Boone County Fairgrounds Revisits Racing's Past
by Greg Clemons

COLUMBIA, MO. (Dec. 8, 2006) - Nearly ten years ago, indoor Midget racing in the form of 250cc Micros last rattled the roof of the Boone County Fairground's multi-purpose arena. Stadiums, arenas and even High School tracks have held auto races throughout history in rare, temporary fashion. The Columbia, Mo. location may become a Winter destination for racers annually if the "Rod End Supply Missouri Indoor Championship Races" have a successful weekend on Dec. 9th and 10th!

As the only Missouri event of it's kind, the race is moving to Boone County from Double J Arena in Humansville, Mo. in doing so, the event will usher in a Winter racing season, annually. Similar races take place in Atlantic City, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Duquoin, Ill. and Tulsa, Ok., an event there has been held continuously for over 20 years! The heated, indoor concrete pit area at Boone will improve the Missouri Championship's status among the "downsized Sprint Car set" said an official there. "We've recieved calls from Pennsylvainia to California and expect a capacity crowd of race fans, cars and drivers!"

Indoor and Stadium Midget racing has been around since the 1930s. The old American Royal Building in Kansas City, Walsh Stadium in St. Louis and Sedalia's Coliseum have all seen open wheel action! A.J. Foyt won one of his first races at a converted baseball stadium in Kansas City. It's the off season "seat time" that these opportunities provide and the close racing they provide that have helped propell some drivers from racing's minor league. The 600cc Micro Midget Headliner at Boone will be chalked full of young talent!

Boone County's December event will also offer a chance to see Santa, Winged Outlaws, Kid drivers and some wild eyed, country boys in a Figure 8 compact car finale on Sunday. Times and complete details are at www.grandriverspeedway.net