1/8/2011
UMSS Non-wing Series Meeting Well Attended
By: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director
Stillwater, MN (1-8-11)
A strong turnout for the Upper Midwest Sprintcar Series (UMSS) informational meeting at Joe Senser's Sports Bar & Grill in Roseville on January 8 for the new non-winged sprint car series was indicative of the interest generated since plans were first announced back in November. With UMSS CDO Ron Bernhagen, Non-winged Series Director Mark Daniels, and three other UMSS series officials in attendance along with Travis Jehlicka from Mora Motorworks, a great discussion was held regarding the plans for the new series. Several prospective drivers, car owners and a number of sprint car racing fans were in attendance.
Following the initial introduction and a brief history behind how the non-winged series came into existence, Ron Bernhagen called upon Travis Jehlicka to discuss the UMSS engine package. Travis presented a detailed overview of the engine and fielded numerous questions and comments from interested drivers and potential car owners. With a recently constructed engine on the dyno the week before, Travis reported that the 9.5:1 compression motor ran very well on methanol under a variety of different scenarios. With the motor generating around 400-410 horsepower, coupled with a 1,650 pound non-winged sprint car, it should provide a "kick in the pants" for the drivers in this new series. One of the key points is the affordability of the UMSS non-winged engine which features a realistic price range from $3,000 to $6,000. Gathering input from several knowledgeable sprint car participants, the price range for a good used roller chassis would be in the range of $2,500 to $5,000. The combination of these two numbers has driven the initial interest in the series well beyond early expectations, as affordability is a primary concern.
With Mora Motorworks on board as the first series sponsor, Travis reminded interested participants that his offer of a $500 discount off the purchase price of a UMSS non-winged sprint car engine from Mora Motorworks is valid until January 15, 2011. Travis has a great working knowledge and is more than happy to help answer questions about the UMSS engine package. In order to help promote the new series, Travis developed this offer for those interested in purchasing an engine. This offer applies only to the UMSS engine package for the non-winged series and does not apply to any other offers or any other racing divisions served by Mora Motorworks. It is strictly for the UMSS. Contact Travis Jehlicka at (320) 225-0075 or send him an email at travis@moramotorworks.com for more information.
In keeping with the UMSS philosophy, driver and car owner input was encouraged in order to help shape the current and future direction of the new non-winged series. Drivers and car owners responded with many insightful and helpful comments and suggestions for a variety of topics from shocks to safety features. Some additional wording was added to the shock rules and a couple of safety rules. Please check the UMSS website for further details and car specs at www.umsprints.com.
Ron Bernhagen indicated that a tentative schedule will be available at the UMSS awards banquet on January 22 for both the non-winged and winged sprint car series. Ron will also announce the 2011 tire package at the banquet, relaying that he has been in contact with American Racer, Goodyear and Hoosier in order to put together the best possible all-around program for participants and the series. Ron also discussed the 80-20 purse breakdown and indicated it was necessary to generate interest from the tracks in order to secure race dates in the first year of the new series. Once the series gets established, a regular purse structure will be put in place. Most drivers agreed that track time in the first year of this new series was extremely important in order to gain experience. Ron reported that many area tracks have been in contact with him during the past several weeks to indicate their interest in hosting one or more UMSS non-winged sprint car shows. The potential also exists for an area track to run the new series on a fairly regular basis. More details will be announced as soon as they become available.
Sprint car fans are also reminded to continue to send in entries in the "Name the Series Contest" that was announced in the original press release. Fans can submit entries by emailing ron@umsprints.com or by calling him at 612-363-5302. Entries can also be emailed to UMSS Media Director Greg Parent at grp_motorsports@msn.com or by contacting UMSS Marketing and Non-wing Series Director Mark Daniels at 651-890-7583. The winner of the contest will earn a prize package with pit pass or race tickets, concessions and other items worth $75-$100. GRP has already put up a $50 cash prize to the winner to kick things off. The deadline for submitting entries for the contest to name the non-winged sprint car series is January 20, 2011 at midnight. Several very good suggestions have been received already. The contest winner will be announced at the UMSS awards banquet at Running Aces on January 22. Further information on all three UMSS racing divisions will be released following the banquet. Please stay tuned for updates, as the excitement and anticipation of the 2011 UMSS racing season begins to take shape.
Photo courtesy of Vince Peterson (Track Rat Photos).
Back to News
