A small group of men who love to race and wanted to be able to race without spending large amounts of money got their heads together and took a long look at winged sprint racing. The 1200 mini sprint was the size necessary to allow grown men to continue their dreams. The problem was the price to make a car truly competitive. Then it was realized that the 750cc motorcycle engine was not being used except in motorcycles, hence it could be a good resource for sprint car racing, and if it was kept completely stock the price could be reasonable. Additionally, the 1200 class would have a place to sell chassis parts that were no longer up to their needs but would be fine for a less powerful car.The class started in 1992 with 4 cars, at High Groove Speedway in Winchester, NH, (now Winchester SpeedPark). It was quickly discovered that they worked quite well. The second year 9 more cars joined the field. Growth has been steady ever since, with the 1996 season fielding 32 cars, the 1997 season 38 cars.
The 1997 season also saw the 750 division organize to become the East Coast Mini Sprint Association Inc. The goal of the ECMSA is: continued growth, fun, professionalism, exposure, and sponsor involvement. The motto of the ECMSA is: fair, fun, and affordable racing.
The car count continues to increase. The 2000 season had 47 different cars eligible to run at the local clay tracks. This can be attributed to the family atmosphere that surrounds the ECMSA, and the way that all of the competitors work together to insure that all can compete. Competitors come from all walks of life. We have Doctors, Bankers, Mechanics, and laborers running together. Two of our members are Ministers with the “Racing with Jesus” Ministries.
Special events, such as the Hamburger Hawk Challenge and the Rookie Recognition Awards created other opportunities for sponsor involvement, heightening the awareness of the ECMSA sponsors among the competitors at the track, as well as the people in the stands.
The ECMSA has proven to be a good forum for all the racers, young and old alike. It is a good start point for racers to learn car handling and setup. It is also an excellent stepping off point to move up in racing. ECMSA members have moved up to race NEMA midgets, full sized sprint cars and late model stock cars. The ECMSA has helped out with charitable contributions to Racing Against Cancer™ and helping the handicapped by providing special facilities at the track.
