By: Greg Parent
Stillwater, MN
 
On the verge of completing its second successful season, the Upper Midwest Sprintcar Series (UMSS) has scheduled two meetings in the month of October.  The first meeting will take place on Saturday October 23rd at 11:30 am at Joe Senser's Sports Bar in Roseville.  This meeting will be an informational meeting for young drivers, new drivers, and drivers from other series who are interested in racing with the UMSS in 2011.  A general overview of the UMSS will be given by series President Ron Bernhagen along with some of the plans for the 2011 season.  Greg Parent of GRP Motorsports will be on hand to explain how the UMSS Rookie of the Year Award is handled.  Prospective drivers will have a chance to ask questions and comment on several issues with regards to the UMSS.  The UMSS is hoping to have a winged sprint car, a non-winged sprint car, and a micro sprint on hand at the meeting for interested drivers to see, touch and ask questions about.  New drivers who are interested in racing a sprint car or micro sprint in 2011 are certainly encouraged to attend this informational meeting.  It will be a great opportunity to learn more about the UMSS, 360 sprint car racing, and micro sprint racing in and around the Twin City metro area.
 
The second meeting parallels the one that was held last year following the conclusion of the season.  This will be a general meeting involving UMSS officials, current drivers, car owners, sponsors, and some media members.  The second meeting will be held on Saturday October 30th at 11:30 am at Joe Senser's Sports Bar in Roseville.  UMSS President Ron Bernhagen will present an overview of the 2010 season and a preview of the 2011 season.  Rules and procedures will be discussed for the 2011 season.  Current drivers and car owners will have direct input as to how they want the UMSS to evolve and grow.  Many positive comments and suggestions were discussed at the meeting last year, and the drivers and car owners voted on several matters.  This is a great opportunity for current members of the UMSS to help shape the group for the 2011 season.  The UMSS is planning to start a non-wing series next year with four cars as an exhibition series only at this time.  If enough interest is generated and more teams come on board, it has the potential to grow into another division within the UMSS.  A further discussion will take place at the October 30th meeting.
 
The Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series looks forward to seeing several new or prospective drivers attend the October 23rd meeting.  Sprint car and micro sprint racing is gaining in popularity here in the Twin City metro area and at several nearby tracks.  The two October meetings will help all interested parties keep focused on building and growing the sport, as the momentum generated by two successful UMSS seasons continues into 2011 and beyond.  For further information, please contact Ron Bernhagen at 612-363-5302.