National Sprint League officials aren’t scheduling shows in 2017, series return not ruled out
JACKSON, MINN (November 18, 2016) – Tod Quiring and the rest of the National Sprint League brass took a long, hard look at the economics and number of races in the Midwest.
Something had to give.
Knoxville Raceway and Badlands Motor Speedway feature established weekly 410 Sprint Car programs. Throw in Jackson Motorplex, a facility Quiring owns, and there are enough shows to fill out a schedule for most teams.
That was the feeling of Quiring and Co. It led to the decision to shelve the NSL for the time being and not schedule any races in 2017.
“I’m not going to say the NSL is done, but we are not booking shows in 2017,” said NSL series coordinator Chuck Zitterich. “We are concentrating on Jackson Motorplex.
“The whole idea of the NSL was to bring more 410 shows to the Midwest. With Knoxville, Badlands and now Jackson stepping up, we just felt there was no reason to continue in 2017.”
Zitterich, who is also the race director at the Jackson Motorplex, indicated that the 410 Sprint Car division will be featured 13 times at the Minnesota track next season. The increase in races was a big reason in the recent decision.
As for the NSL’s future past the 2017 season, Zitterich didn’t rule out a return. However, he did indicate that the matter hasn’t been discussed.
“As of now, we are not discussing anything after 2017,” Zitterich said. “We feel we have enough racing in 2017, so there is no viable reason for the NSL as a traveling series.
“With the World of Outlaws coming through [the region], a guy can get 50 to 55 races. That’s quite a bit.
“We will see what happens after this season. There are a lot of drivers changing rides and changing plans, and there could be some teams coming here to race because they can run two times a week.”
The NSL just completed its second full season, which featured 26 shows. Danny Lasoski won his second straight title.
But car counts dipped in some areas in 2016. The series was strong at Knoxville Raceway and facilities close to the MOWA and IRA sanctioning bodies, but there were nights when an NSL show drew only 16 to 20 cars.
“It depended on where we went,” Zitterich said. “There were a couple of shows that had 16-17 cars, and that’s not a good enough show to put on for fans.
“I think you are going to see the World of Outlaws go to more three-day shows and an event. It costs too much for the teams and to travel. I think guys are going to tween back their schedules.
“We feel there are enough 410 shows up here, and we didn’t think there was a need to book 10 or 12 more. Too much of a good thing isn’t good no matter what it is.”
Category: Iowa
