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Mini sprint racing appears to be well positioned for another year of continued growth in 2009. A lot of hard work on the part of its promoters and supporters has earned the class a position on the racing card at several of the Midwest’s leading dirt tracks—with many events being run in conjunction with top professional touring series. Additionally the class appears to be well positioned for the current economy, with purchase and operating costs significantly lower than many other forms of open wheel racing.

The Midwest currently offers mini sprint competitors a variety of options when it comes to event selection. The first choice for competitors centers on engine selection. Series exist for both 600cc and 1000cc engine displacements. At the 1000cc level there are two touring series—the American Mini Sprint Association (A.M.S.A.) and the Midwest Mini Sprint Association (M.M.S.A.). For 2009 it appears that the two groups will provide mini sprint competitors the opportunity to compete on more tracks than at any other time in the past. At the time of publishing this article (with schedules still not complete) 35 race dates were available for 1000cc competitors. In addition to first class facilities like Lawrenceburg Speedway, Twin Cities Raceway Park and Moler Raceway Park that have hosted mini sprints in the past, several new tracks have been added for the 2009 season including Brownstown, Gas City and Bloomington to name a few. Racers choosing a 600cc engine displacement will also have several options. Bakersfield Raceway in Linton, Indiana continues to offer competitors the opportunity to take the wing off on Friday evenings. Additionally 600cc mini sprint racing will return to 35 Raceway Park and Waynesfield Motorsports Park in 2009.

In as much as the different tracks and organizations provide racers different options, for 2009 there appears to be a single theme to contain costs and create a more level playing field. Both the A.M.S.A. and the M.M.S.A. have taken steps towards containing the costs of engines. While each organization has a slightly different approach, the overriding thought is the same. Waynesfield Motorsports Park has also taken a more proactive approach towards the enforcement of the rules in their 600cc mini sprint division. All of the promoters are to be applauded for their efforts towards cost containment. The success of mini sprint racing is dependant upon creating an open wheel option that is affordable for the average family.

The final element working in favor of the mini sprints is the continued expansion and diversity of its driver base. This is a class that appears to understand and embrace its position in the ladder. Mini sprint racing has always been an effective training ground for tomorrow’s midget and sprint car shoes. However, today it is also enjoying growing acceptance from the open wheel community at large. The class is seeing a growing number of weekend warriors utilizing the sport to make their way out of the grandstands and into the cockpit. Surprisingly the mini sprints are also seeing a number of drivers that are descending back down the ladder from the sprints and midgets into a form of racing that is very competitive, yet at a level that is more-friendly to their pocket books.

2009 promises to be yet another great year of racing for the mini sprints in the Ohio and Indiana area. Although change has become a constant in the world of racing, it appears that the class continues to gain the acceptance among drivers, promoters and fans that will provide a bright future for many years to come.

The American Mini Sprint Association
During the 2008 season the American Mini Sprint Association ran a total of 13 races at three different tracks to crown Dustin Hueston the series point’s champion. The group will be back for another strong season in 2009. “We expect to be in a position to continue to build on all of the positives of 2008 in 2009”, commented A.M.S.A. head man Jerry Tague. Tague went on to explain that the A.M.S.A. will continue to focus its efforts on a schedule with limited travel at top notch facilities in the states of Ohio and Indiana. The group already intends to make appearances at Lawrenceburg Speedway, Twin Cities Raceway Park, Ripley County Fairgrounds, Moler Raceway Park and Gas City with many of these shows being run in conjunction with the premier sprint and midget organizations. The group will kick the season off in April at Lawrenceburg Speedway with the USAC Sprints. In addition to several more dates with USAC and the MSCS, the mini sprints will join the famous World of Outlaws sprint car series for a two day show at Lawrenceburg on June 5th and 6th.

“Interest has already been strong for 2009. The mini sprints are a class of racing that is definitely positioned well for the current economic situation. We are hearing from a lot of drivers that are looking for the opportunity to continue to pursue their passion for open wheel racing, but at a level that is less taxing on their pocket book”, commented Tague. With purchase prices that range between $6,000 to $16,000 and operating costs under $100 per race, the mini sprints have a formula that is of interest to many drivers. “We’ve worked hard over the past two seasons to chase some of the cost out of this sport. Our steps to inspect engines, fuel and enforce minimum weight rules that create a more level playing field for a greater variety of cars has paid dividends. While we don’t want to exclude drivers that have already invested in engine modifications we do want to level the playing field and steer the class towards the more stock 1000cc super bike engines that deliver performance and reliability at a very reasonable cost. Our engine and weight rules and procedures will remain in place for 2009 with the addition of a 40 lbs penalty for cars running on alcohol. Alcohol improves the performance of the engine, but with a price tag of $1,000 to nearly $3,000, it is a cost that I would like to discourage from our formula. If we can keep this thing to where a guy can go purchase an engine out of a wrecked bike for $1000 to $3,000 and be competitive while enjoying the reliability that is built into these modern day motors, then we’ve really got something”, commented Tague.

Another change for 2009 will be the addition of one way radios. “While I hate to do anything that is an extra cost to my drivers, in today’s competitive market this is all about packaging our program so that it is more attractive to the promoters and fans. An efficiently run show is important to both the promoters and fans and radios have proven of benefit at tracks all over the country already. Today there are many inexpensive options when it comes to radios—that in many cases can be purchased for somewhere around $100”, commented Tague.

The 2009 season will also see the return of the A.M.S.A. Auxiliary. A.M.S.A. co-owner Mert Tague commented, “Last season we had a great time and really developed a sense of family among driver, crew and event our promoters and track workers through the meals that we did after the races. This year we are planning on doing much of the same and even hope to grow the program. This is such a competitive sport that it is great to see the racers spending time together laughing and bench racing at the end of the night. This sport really is supposed to be all about family and having a good time.”-

“I am really excited about the 2009 season. Never before has our group had the opportunity that it appears we will have in 2009. I am hopeful that the number of races we have at top venues with top organizations will continue to increase our numbers”, commented Tague. For more information on the American Mini Sprint Association (AMSA) visit www.americanminisprints.com.

Midwest Mini Sprint Association (MMSA)
Winged Warrior Tour
The Midwest Mini Sprint Association returns for its sophomore season in 2009. Long time mini sprint advocate and promoter Bill May returns as Competition Director. While the MMSA announced intentions around the motor rules for the 2008 season, they were not strictly enforced in favor of gaining car count. However, for the 2009 season the group plans to follow through with their plan to create an organization that limits powerplants to stock 1000cc motors in an effort to contain costs. This will be accomplished by requiring competitors to have their motors teched and sealed prior to competition. While competitors are encouraged to visit one of the group’s tech days to have their motor sealed, provisions will also be made for the sealing of motors throughout the year. Despite being a brand new organization, 2008 was a promising year for the group with a total of 71 drivers making appearances with the MMSA at six different tracks.

For 2009 the MMSA has announced a schedule that will feature 21 races at a diverse group of facilities. The group’s headlining track will be Twin Cities Raceway Park in North Vernon, Indiana. “Twin Cities is an excellent track for mini sprint racing. We enjoyed our largest car counts during our visits there in 2008. For 2009 we will be at Twin Cities 10 times”, commented May. The MMSA has also moved mini sprint racing into additional facilities that should bode well for the sports growth. 2009 will feature 2 races at Bloomington Speedway that will be run in conjunction with the USAC sprints. These Friday evening shows will be followed by a Saturday evening race at Twin Cities Raceway Park. “We believe that these two weekends will be huge events for mini sprint racing. The tracks are located very close to each other. Two nights of racing should also produce excellent car counts with competitors from other states often making the trip for such an opportunity”, commented May. The series will also visit Brownstown Speedway, Thunder Valley Raceway, Moler Raceway Park and Kokomo during the 2009 season.

For more information on the Midwest Mini Sprint Association (MMSA) Winged Warrior Tour visit www.midwestminisprints.com.

35 Raceway Park
35 Raceway Park holds the distinction of being the first track to run upright 600cc mini sprints in the Midwest. Over the years the track has remained committed to the class of racing despite ebbs and flows in the size of its car counts. Track owner and promoter Tony Boetcher actually got his start as an car owner of a 600cc upright mini sprint. One of the hallmarks of 600cc racing at 35 Raceway is the elbows up action that it has produced. Many competitors have stated that if you can run well at 35 Raceway you can be confident that you can travel anywhere and do well.

The track at 35 Raceway is a banked 1/5 mile oval. For the 2009 there will be few changes to the rules structure with racing almost every Saturday evening throughout the entire season. www.35raceway.com

35 Raceway Park is believed to be the birthplace of 600cc upright mini sprint racing.

Waynesfield Motorsports Park
600cc Upright mini sprint racing will return to the 1/3 mile oval at Waynesfield Motorsports Park for 2009. Although Waynesfield has seen a few different promoters during the past several seasons—this first class facility has earned its spot in the hearts of racers and fans alike. For 2009 veteran promoter Dean Miracle will be at the helm. Miracle has over 30 years experience in the promotions game and has a no nonsense reputation for getting the job done. Miracle’s 30 years in racing have included a close association with dirt track racing in Northwestern, Ohio. Miracle has promoted Limaland and Millstream speedways and was the pit boss for Earl Baltes at Eldora Speedway. He was the race director for the World of Outlaws stock cars and formed the Independent Racing Association. Miracle recently sold the IRS and made the decision to promote Waynesfield Motorsports Park so that he could stay closer to home.

Since its beginnings Waynesfield Motorsports Park has been a favorite among the mini sprint race crowd. Its wide smooth racing surface and 1/3 mile length are ideally suited for the cars. The facility itself is also well maintained and well suited for families. Waynesfield Motorsports Park also features a 1/5 mile dirt track oval for weekly go-kart racing. This connection has formed a perfect feeder for the mini sprints with many of its competitors having turned laps on the Waynesfield Motorsports Park go-kart track or one of the other local go-kart tracks. The addition and growth of the sprint cars at Waynesfield has also created a stronger position for the mini sprints at the track. Today the track offers a unique opportunity for racers to take the first three steps of the open wheel ladder without ever leaving the Waynesfield Motorsports Park facility. Several of the drivers that cut their teeth in the mini sprints at Waynesfield Motorsports Park have already graduated to full size sprints including Jared Hortsman, Aaron Maloney and Brent .

One of the few criticisms of mini sprint racing at Waynesfield Motorsports Park over the past few seasons has been the lack of a strong set of rules aimed at containing costs. Dean Miracle has taken an aggressive stance on the implementation of rules aimed at reducing costs and creating a more level playing field. Miracle clearly stated that if the cars are going to be there—they will follow a set of rules. Many believe that this puts the mini sprints in an excellent position for growing car count and extending its long run at Waynesfield Motorsports Park.

Bakersfield Raceway Park
Located near Linton, Indiana—Bakersfield Raceway Park holds the distinction of being one of the few tracks that features non winged upright mini sprint racing for 600cc cars. The 1/5 mile oval produces a lot of elbows up action and provides drivers an excellent opportunity to hone their driving skills. During the 2008 season some 22 drivers visited the facility from Indiana and Illinois. The track races nearly every Friday evening throughout the season, but also has kart racing on Saturday evenings. Once again providing a perfect stepping stone for up and coming drivers.

Bakersfield Raceway Park in Linton, Indiana runs non-wing 600cc upright races.

Thunder Valley Raceway
Located in Salem, Indiana this 1/5 mile track runs weekly shows for 600cc upright mini sprints with special shows also occurring for the 1000cc upright mini sprints. The track runs nearly every Friday evening throughout the season. The track has a reputation for being lightning fast and smooth. It is a track that drivers really enjoy competing at. During the 2008 season 21 different drivers competed at the track.

The table below has been developed to help you understand which series cars might be eligible to compete in. For complete rules, be sure to visit each organization or tracks rules.

Series	Eligibility
AMSA	This series is for cars with an engine displacement up to 1205cc maximum displacement. 600cc, 750cc and 1000cc cars are invited to compete. In fact 1000cc engine cars took the top 3 spots in the season points chase. Cars competing in this series with a stock 1000cc motor will also be eligible to compete with the MMSA.
MMSA	This series is for cars with an engine displacement of up to 1000cc in a stock configuration. 600cc, 750cc cars are invited to compete. Cars competing in this series will also be eligible to compete with the AMSA.
600 35 Raceway	This series is for upright mini sprints running 600cc engines. Cars competing in this series should also be eligible for the AMSA, MMSA and other 600 upright mini sprint tracks.
600 Bakersfield	This series is for upright mini sprints running 600cc engines. This is a non-winged series. Cars competing in this series should also be eligible to compete with the AMSA, MMSA and other 600cc upright mini sprint tracks.
600 Thunder Valley	This series is for upright mini sprints running 600cc engines. Cars competing in this series should also be eligible to compete with the AMSA, MMSA and other 600cc upright mini sprint tracks.
600 Waynesfield	This series is for upright mini sprints running 600cc engines. Cars competing in this series should also be eligible to compete with the AMSA, MMSA and other 600cc upright mini sprint tracks.