USAC Racing Forum

There is a direct correlation between the kids/teams that race this series and the top performers at the big events nationally. As I researched quarter midget drivers I also found that many drivers from around the country list “Columbus Indoors” as their favorite track. As a beginner in the sport three years ago I was told by many well respected handlers and chassis builders, “if you really want to improve quickly to the highest levels you need to race the indoor series”

Racing in this old building in sub-freezing temperatures is not what I would have predicted kids would have chosen as their favorite! Our first trip there, just out of novice, we were overwhelmed and a bit discouraged. The ever changing track conditions and level of completion was challenging, we improved but did not win. The following outdoor season we won 27 A-Mains, three championships, set two track records and numerous fast times. Where did this come from? Was this really a result of racing the indoor series?

I recently read a book called the “Talent Code” and the similarities between the talent hotbeds from around the world in all different types of sports and arts is strikingly similar to that dirty cold building in Columbus Ohio… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY7QNxXbziA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY7QNxXbziA)

I’m interested in your thoughts on why the kids/teams that race this series seem to do so well nationally…

- Deep practice at its best against the best – both drivers and handlers?
- Condensed “National Championship/Grands” style environment perfectly timed for learning?
- Are the teams that race there the dedicated teams that want to improve, seeking the best competition?

i think seat time has some to do with it. no banking and loose at first. no banking and tight at the end. you have got to pay attention and "chase" the track to keep the right set up under the car. poles in the apex driver must race "heads up". all that and more make both driver and handler better. also mac-o-chee is another track if you can get a hold of it the other tracks seem easier. same as indoors.

This is Caleb. You know these kids are the best in the country and have the best equipment, if you make a mistake you will get passed. So you must always be on your game. The lights, the poles, the big dark walls, there is no time for messing around. It takes focus. Focus Mr. Garner focus

It's great for learning new things, tricks, from other drivers who you don't race with much. I learned how to pass better by following Cayden Lapcevich, Kris Lederer and Ross Rankine. After racing indoors the outdoor racing seems easier. Indoors is like running a grands every two weeks. These 1st place trophies mean mean a lot - hard to get.

see you in a few weeks, Caleb Cagle

I would have to agree. It's probably a mixture of the conditions and the level competition. It really makes kids step up their game and the talent pool of experienced drivers give kids more to watch and learn from.

I saw this in a small scale at the Kokomo regional. Our driver had just moved out of Rookie and was learning pretty quick. But we got to that race and because of an accident in the heat and DOT's in the B we didn't make the A. We were sure to have him sit and watch the Sr.Honda A-Main closely and you could see an improvement the next race.

The track conditions are the same way. Our driver seemed to pick up speed after running on the dirt for the first time. Even between the two A-mains on dirt he seemed to learn a lot during the first one, applied it to the next one and ended up winning. I would imagine once you've ran on cold pavement or a paper clip shaped dirt track it makes running a normal configuration and conditions seem like a walk in the park.

I had to laugh when reading this. My son actually hauled out his old racing videos last night and was watching a Buckeye Indoor race from 2006, so he would have just moved up into Sr. Honda. We watched his heat race, analyzed his line and passing, and other driver's styles. At the end of the race, he turned to me and said "I love Columbus Indoor. It's my favorite track." We have not raced there since 2006, but had raced there every indoor since 2000 through the 2006 season. I feel like I have to warn his dad - I think he wants to go back. I think it's a great place to hone your driving skills because anything that can happen - will.  ::). It's hard on the parents, though. And oh yeah - he won that race ;D.

it's cold, track sucks half the time ,gets tight in the groove, slick out, you can never find your drivers your dead freaking tired -cold and hungry from not buying those over $$$$$$$$$ concessions, kids are grumpy but they get the EXPERIANCE to run in the most of adverse conditions !!!!!!!!  IT'S AWESOME  ;D

I'd have to second that one!

Pretty much every element is difficult to deal with at best. The days are long, etc. But when it's all done and your sitting there recouperating on Sunday afternoon.... the thoughts are nothing but man that was great!

See you all in a few weeks!

Hey, be sure check our website for more info. The new site was uploaded today:

www.bqmra.com

Cheers!

WILL THERE BE ANYONE SELLING TIRES THERE? ALSO WHAT IS A GOOD TIRE  AND GEAR TO RUN IN JR. HONDA AND SR. HONDA.

Whats a good gear to run in heavy 160 and heavy world formula

While were telling gears how about jr stock

We start with our Mac-O-Chee setup for practice and adjust as necessary from there.

tires will be available there. you can contact andy meyers from the mac o chee club to order and they will be available at the track. for honda classes we started on d20 the first race and then went to a35. {a30 last year}  sr. honda gear to start 35-30. or whatever you like at macochee.

Mac-O-Chee club sells tires so you can place your order with me and I will have your tires waiting for you. E-mail amescontract@earthlink.net.

Thanks
Andy Myers.

are hoosiers going to be the spec tire or can you run anything? thanks

There will be No Spec Tire

Correct- NO SPEC TIRE AND NO MEMBERSHIPS REQUIRED!!!!!!!

INDEPENDENT, QMA, AND USAC FOLKS are all welcome to race- no brand bias required/needed!

As a club (Buckeye), we have made a concerted effort to ensure all that want to, can come and race the Indoor Winternationals. You will see a little bit of everything- Firestone, Burris, Hoosiers and yes I'm told there are a number of folks in the heavy classes that will be on Vegas by the end of the 6 race series- although not not me personally (not condusive to success in Jr Rookie & Jr Honda).

Personally Burris is my indoor tire of choice (i.e. that's what I've got left over from last year)..... unless any others are wanting to be a tire sponsor- hint, hint, wink wink!!!

Nice job on the new site!! - Jason Beekman does great work for a great price!

When can I buy one of those cool Columbus Indoor Winternationals shirts in the BQMRA Store? http://bqmra.com/store.html

Check out the new T-shirts for this year. We've got a really cool design and will be having more color choices to include tie-dye. We should have them up and running online for purchase middle of next week or so. Which means if you forget to grab them at the track- NO WORRIES, YOU CAN BuY ONLINE BABY!

http://www.buckeyequartermidget.com/store.html

Hey T,

The shirts look great. That's one of the nicer designs I have ever seen. Hats off to everyone invloved.

Received today - well said David194?

Yes, I would highly recommend the Columbus Indoor Series. You’re right on target - it’s the perfect setting for both your drivers and you (as a handler) to grow. The folks there (truly from around the country) are very willing to help out and share setup information. Take your YFA’s and or A35’s, Vega’s are a challenge on the cold floor.

It’s an independent (non sanctioned series) rooted mostly in QMA rules and well enforced. The best teams from QMA, USAC and the Outlaw tracks race there in the winter, no memberships of any kind required. The event’s fifty three years old and legendary - it really is some of the best racing of the year. You can always pick out the kids who ran the indoor series, huge advantage over the ones that did not, come outdoor season! Helped both my drivers a ton!

Go to their website www.bqmra.com and look at some of names, It’s like a mini Grands every two week. They also have great t-shirts and state fair food… You’ll be worn-out but your drivers will excel and the family will remember it forever!!.. Worth the trip.

Posted on a local big car tri-track forum:

Re: INDOOR RACING
Posted on November 10, 2009, 6:51 pm, in reply to "Re: INDOOR RACING"

I love going to the 1/4 midget races indoors. I remember seeing David Carter, Tyler Nuckles, Linsey, Ryan Newman, Bryan Clauson, Cameron Dodson, Bryan Nuckles, Dominic Bando, Chris Moore, Travis Braden, Cale Conley, Cole Duncan, Ryan Miller, Mike Rush, Lonnie Rush jr. , Chad Barr, Rob Chaney, Rob and John Nervo, Sean Macneally, and many others who have gone on to be good racecar drivers. Folks if you want to see tomorrow's stars go watch some indoor quarter midget racing.

Indoor Winternational Shirts NOW Available On-Line!   

In response to numerous requests, we have made the t-shirts available on-line and opened the store early.  Available at: http://bqmra.com/store

Given that BQMRA is a small nonprofit children’s racing organization we struggled with the logistics of providing these cost effectively on-line. The Coughlin family stepped up to help and is hosting this for the “Indoor Winternational Nation” through JEGS.com!! They are providing the mechanics of this at a much lower cost to you than we could as a club - Thank you JEGS!! All proceeds are still going towards supporting and improving the series.

We are not sure what to expect, you may want to get your shirts early as quantities are truly limited. We will be selling some shirts at the event as well.

For more information on the Buckeye Indoor Winternationals go to: http://bqmra.com/indoor.html. Thank you for your support.


Best regards,
 
Rich Cagle
jrcagle@earthlink.net

13 of our NCQMA drivers and their familes braved the frigid temperatures and drove 8 hours to race at Columbus Indoor, where the most intense off-season racing occurs. - Tonya

RESULTS from the Columbus Indoor Winternationals on January 17, 2009:

Nolan Allison:Sr. Honda C Main-6th; Lt. Mod B Main-6th

Thomas Beane:WF A Main-??; Hvy A A Main-11th

Ryan Blaney: WF A Main-1st; Hvy A B Main-7th; Hvy B A Main-5th

Harrison Burton: Jr. Honda A Main-2nd; Jr. Stock A Main-4th

Chase Campbell: Hvy Honda B Main-6th; Hvy 160 A Main-11th

Jared Fryar: WF A Main-8th; Hvy A A Main-10th

Dale Miller: Lt. 160 B Main-9th

Mark Miller: Lt. 160 C Main-5th

Alex Murray: Sr. Honda A Main-2nd; Lt. Mod A Main-10th

Joshua Rummage: Hvy Honda A Main-8th; Hvy. 160 A Main-8th

Tyler Shullick: Lt. 160 A Main-5th; Lt. A A Main-2nd; Lt. B A Main-3rd

Katlyn Stanley: WF A Main-5th; Hvy A A Main-5th

Jon Stires: Hvy Honda A Main-2nd

Funny I was reading this post today! I was just telling my son Joshua Rummage that I probably wasn't going to run indoors this year. Mainly because of time off work.  He pitched a hissy fit(that's NC for gettting pissed off),  he said "that my favorite track".  I asked him why? We never finish good. He told me it's my fault for keeping his cars too tight there during races but he felt it gave him more confidence when racing other places. Also lots of his friends from NCQMA race there. To my defense I have gotten lucky on qualifying set-up at the Winternationals 2 day event.  He has made A-mains on time the last two years including his first time on the track ever 2 years ago.  But he gets so tight in the race and he fades back at the halfway point.  So, I guess I need more seat time Huh? He said can we please try to go at least once.  I told him if at all possible we would go ever chance we could.  This is because when I got to thinking about it, he never won a race or barely passed anybody until after racing indoors. This year he has won several races and took both championships in the summer heat series at NCQMA for heavy honda and heavy 160. And his weekend performance improved also.  The folks that run the indoors are very nice and run a good show. So hopefully we can make a few events this year. It is very different style of racing but we enjoy every trip.  Looking forward to seeing ya'll soon.
Marty

Great in car video of Light World Forumla at the Indoor Winternationals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Gl9pmIQ4w&feature=related


Also great pictures from Race #1
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaM2Tdw2ZOGT2A


I sure miss seeing that shiny new trailer right outside turn one - God Speed Ben

Great video.

Do you know how many famous Indy, NASCAR, USAC, WoO… drivers have come through the Indoor Winternational series over the past 53 years? Many have never won a race there?.... Indoor Winternational Titles appear on their Resumes like Grands Wins!

Six events on the same track perfectly separated and with most of the best minds and drivers in the business - perfect learning environment. We look at this series as an opportunity to have fun and grow… nothing is on the line… race, improve and enjoy.

Love the stories!... not sure who sent this link, outstanding, right on target…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiaPNlR5A4I&feature=related