By Jon Mooney
BELLEVILLE, IL: Exciting midget and winged 600 c.c. micro sprint auto racing returns to the Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville, IL on Sunday, June 8th. The midgets, sanctioned by the Midwest Auto Racing Association (M.A.R.A.), will compete in the first of four events scheduled this summer at the popular fifth mile dirt bullring located just across the Mississippi River east of St. Louis. Belle-Clair's tight confines and high banked turns make it a perfect track to see midgets and micros in action. Simply put...racing at Belle-Clair is just plain WILD!
Last year's midget/micro doubleheaders at Belle-Clair produced some of the best open wheel racing seen in the St. Louis area in years. Winged sprint car sensation Joey Montgomery, M.A.R.A. veteran Tim Siner, and 2002 U.S.A.C. Hut 100 champion Mike Hess each claimed main event victories in last year's highly competitive midget races. Anticipation from both fans and competitors alike is already high for this year's four shows.
The midget events at Belle-Clair award points toward the crowning of the Gateway Short Track Regional Series champion. Last year's regional series champion, Donnie Lehmann will be back on June 8th to defend his title. 2002 M.A.R.A. national champion Steve Knepper returns to defend his title as well. Hoosier Tire Midwest is a contributing sponsor of both series.
In addition to the June 8th show, the midgets and micros will be back in action at Belle-Clair on Sunday, June 29th and again on Sunday, July 27th for the Shannon Finley Memorial. The Arnie Knepper Memorial, a highlight of the M.A.R.A. season, will be held Wednesday, August 6th during the St. Clair County Fair. Both open wheel divisions will run a complete show on these dates including heats, b-mains, and feature events.
Pit gates open at 3:30. Spectator gates open at 5:30. Hot laps will hit the track at 6:30. The first heat is scheduled for 7:00. Grandstand admission is just $10. Children under six will be admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $20.
For more information, contact co-promoters Kenny Brown at 618-476-7526 or Brian Thompson at 618-473-9512. Or visit the official web-site of the Gateway Short Track Regional Series/Brown Management at: www.bmsinco.com
The web-site features photos from last year's races compliments of noted open wheel photographers Allen and Kevin Horcher. Most importantly the site lists over 30 race sponsors who are contributing this year and are instrumental in keeping midget racing alive in the St. Louis area.
Belle-Clair Speedway is located at Routes 159 and 13 at the St. Clair County Fairgrounds in Belleville, Illinois.
BELLEVILLE, IL: Exciting midget and winged 600 c.c. micro sprint auto racing returns to the Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville, IL on Sunday, June 8th. The midgets, sanctioned by the Midwest Auto Racing Association (M.A.R.A.), will compete in the first of four events scheduled this summer at the popular fifth mile dirt bullring located just across the Mississippi River east of St. Louis. Belle-Clair's tight confines and high banked turns make it a perfect track to see midgets and micros in action. Simply put...racing at Belle-Clair is just plain WILD!
Last year's midget/micro doubleheaders at Belle-Clair produced some of the best open wheel racing seen in the St. Louis area in years. Winged sprint car sensation Joey Montgomery, M.A.R.A. veteran Tim Siner, and 2002 U.S.A.C. Hut 100 champion Mike Hess each claimed main event victories in last year's highly competitive midget races. Anticipation from both fans and competitors alike is already high for this year's four shows.
The midget events at Belle-Clair award points toward the crowning of the Gateway Short Track Regional Series champion. Last year's regional series champion, Donnie Lehmann will be back on June 8th to defend his title. 2002 M.A.R.A. national champion Steve Knepper returns to defend his title as well. Hoosier Tire Midwest is a contributing sponsor of both series.
In addition to the June 8th show, the midgets and micros will be back in action at Belle-Clair on Sunday, June 29th and again on Sunday, July 27th for the Shannon Finley Memorial. The Arnie Knepper Memorial, a highlight of the M.A.R.A. season, will be held Wednesday, August 6th during the St. Clair County Fair. Both open wheel divisions will run a complete show on these dates including heats, b-mains, and feature events.
Pit gates open at 3:30. Spectator gates open at 5:30. Hot laps will hit the track at 6:30. The first heat is scheduled for 7:00. Grandstand admission is just $10. Children under six will be admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $20.
For more information, contact co-promoters Kenny Brown at 618-476-7526 or Brian Thompson at 618-473-9512. Or visit the official web-site of the Gateway Short Track Regional Series/Brown Management at: www.bmsinco.com
The web-site features photos from last year's races compliments of noted open wheel photographers Allen and Kevin Horcher. Most importantly the site lists over 30 race sponsors who are contributing this year and are instrumental in keeping midget racing alive in the St. Louis area.
Belle-Clair Speedway is located at Routes 159 and 13 at the St. Clair County Fairgrounds in Belleville, Illinois.
