What's really changed with Midwest Off-Road Racing in the last 20 years?

What really changed in the last 20 years?

I feel I need to write this post.

I've have had numerous midwest racers mention how much things have changed over the years.

True; NCPS, SODA,CORR, TORC, etc. have all been a sanctioning body overseeing off-road racing in the Midwest.

Yet no matter what the sanctioning body there has always been racing at Bark River and Crandon (basically the last 40 years, along with a great run in Antigo) During that time not much has changed.

The races are in the same town, the tracks are basically the same, the tech guys and even flag men probably have not changed much in the last twenty years.

The rules haven't changed that much over the years. Entry fees for the most part (except for 2009)haven't changed much as related to the value of the dollar.
(Thanks to MORR, entry fees and registration fees are back to more reasonable amounts)


What has changed in a few classes are race entries have decreased. I understand some of it has to due with the economy.

Others are just disappointed how things went in 2009. Their response is "well I'll wait it out until I see some actual changes." I understand that point of view as well.

I don't know how to make people believe the MORR has gotten things changed to make racing more affordable for the competitor, other than getting people to the race track and then we can prove that MORR is here for the Sportsman.

I also hear about the good old days of racing when there were 30 light buggies, 30 single buggies, 25 super buggies, and truck of sorts at every event. The money was good thanks to the entry numbers. Extra payback from companies was all abundant as well. Why isn't that the case anymore? The extra payback and incredible contingency programs was due in part to the large number of racers. It's the old saying "Companies support those that support them."

10-20 years ago, those companies supported the race or race series, because they received a greater return on their investment. In today's racing world the companies are bombarded by individual race teams, PRO & Sportsman,as well as race tracks, race events, and race series, looking for support. This has made the decision makers at the companies that use motorsports in their marketing, many avenues to choose from.

The best thing Midwest Off-Road Racer to do is to help convince these companies to support our racing is to go out and race in 2010. If Midwest Off-Road racing can show up to Antigo, Crandon, Bark River, and Oshkosh in record numbers, it will certainly make companies notice. That means big numbers entry wise, and spectator wise as well.

(I'm not saying we can see WSORR payouts in the near future, that was way beyond incredible, but when our racing gains more marketing value, our payouts will improve.)

There are several companies out there that understand the value of Midwest off-road Racing, let's go out in 2010 and prove to the rest of the world that not only is our racing strong and healthy, but is a great marketing tool for local businesses, automotive companies, and mainstream America alike.

If you have a buggy or truck or Classix get it ready for Antigo and the rest of the 2010 Sportsman season.

If you have a one of these and have the budget to racing, but choose not to, please don't complain about "this or that."

As the race season approached, MORR will need volunteers to assist where its needed at some of the events. Many of you have already contacted us about donating your time.


MORR also need racers to race! If nobody shows up to race, all our work has been wasted.

Again, MORR thanks everyone that has supported our cause, and we will continue work for the needs of the Midwest Short Course Off-Road Racer.


- Mike R. MORR Guy