Midwest Racing League To Debut In 2015

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The newly-formed Midwest Racing League has announced it will make its debut beginning with the 2015 racing season.

“We believe the fans, racers and promoters—in that order—are what racing is all about and not about the sanctioning body,” MRL president Chad Orr said. “That is even in our mission statement. We are out to lend a hand and prove racing can be back at that grassroots, economical level.”

The MRL will debut on dirt tracks in 2015 with Mod Lites and crate-engined modifieds, but the groundwork is already in the process of being laid. Marketing partners and sponsors are already being contacted and solidified.

“We knew to do this correctly work had to start right now,” Orr said. “Potential partners are relaxed knowing this project is a year away. It is great building those relationships now.”

MRL officials plan to sanction crate late models full-time by 2016. Series officials did say not to be surprised if select events are sprinkled in 2015.

“We are out to help the sport by offering another option,” Orr said. “The realization is MRL will be a supplement for race tracks and not a replacement at the start.”

MRL will sanction in a corridor north of Interstate 70 in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan to start. The goal is to provide a personal, hands on effort. Future expansion is not ruled out.

Mod Lites, born from the Dwarf Cars, are found at a handful of tracks in the region. The class will be a focus to increase car count and tracks. Orr is working with Mod Lites great Willie McFarland to stage the inaugural 2014 MRL Mod Lites Series at several tracks. Promoters can contact MRL for details.

The modified class will utilize the GM 604 crate engine and a spec right rear tire. The entire rules package will be released later this summer. Late models, again, will be added full time in 2016. Plans are to utilize a crate and/or steel block engine.

“Fans want to watch. Racers want to race. Tracks want to stay open. In many cases the sport has been priced right out of their hands. That’s where MRL hopes to help,” Orr said.

For more information, visit www.midwestracingleague.com.

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