Half the size, twice the fun — MMRA on track for success

  

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Jan. 17, 2003) - They say that good things come in small packages.

Then again, they also say that bigger is better.

There's no need for debate, however, because both hold true when you take a look at the Miniature Motorsports Racing Association.

Founded in 1995, the MMRA is the largest sanctioning body in the United States for ½-scale stock cars, with more than 150 registered comeptitors. The popular minicup cars have thrilled fans from Florida to Washington, with hundreds of sanctioned events at dozens of America's short tracks.

In 2001, it became evident that "new blood" was needed to steer the organization in the right direction and build upon the foundation that had been set.

The MMRA unveiled NC Chassis Company's new Predator minicup car at the PRI trade show in Indianapolis, Ind. (MMRA)

The MMRA underwent a facelift in 2002, relocating their headquarters to Alexandria, Va., and implementing a new, more racer-friendly leadership in an effort to rebuild the popular scale-racing organization.

After four years as a minicup competitor and a two-time track champion, Pete Neimeier hung up his helmet to become the president of the MMRA. Driven by his desire to grow the sport, Neimeier has focused his efforts on sponsorship acquisition, maintaining a regularly updated website, and promotional activities.

MMRA national director David Daniels assists regional directors with local racing programs, and ensures all cars compete on a level playing field.

Together they have given new life to the organization.

"Many racing associations talk about big races, purses, and sponsors but then don't follow through," said Neimeier. "We're proud to say during our tenure, MMRA has honored every commitment we've made to the racers on our website."

One of those commitments was to bring a national minicup event to an upscale, state-of-the-art facility.

Mission accomplished.

Lake Erie Speedway will host the 2003 Eastern Grand Nationals race. The MMRA will join the NASCAR Busch North Series, ARCA RE/MAX Series and ASA Racing Series as first-time visitors to the Erie, Pa., facility in 2003. (Lake Erie Speedway)

In 2003, the MMRA will stage their Eastern Grand Nationals race at the modern, beautiful Lake Erie Speedway in Erie, Pa.

"Anytime an organization wants to hold a national event at your track, it's a great opportunity," said Lake Erie Speedway general manager Todd Melfi. "We're looking forward to bringing a different style of racing to the fans in this area."

The $10 million facility, which opened for competition during the 2002 racing season, features a lightning-fast 3/8-mile asphalt oval, which will give the drivers the opportunity to showcase their three- and four-wide racing style to Lake Erie Speedway fans.

"We are fired up and excited for our guys," exclaimed Daniels. "To have this opportunity is pretty awesome!"

The Eastern Grand Nationals event is slated for July 25-27.

Another goal of the MMRA in 2002 was to garner the support of a major sponsor.

Again, mission accomplished.

In 2002, the U.S. Air Force came aboard to sponsor the MMRA Nationals Presented by the U.S. Air Force, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky. In addition, several other respected companies inked their support for special awards and contingency prizes, including Honda Engines Division, which sponsored the Future Stars feature at the event.

For young drivers just starting out, or for aspiring drivers that never had the opportunity, minicups are the least expensive, safest way to compete at popular NASCAR-style short tracks around the country.

NC Chassis Company is a new manufacturer of MMRA-legal minicup cars. The new chassis was officially debuted at the Performance Racing Industry trade show last month. (RaceFan.com)

Unlike go-karts, the minicups have fully adjustable suspensions, along with tube chassis, coil-over shocks, disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. The engine is a Honda GX390 single-cylinder air-cooled engine that should last an entire season without a rebuild.

A new, race-ready minicup car costs $8,500 - about the same as a jet ski. A used one can go for around $4,500.

But while small in stature and price, minicups are not small in power and speed.

"These are real race cars, not toys," said Daniels, noting that minicup cars run 70-80 mph on 3/8-mile ovals.

Whether a person is looking for a relatively inexpensive way to become a racecar driver, or needing a stepping stone to advance to the big leagues of motorsports, the MMRA has something for everyone. The Future Stars of Racing program is designed for young racers aged 8-16 and provides an early opportunity for them to turn laps on the same short tracks as many of their heroes.

MMRA president Pete Neimeier (left) interviews Will Kimmell following his Open Class victory at the 2002 MMRA Nationals Presented by U.S. Air Force. Kimmell also finished the season with the Valvoline Cup National Championship for the Scaled Stock division. (Insight Productions)

Will Kimmell - the nephew of ARCA Champion Frank Kimmell -- won the MMRA Nationals Presented by U.S. Air Force in 2002, while Frank's son, Frank III, finished second in the Future Stars main event. Will also won the Scaled Stock class of the 2002 Valvoline Cup championship, placing MMRA minicup racing on a national stage yet again.

Others are now current stars on major racing circuits, including 1997 MMRA Future Stars National Champion Shelby Howard, who now competes with the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

With a national event at the prestigious Lake Erie Speedway, a new national touring series in the works and an ever-growing membership, the MMRA is on track for success in 2003 as it continues to provide a mechanism for fans to "get out of the stands and into the action."

For more information about the MMRA, call (703) 751-5588 or visit them on the Web at www.mmraracing.com.