By Dick Jordan
The 2014 USAC HPD Midwest Midget calendar reflects 19 events, while additional races are under negotiation and will be announced when firm.
“We are looking at some exciting additional events which should create heightened competition and increased exposure this year,” says HPD Midget coordinator Eric Rankine. “As those are finalized they will be released to enhance the schedules announced today. We had a tremendous battle for championships in 2013 and we expect another banner year for participants in 2014.”
The Midwest dirt schedule debuts April 11 and 12 as part of the “Kokomo Grand Prix” in conjunction with the Honda USAC National Midgets at Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway. Three weeks later the Midwest pavement schedule kicks in with back-to-back Ohio races May 2 and 3 at Kil-Kare Raceway in Xenia and Columbus Motor Speedway.
The eight-race dirt slate includes five races at Gas City (Ind.) I-69 Speedway, including the June 11 “Indiana Midget Week” date, plus a July 26 race at Plymouth (Ind.) Speedway as part of the “Little Hoosier 100” activities.
Pavement racing includes Michigan races at Kalamazoo Motor Speedway and Berlin Raceway in Marne, Toledo (Ohio) Speedway and a return to the Indianapolis (Ind.) Speedrome at the end of August.
June 20 and 21 Eastern HPD Midget races in North Carolina are listed as “special” non-points events for the Midwest participants.
Defending USAC HPD Midwest Midget Champions are Cooper Clouse (paved) and Gage Walker (dirt).
The 2014 USAC Midwest HPD Dirt Midget Schedule:
April 11 – Kokomo, IN
April 12 – Kokomo, IN
April 25 – Gas City, IN
May 16 – Gas City, IN
June 11 – Gas City, IN
July 11 – Gas City, IN
July 26 – Plymouth, IN
September 26 – Gas City, IN
The 2014 USAC Midwest HPD Pavement Midget Schedule:
May 2 – Xenia, OH
May 3 – Columbus, OH
May 31 – Kalamazoo, MI
June 13 – Xenia, OH
Jone 20 – Altamahaw, NC (SE)
June 21 – Hickory, NC (SE)
June 28 – Marne, MI
July 2 – Toledo, OH
August 16 – Kalamazoo, MI
August 30 – Indianapolis, IN (Speedrome)
September 13 – Columbus, OH