Forum: Minnesota Dirt Track Racing Forum (go)
Moderators: StanM

Who can we expect to see next weekend? Who are the rookies this year? Can't wait to get the season started.

Hi,

I am going to be a rookie this year. I will be driving the GRP sponsored #15 sprint car owned by my wife and I. I am very grateful for the UMSS and all of the work Ron Bernhagen has done to grow sprint car racing in our area. If it wasn't for his efforts our sprint car team would not exist.

Although I have not turned a lap yet I am humbled by all of the support within the sprint car group. It is obvious that the sprint car group is very tight and willing to almost do anything to help each other out. My technical knowledge is pretty limited but I always get an answer and nobody makes me feel stupid for asking it. I've called, texted, emailed, and spoke face-to-face to Joe Kouba and Chuck Priefer. These guys have been great to work with. I am not sure what I would do without their guidance.

Since the inception of the UMSS I have been a fan, crew member, series official, car owner, & driver. I have seen the ins and outs. I have talked to almost every driver. From the leadership down to the drivers this series is genuine and full of great people. They all have a common love for sprint car racing and want to see it grow. None one in the group thinks that they are better than other classes. I think sprint cars can have the image of being too proud of themselves but I have crossed over from the midwest mod class and I have been welcomed in with open arms.

We will not be at Elko. Our first race will be at Cedar Lake Speedway on April 30th. We also plan on practicing at CLS on April 28th. To say I am excited is the biggest understatement of the year. I am going to hang out tight and see what happens. Ever since I watched the sprints at West Fargo I knew I wanted to drive one. I am very blessed to have the opportunity to do so.

I have a lot of good people helping me out but my number one supporter is my wife Sheridan. If you see her in the pits be sure to thank her. Because of her support there is another sprint car racing at the UMSS races.

Thanks,

Chad Patterson

I plan on issuing a press release regarding the 2011 UMSS rookies and the bonus awards some time in the next couple of days or so. Just waiting on a few final details.

As far as I know at this time (per Ron B), the following drivers will be eligible as rookies in 2011: Chad Patterson, Charlie Cropp, Anna Kouba, 16 year old Tori Knutson, and Brodie McKeown. I'm not saying all of them or even any of them will run a complete full schedule, but if they make the 12 race minimum they definitely would be in contention. If they race in less than 12 shows, they could technically still have a shot at the title but it would be very difficult to say the least going up against drivers who will take their top 12 shows for rookie of the year. Those rookies who run more than 12 shows will have the advantage of throwing out their worst point shows in excess of 12.

Last year, Charlie Cropp raced in only two events (his first two sprint car races ever). This would certainly not disqualify him from rookie status in 2011. Anna Kouba raced two events in 2009, and I believe about 3-4 last year. Since she has very limited experience so far in the sprints, she will qualify for rookie status this year. Anna plans to race in 12 or more events in 2011. Chad, Tori and Brodie will make their first starts ever in sprint cars in 2011. If by chance there are any additional drivers, we will certainly let the fans know about them. Right now, these are the five drivers Ron Bernhagen visited with me about regarding rookie status.

I realize there will be several rookies and newcomers in the Traditional sprint series too, but being that it is in its very first year and more like an exhibition series in 2011, there will not be any rookie of the year in 2011 for the non-winged cars...at least no award is planned at this point in time.

As for other cars on hand at Elko, I do know that there are a few teams still waiting on their motors. Ron told me there have been some inquiries from teams outside our immediate area, but he did not elaborate on exactly who they may be since they inquired but did not necessarily say they were planning to be on hand for sure. For the opener, I honestly am not sure who will be ready by mid April and who will not be ready. If we draw 20 cars, that is the number we normally start in our A Feature so that will mean everybody can make the feature (assuming they can make the call). It should be a fun time at Elko if we can get some cooperation from Mother Nature. :-)