Series Information

The Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series (UMSS) is a value-based racing organization for the participants, race tracks, and race fans. Based in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, the popularity of the UMSS continues to gain momentum by establishing reasonable rules for the participants, an economical purse structure for the race tracks, and an affordable race ticket and fan-friendly program/event for the race fans. In 2019, the UMSS will begin its eleventh season of bringing the thrill of sprint car racing to tracks in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The wing sprint car division was the initial UMSS class of car back in 2009. In 2011, the UMSS added the Traditional Sprint Car Series non-winged sprints. Rules are constantly evaluated in an attempt to find cost-effective solutions. The series is not afraid to venture into new territory as evidenced by the engine packages utilized by the nonwinged Traditional sprint cars. In addition, starting in 2019, the wing series will go to a more sustainable engine package based on what has been successful for the UMSS Traditional series and what is successful around the country. With this change, the UMSS’ brand will now be “PROUD TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE SPRINT CAR RACING!” The UMSS has developed a purse structure that is sustainable for race tracks for both of their series. The purse is structured to allow track operators to maintain their weekly front gate admission price or raise it only slightly. This will ensure that the integrity of the race track's weekly attendance will be maintained while adding the sprint car fan and participant when the UMSS is included in the program. The UMSS entertains thousands of race fans each season with our brand of wild-looking race cars and very fast, and sometimes very volatile, racing action at a value-based price. Our standard race format has established a "brand" of its own with the Ultimate Sprint Races (heats), the Main Event and a seperate pit area at some events for fans to come and see the cars and their favorite driver during the event for no extra charge! On occasion, special events may utilize a different race format. Past champions in the UMSS winged sprint division include Leigh Thomas (2009), Cody Hahn (2010), Jerry Richert, Jr. (2011-2012, 2014), Chris Graf (2013 and 2017),Ryan Bowers (2015 and 2016), Chase Viebrock (2018) and Gunner Cummings (2019). The extremely popular Traditional sprint cars have crowned Kevin Bradwell (2011), Cam Schafer (2014 and 2018) and Rob Caho, Jr. (2012-2013, 2015, 2019) Rick Kobs 2016 and Mike Mueller 2017 as non-winged champions. The UMSS has a niche in the Upper Midwest for an affordable sprint car series that will attract participants, allow race tracks to entertain their fans with a special night of racing providing something different, and entertain race fans with edge-of-your-seat action. The UMSS is always looking for sponsorship opportunities to partner with businesses to help deliver to area race fans the excitement generated by sprint car racing. For more information, call UMSS CDO Ron Bernhagen @ 612-363-5302.

The Non-Winged Warriors...UMSS Traditional Sprints

The UMSS Traditional Sprint Car Series (TSCS) is a value-based racing organization for the participants, race tracks, and race fans. Based in the Twin Cities, the popularity of the UMSS is gaining momentum by establishing reasonable rules for the participants, an economical purse structure for the race tracks, and an affordable race ticket and fan-friendly program for the race fans. The Traditional Sprint Car Series started in 2011 through the hard work and effort of several individuals who wanted a non-winged alternative to the typical winged sprint cars seen here in our area. The key to its early development and ultimate success was having an affordable rules package in place, especially with the engine. Taking the ever-popular "B" Mod engines in use throughout the region and converting them to run on alcohol proved to be the key element in attracting cars, drivers and teams to the TSCS series. With three full seasons in the books, the non-winged traditional sprints continue to gain in popularity amongst drivers and fans alike.

Go Sprint Car Racing for Under $10,000

With the Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series (UMSS), the economics of sprint car racing have changed for the better. Although the cost of building a sprint car and keeping it on the track continues to increase, the rules for the UMSS Traditional Sprint Car realistically allows the potential participant to build a top-of-the-line car for under $10,000. Good used sprint car rollers cost between $3,000-$5,000, and a competitive engine can be built for between $2,000-$7,000, depending whether you build it yourself, use a professional or buy one used. In addition to the initial low cost, the cost of keeping it on the track is estimated at around $100 per night. For more information, call Ron Bernhagen at 612-363-5302 or Joe Kouba at 612-751-4646. You can check out the current rules and specs here on our website by clicking on the Rules/Forms link under the Series Info heading and then going to the Tradtional Sprint Car category.

Previous TSCS Champions & Rookie of the Year

Previous Traditional Sprint Car Series Champions:
2011 - Kevin Bradwell (Luck, WI)
2012 - Rob Caho, Jr. (Wyoming, MN)
2013 - Rob Caho, Jr. (Wyoming, MN)

Past TSCS Rookie of the Year Award Winners:
2012 - Denny Stordahl (Milltown, WI)
2013 - Mike Mueller (Stacy, MN)