynesfield and AMSA to get something going to keep the cost down on the engine programs. Its going to save everyone money in the long run, and keep some of the racing more competitive.
Erik
Dont get discouraged by what you read on these forums, especially over the offseason. This time of year we are all a little couped up to much and just ready to burn alky again or gas. Even Tulsa wasnt enough to help with the winter blues. This a great class and there are a group group of guys all across the midwest. Once the season starts youll see all of this come to a end and we will all be happy again. Untill then we try and re-invent the wheel in the offseason and pick at the little things. I wish the best of luck to all the series and driver this season and hope to race with somem of you guys I havent yet
love me or hate me. I use a boat oar for a spoon I stir things up with !!!!!!! Just a southern Monroe county hay seed with a lot of good ideas 
