Home Wanna be an Outlaw? Race Results Schedule Rule Book Driver Profiles Classifieds Other Handy Links	WISCONSIN ILLINOIS MINI SPRINTS Wanna Be An Outlaw?
MINI-SPRINT RACING IS: Sprint car racing is one of the most exciting sports on the planet. A fact anyone who has witnessed the wheel-to-wheel combat of USAC of the World of Outlaws knows. Unfortunately high costs, time, and risk relegate many would be drivers to the grandstands. Mini-sprint racing offers armchair racers and aspiring superstars the opportunity to get BEHIND THE WHEEL. If you've dreamed of driving a sprint car but figured you couldn't afford it, didn't have the time, or couldn't take the risk… MINI-SPRINT RACING IS FOR YOU!
Affordable Mini-sprint racing is one of the most affordable forms of Motorsports in existence. A new race ready car can be purchased for less than $15,000. Used cars are available for $4000 and up. A mini-sprint can be operated for as little as $1500 for an entire season. Convenient Generally, mini-sprints require considerably less maintenance than other types of racing cars. Many drivers report that their weekly maintenance routine includes a good cleaning and a nut and bolt check. Safe While all forms of Motorsports are inherently dangerous, mini-sprint racing boasts a safety record that is impressive.
		NOT AN IMITATION … THE REAL THING Mini-sprints (also called upright mini-sprints) are the real thing -- featuring suspension, power-to-weight, and, most importantly, wheel-to-wheel racing that rivals that of the top sprint and midget organizations in the country. Legends of the sport like Steve Kinser have recognized mini-sprints as a valuable training grounds for aspiring young drivers. Steve Kinser's son, World of Outlaws driver Kraig Kinser, campaigned a mini-sprint in Indiana before making the jump to full-size sprint cars.
Mini-sprints feature a chassis and suspension that is almost identical to today's full-size midget. Unlike today's midget, the mini-sprint features an economical 4 cylinder motorcycle powerplant with a chain drive. Mini-sprints utilize 1000cc - 1200cc superbike engines that are readily available through salvage yards, and capable of producing 140 to 200 hp. In fact, in many instances mini-sprints are capable of lap times that are just slightly slower than a full size sprint of midget. Mini-sprints are produced by a small handful of manufacturers. Some cars even began their life as a midget and were converted to a mini-sprint.
		WHERE DO WE RACE? Wisconsin-Illinois Mini-Sprints (WIMS) run on dirt ovals 1/4 to 1/3 mile in length throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Here are some of the tracks we race at. Wilmot Speedway - Wilmot, Wisconsin Wilmot is a 1/3 mile, semi banked oval with long straight-aways. It is a wide track with plenty of passing room. Sycamore Speedway - Sycamore, Illinois Sycamore is a semi banked oval that can be ran as either a 1/3 mile track, or a 1/4 mile track. It is a smooth, fast, and narrow track that will challenge the most experienced drivers.
Powercom Park - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Powercom is a high banked 1/3 mile oval. Here you will experience high speed, three wide, wheel to wheel racing action. Manitowoc Raceway - Manitowoc, Wisconsin Manitowoc is a high banked, 1/3 mile track. It is very similar to racing at Powercom Park. Calumet County Fairgrounds - Chilton, Wisconsin Calumet is a 1/4 mile semi banked oval. It is also a wide and fast track for great racing.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Mini-sprint racing holds the distinction of being one of the most affordable forms of open wheel racing in existence today. This includes not only initial startup costs, but also weekly operating expenses. Getting started The first expenses you will incur include the purchase of your car, engine, and safety equipment. Following are estimate costs of getting started: Used car $4000 - $10,000 New car $8000 - $15,000 Engine $1500 - $4000 Helmet $150 - $600 Driver's suit $100 - $1200 Gloves $29 - $79 Shoes $69 - $129 Trailer $500 - $6500 Weekly operating expenses (approximate) Pit passes $20 - $30 per person Racing 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.
		WHAT'S NEXT? So you think mini-sprint racing might be for you. Your next step is to check it out. Go see a race and talk to the drivers and crew. You'll find the competitors generally friendly and willing to answer any questions. You can also ask us questions at Racing@WisconsinIllinoisMiniSprints.com. You might even want to purchase Steve Smith's book on mini-sprints. Whether you've already purchased a car or are just considering purchasing one, it is an excellent resource. The book is available online at www.speedpartz.com for $29.95.
Mini-sprint needs: www.1200racing.com or (262) 633-0227 www.speedpartz.com or (513) 755-7205 This brochure courtesy of Speed Partz. Modifications done by TLB with permission from Speed Partz.