Future Looks Bright for NAMARS 600cc MidgetCar® Series
Just
a few short years ago organizations like the United States Auto Club (USAC)
National Midget Series and the North American Midget Auto Racing Series (NAMARS)
were flying high. Car counts were strong and drivers were excited about
competing against the best the sport had to offer. Now, only a few short
years later, each of these organizations is struggling--scratching their
heads looking for a way to overcome the run away costs of the sport in
hopes of achieving the success of years past. While USAC has turned their
attention towards the new ‘spec’ Ford Focus Midget, NAMARS is looking to
their fledgling 600cc MidgetCar ® Series as an important part of their
future.
The series is based on the modified-midget/sidewinder class of racing
cars--a class that is rapidly gaining in popularity, with strong
contentions in both the East and Mid-West. The 2003 running of the Tulsa
Shoot-Out, a precursor to the infamous Chili Bowl, saw over 77 entries in
the 600cc-multi division alone. NAMARS sees the class as a natural
extension of their current formula that they are touting as “Another Road
to Indy”. The 600cc MidgetCar Series is to be the first step in a
progression that includes Kenyon Cars and full-size midgets (NAMARS
Championship MidgetCar Series). Promoters, competitors and other
supporters of the series believe it will be a win-win for everyone
involved. NAMARS is wise in capitalizing on a class that already has a
strong presence that is evident not only through large car counts, but
also in the network of car builders and suppliers that cater to this
segment of welter-weight racing. The class itself should also benefit from
the affiliation with one of the nation’s premier short track sanctioning
bodies. One competitor explained, “the fact that NAMARS is willing to put
their name on this series, tells me that there is real value in it as a
training ground for tomorrow’s open wheel stars.”
The series that was announced in late October of 2002, represented the
collective efforts of two separate groups; Dave Dusick Events and NAMARS.
Dave Dusick, a veteran of the sport for some twenty years and modified
midget competitor since 2000, recognized the potential for a premier
series of races for modified midgets. Dusick commented, “I have been
involved in many forms of auto racing, from quarter midgets to the Indy
Racing League. When I was introduced to these cars in the fall of 1999, I
was immediately impressed. There is a lot of potential. They are extremely
cost effective, put less emphasis on horsepower, and give the ultimate
responsibility back to the driver.” Dusick set to work creating his own
series as an extension of Dave Dusick Events, an organization Dusick
founded that promoted indoor karting events at ProDrive Karting Center in
Indianapolis. By summer’s end, Dusick had developed the formula for the
series, put together a partial schedule and even received commitments from
several competitors.
About the same time Dusick was hard at work creating his new series,
NAMARS president Joe Mershon was looking at bringing 600cc cars to the
Indianapolis Speedrome. After discussions Dusick and Mershon decided that
it only made sense to join their efforts. The marriage provided instant
legitimacy for Dusick’s fledgling series, while allowing NAMARS to
complete their Driver Development Program. The addition of the modified
midget creates a logical progression from 600cc MidgetCars to 1200cc
Kenyon Cars to the premier NAMARS Championship MidgetCar Series.
Dusick and NAMARS agreed on a formula that maintained many of Dusick’s
original ideas, while also incorporating those of NAMARS. The realization
that many tracks have little, if any experience working with premier level
sanctioning bodies dictated the need for a series that presented a low
risk, high potential opportunity for track owners and promoters. Dusick
explained, “We knew we had to make it easy for tracks to come on-board
without making drastic changes to their facilities or regulations.” As a
result, the initial schedule consists of tracks that already run a weekly
600cc modified midget class or classes. In addition to providing a level
of comfort for track owners and promoters, this philosophy also provides a
means to quickly develop car count. Dusick commented, “While we have a
core group of competitors that are committed to the entire schedule, we
know that not everyone is capable of doing so. This format allows local
drivers to join the series when it visits their track. While we welcome
the additional cars, the local drivers also seem to enjoy the opportunity
to compete against our touring teams. It’s very similar to the way the
World of Outlaws was created.”
One
of NAMARS most powerful edicts centers on safety. NAMARS has a very close
relationship with the Indy Racing League and is the industry leader in
safety. Conversely, modified midget racing’s beginnings as a grass roots
movement has not produced a stringent set of safety specifications. NAMARS
mandates that all teams meet the same safety standards imposed on drivers
competing in the Championship MidgetCar Series.
The result of the collaboration is an eighteen race inaugural season
schedule that features events on both dirt and pavement venues. The
tracks, located in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois range from 1/6 to 3/8 mile
in length. Not yet a year old, several high profile events are already
part of the schedule. The 600cc cars will be included as part of ‘Thursday
Night Lightning’ at the Indianapolis Speedrome on five different
occasions. For many of the series competitors competing on asphalt will be
a whole new experience. A ‘Five Crown Nationals’ is also planned in June
that will see the series visit five different venues within a five-day
period. Finally, August will see the series visiting Indiana’s Pike County
Speedway for the two day Pepsi Nationals. |
Although it is still very early in their first
season of existence, the series holds great potential. Competitor
registration continues to grow, and tracks are expressing excitement about
the future. A guaranteed championship points fund that will award the top
ten positions in season ending points is one of the draws. “There is
currently $500 available for the champion. This could easily grow if the
season continues to fair well”, explained Dusick. Dusick admits that they
haven’t really fired up the marketing engine yet because of their heavy
emphasis on laying a strong organizational/operations foundation. In the
future expect to see the group promoting more of their own 600cc MidgetCar
events with the end goal of a schedule that features 15-20 events that no
competitor will want to miss. The series already enjoys sponsorship from
Indiana Cryogenics and NAMARS company-wide supporters including; American
Race Tires, Intercomp, RPM Racegear, ColdFire Products, Ikon Office
Solutions, Drinan Race Products, and North American Race Parts. “I think we
are well on our way to achieving our goal of creating a premier series that
utilizes professional racing standards while capitalizing on the modified
midget as a cost effective race car that places less emphasis on horsepower
and more on the driver”, commented Dusick.
Although only three events have been logged, a healthy points battle is
already taking shape among several young guns who are touring with the
series. Here is a quick snapshot of the top ten drivers in the series.
Top Ten Championship Standings (After 3 of 17 Events)
1. Brad Loyet – 15 year-old Brad Loyet hails from St. Louis, MO and
is in his second year of racing. Although this team appears to be young,
they are rich in experience and knowledge. The team is owned by Joe Loyet,
and receives support from the Durst, Lasoski, Stewart Motorsports group.
This combination, combined with the help of crew chief Danny Dewrock, make
this team a top contender for the Championship.
2. Kerry Kinser – Although this 23 year-old structural draftsman
carries the name of his famous relative, he is quickly producing himself as
a star in his own right. He has 16 years of experience, most recently
including Mini-Cups. With the help of crew chief Dallas Kinser, and the
family’s Kinser Air Filters, this team is sure to win its share of races.
3. Brent Beauchamp – The first response when the 12 year-old
Beauchamp climbs from his car is always the same: “Holy Cow, he’s just a
kid.” Although Beauchamp’s boyish looks startle some, his on-track skills
have impressed several. With the support of open-wheel stalwart Blake
Hollingsworth and future superstar Shane Hollingsworth, Jeff Beauchamp’s B&B
Motorsports team is destined for success. The young Beauchamp already has 6
years experience as a driver, including Kenyon midgetcars, Bandelero’s,
quarter midgets, go-karts, and 600cc midgetcars. Brent is currently leading
the 2003 Kenyon MidgetCar Rookie of the Year standings, and is also
contending for the championship.
4. Cameron Dodson – While there may never be “another Jeff Gordon”,
there will most definitely be a Cameron Dodson. This young 14 year-old is
currently on track to become the next major superstar from the NAMARS
Organization. All 6 years of experience have been part of a structured plan
that will ultimately lead Cameron to professional racing. With help of
father Tom Dodson, Cam’s Racing Team has enjoyed much success. The young man
currently possess an excess of 300 career wins, and 13 National
Championships. The factory supported #37 Stealth chassis, with personal
attention from engine builder Troy Hollingsworth, is sure to continue to win
races. Cameron is also a contender for the NAMARS Kenyon MidgetCar
Championship.
5. Bryce Kramer – Bryce is one of two drivers that hail from Ft.
Branch, IN. He has extensive experience and great results as kart racer,
including four Top-5 finishes in the legendary STP Tulsa Shootout. Although
his Factor One chassis is family owned and supported, he is a quiet
contender for the championship.
6. Arin McIntosh – While most 13 year-old girls spend their summers
at the pool or at the mall, this young future star is busy building her
driving career. With just 2 years in the sport, she has already traveled to
7 different states and multiple wins in the NMMA 250cc division. Now, as a
rookie in the 600cc Midgetcars, she is continuing to build her experience
level and is very likely to become america’s next racing sweetheart.
7. Donny Brackett – Ft. Branch, IN’s Donny Brackett is 20 years old,
and is the quentiscential “weekend warrior”. Donny earns his money working
for AFCO Shocks, and spends his money putting his work to its test. Donny
has 16 years experience in everything from 4-wheelers to go-karts. Before
his career is done, Ft. Branch, IN may very well be known for producing
racing superstart Donny Brackett.
8. Marc Arnold – The reason 15 year-old Marc Arnold is in the NAMARS
600cc MidgetCar Series is obvious by his career goals…the Indy Racing
League. Residing in Peru, IN, this young man has spent his whole career (6
years) driving micro-sprints. Despite the help of his father, John, this
team’s performance has been stricken with bad luck, but they’re sure to
rebound and put their experience to work.
9. Ryan Langston – Ryan Langston is the newest member of the Series,
and is already proven himself a contender. This 23 year-old has extensive
experience both karting and micro-sprints, and has taken very quickly to the
600cc Midgetcars. Ryan recently won a major 600cc race at Belleville, IL’s
Belle-Clair Speedway.
10. Art Flippin – Art Flippin wins the award for furthest traveler.
Coming from Ft. Collins, CO, Flippin has come to the Midwest ready to race.
At age 27, Flippin is the oldest of the NAMARS contigent, and shows his many
years of NMMA Experience.
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