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The Monster series affiliated with the Midwest Open Wheel Association is a new 410 series that will be based in central Illinois. TMAC knows that this is an important step in getting 410 racing back on the map in an area steeped in tradition. “It’s exactly what needs to happen in that region,” he says of the new series. “I wish I had more time right now, because I’d like to do the same thing here in Iowa. The IRA is doing a great job in the Wisconsin area, and this group looks like it is doing a great job at setting a foundation for a great series. The Springfield-Jacksonville area has always been a hotbed for sprint cars…as long as I can remember.” It is also beneficial for a number of drivers looking for more options in Iowa. “I think it not only helps the guys in Illinois, but those in the Burlington area that have 410’s sitting around,” says TMAC. “They’ve been looking for a sprint group like this for years. I’ll do anything I can to help them. Austin and I bought our memberships last week.” The MOWA series has undertaken a number of initiatives surrounding their series including a point fund, fan club, and its champion will also receive a ride at the Chili Bowl. “I like what they are selling,” says TMAC. “These guys are racers, and they’ve been around racing a long time. They really sound like they know what they are doing to help promote these races.” TMAC is quick to point out the importance for both drivers and fans of grasping this opportunity. “As racers, we have a responsibility to help these people promote the shows,” he says. “Amy (Laue of 34 Raceway) and the other promoters are taking a chance with this. We need to prove to them that not only will it work, but in the future we can have higher paying shows and the promoter can still hit a home run because the butts are in the seats.” He also notes that several 360 drivers are moving up to 410 racing. That includes the regular show at Knoxville. “Things have really come full circle with the 360’s in our area,” he says. :At Knoxville, a top notch 360 team is going to spend about as much as the top 410 teams are for a much smaller purse. I think guys are slowly starting to realize that.” Ever the promoter, TMAC has his eyes on the future concerning a series in central Iowa. “We need to have a similar deal around here with 10-15 dates,” he says. “It would compliment the Knoxville Saturday night shows. It gives racers a reason to come to our area. If we had a few short tracks on the schedule, it would get the guy in who is not set on ‘kill’ with his horsepower.” The benefits of such a series to Knoxville Raceway would be great. “There is no comparison to Knoxville,” says TMAC. “There is no doubt it is the greatest track in the world. They pay the best, the point fund is second to none…it’s the best. Central Pennsylvania’s purses and point funds can’t hold a candle to Knoxville, but they can race multiple nights a week, and that’s what we need around here. If we had two nights a week here, you’d see a lot of teams relocate to our area. Knoxville would be smart to kick in on the point fund of any 410 organizations in their area. It would definitely compliment their product.” As far as sons, Austin and Carson, they are hoping to practice at Knoxville too. “Carson will be there at practice with his 305, and Austin is delivering pizzas to get his motor freshened up, and hopefully, he can make it,” says TMAC, who owns both cars. “We’re hoping that Austin can be at Burlington as well. Everyone else is out there racing…I need to get out there too.”
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