Two of the longest running motorcycle powered race car organizations, the UMRA and the AMSA, have reached an agreement that will see them touring 3 leading Midwest dirt tracks together for a 2 race series in 2008.  The series titled The Grassroots Racing Revival, will see the United Midget Racing Association (UMRA) three quarter midgets and the American Mini Sprint Association 1200cc mini sprints touring Osgood, Indiana’s fairground track and Twin Cities Raceway Park  At the end of the two race series a King of the Grassroots Racing Revival will be crowned in each division, based upon points accumulated during the three race series.

AMSA front man, Jerry Tague commented, “I think this is going to be an awesome deal for both groups.  Both series have proven themselves to be excellent training tools as well as an economical playground for the weekend warrior.  Best of all, the cars will be showcased on three of the Midwest’s finest dirt tracks.”  The UMRA and the AMSA joined forces once during the 2007 season at Osgood, Indiana’s fairground facility.  UMRA president Travis Stickels commented, “I think everyone enjoyed the event at Osgood last year when the UMRA and AMSA shared the racing card.  Running the two groups together does present a great opportunity for fans to see both winged and non-winged open wheeled motorcycle powered racing cars.  I think this three race series will give those interested in running either a TQ or a mini sprint a great chance to come out and see what it is all about. ”

The idea for the series title originated from last year’s event.  The title, Grassroots Racing Revival seemed to be the perfect fit. In an age when costs have skyrocketed, the series highlights two classes of racing that are still within reach for most people.  Most of the competitors are either out their because they have an eye on the future or are just doing something they really enjoy.  While the equipment is all first class, it is far removed from the large toter homes and high priced engines found in other classes of racing.”   Sentiments that were echoed Twin Cities Raceway promoter Mason Fleetwood.  Fleetwood went on to comment, “We have enjoyed working with both groups over the past year.  They both have great programs.  I like the idea of them getting together for this short series.”  Fleetwood commented, “Both groups are strategic to the future of open wheel racing in our area.  This is entry level racing.  It’s where the sprint car and midget drivers of tomorrow are coming from.  Hopefully our fans will have fun scouting out tomorrow’s talent.”

The series will be run this Friday (May 30^th) and Saturday (May 31^st).  Friday evening racing will kick off at 7:00 p.m. at the Ripley County Fairgrounds located in Osgood, Indiana and continue to TwinCitiesRacewayPark in North Vernon, Indiana on Saturday evening.

Admission to the grandstands for the opening night of the Grassroots Racing Revival at the Ripley County Fairgrounds in Osgood, Indiana is $7.00 for adults and $3 for children 6-12 years of age. The gates open at 4:00 P.M. with racing starting at 7:00 P.M.

Osgood is approximately a 1 hour drive from either Cincinnati or Indianapolis:

From Cincinnati to the Ripley County Fairgrounds take I-74 West towards Indianapolis to exit 156, Route 101 towards Sunman, Milan follow route 101 to Osgood Indiana.  The Fairgrounds is located in the middle of town.

From Indianapolis take I-74 East towards Cincinnati.  Exit at Greensburg 132 and merge onto US 421 south and follow to Osgood, Indiana.  The fairgrounds is located in the middle of town.

Links of Interest:
www.umra.com
www.americanminisprints.com
www.minisprntracer.com
www.minisprintbook.com