With an eye toward the future, the Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series (UMSS) is excited to announce the formation of a new series that will be known as the Micro Sprint League of the UMSS, which will enable potential open wheel racers to get involved in racing at a very affordable price.

Known as "small sprint cars," micro sprint ars are based on a 60 inch wheel base, use a 600 cc motorcycle engine, and weights about 750 pounds. These open wheel cars race with or without wings and can reach speeds up to 100 mph. Micro sprints can be purchased used starting around $3,000 and up, or new for about $15,000.

"These are real race cars," exclaimed Ron Bernhagen of the UMSS. "We are going to develop this program wih the same value-based philosophy as the UMSS, which is to bring open-wheel racing back to the Twin Cities area by establishing reasonable rules for the participant, an economical purse structure for the race tracks, and an affordable race ticket and fan-friendly program for the race fan."

The Micro Sprint League of the UMSS will have a presence on the UMSS website with its own page that will have all the necessary information. Look for this addition within the next month.

The 2010 schedule will be announced soon and will include races at Elko Speedway, Kopellah Speedway and Copper Creek Motorsports Park in Superior, Wisconsin.

For more information, please contact Ron Bernhagen at 612-363-5302 or John Morris at 763-923-1031.

Will these be Up-right Chassis, Sidewinders or glorified cage carts?

With an eye toward the future, the Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series (UMSS) is excited to announce the formation of a new series that will be known as the Micro Sprint League of the UMSS, which will enable potential open wheel racers to get involved in racing at a very affordable price.

Known as "small sprint cars," micro sprint ars are based on a 60 inch wheel base, use a 600 cc motorcycle engine, and weights about 750 pounds. These open wheel cars race with or without wings and can reach speeds up to 100 mph. Micro sprints can be purchased used starting around $3,000 and up, or new for about $15,000.

"These are real race cars," exclaimed Ron Bernhagen of the UMSS. "We are going to develop this program wih the same value-based philosophy as the UMSS, which is to bring open-wheel racing back to the Twin Cities area by establishing reasonable rules for the participant, an economical purse structure for the race tracks, and an affordable race ticket and fan-friendly program for the race fan."

The Micro Sprint League of the UMSS will have a presence on the UMSS website with its own page that will have all the necessary information. Look for this addition within the next month.

The 2010 schedule will be announced soon and will include races at Elko Speedway, Kopellah Speedway and Copper Creek Motorsports Park in Superior, Wisconsin.

For more information, please contact Ron Bernhagen at 612-363-5302 or John Morris at 763-923-1031.

The way I understand it they're not caged karts, they're the mini sprint upright chassis cars with 600cc motorcycle engines. Basically they're close to the size of a midget if you can picture the ones I'm talking about. That's my understanding.

Micro sprints (usually 600cc's) are smaller than mini sprints and the driver's legs extend forward, kinda like a go-cart. Mini sprints (usually 750cc's or 1200cc's, sometimes 600cc's) are very very similar to a midget and feature an upright sitting position.

I like the idea of using a micro/mini sprint as a "feeder". Micro/mini sprints are real race cars. They are purpose built and every piece on them is designed to go racing. This seems like a better alternative than the "bomber" class.

I've never seen one but when I searched 600cc micro sprint on youtube they looked like small upright Sprint Cars. Ron said they're not the caged karts like they ran in the Sandbox with the Midgets. I'm just going by what people are telling me but I won't know for sure until the third week of April.

Here's a photo of a Micro as posted on the Hosehead's forums photo page. Don't know if this is a 600cc or?

Here's a photo of a Micro as posted on the Hosehead's forums photo page. Don't know if this is a 600cc or?

Nice car! Kopellah will be a good track (when smooth, which was most of the time in the latter part of season last year). 1/4 mile.

I would love to give one of thes ea try one night if any generous soul would offer. Like a midget, the limited HP compared to a 360 sprint presents a challenge in keeping the car controlled by fast-loose.

will be great to have this group joined up with UMSS. Looking forward to more open wheel racing!

Jimmy.

Weekly operating expenses (approximate)

Pit passes$20 - $30 per personRacing fuel$20 - $30

Periodic expenses

Front tires$110 each (generally last 1 or 2 seasons)

Rear tires$125 each (generally replaced 2 or 3 times per season)

Engine rebuild$500 - $1000(once at the end of each season)

What does it pay?

Although you won't get rich racing mini-sprints, generally the purses pay well enough to help cover expenses.Most feature races pay $150 to $250 to win and $50 for starting.There are also mini-sprint national races that pay $500 to $1500 to win and $50 to $150 for starting.