National Touring Series
SAAYMAN TO RUN MSR FULL-TIME IN 2023
February 16, 2023 – Must See Racing Sprint Series presented by Engine Pro announced today yet another new full-time team that will compete with the 410-winged pavement sprint car series in 2023.
Forty-five-year-old Bapsfonntein, South African native Quintin Saayman has announced he will chase the entire MSR schedule as a full-time driver in 2023.
Saayman made his U.S.A. debut at the young age of 21 in 1999. Saayman was nothing short of impressive once he arrived in the U.S.A. during the summer of 1999. He picked up AVSS victories in Michigan at Jones, Kalamazoo, and Birch Run. In addition, he found victory lane at Owosso, Michigan during a Pennzoil Outlaw Winged Sprints event.
It would be nearly twenty-five years before he would race on U.S. soil again. He returned last season and purchased an existing BEAST chassis with the intention of competing in his first Little 500. After thrashing to get the car finished in time for qualifying, Saayman was unsuccessful at cracking the starting line-up. He would stay the rest of the summer competing exclusively in non-winged pavement sprint car events.
Saayman has returned to the U.S.A. once again in 2023, but under entirely different circumstances. Saayman has moved to Michigan with his daughter Ashley with the intentions of staying permanently. In addition, he plans to get back to his roots and compete entirely with winged asphalt sprint cars, and in particular, Must See Racing.
“I’m moving here (USA) permanently” Saayman proudly stated. “Things back home are really turning bad. I’m looking for a better quality of life and a future for my daughter.
I’ve mainly only done winged racing back home. When I came over in 1999, I had a bit of success with the AVSS series doing winged racing. I most definitely have had most of my success in winged racing. Last season was my first season I ever ran non-winged. It was fun, but different, from what I’m used to doing.
I’ve won at a few of the tracks we’re going to this year. I think I’ll just stick with a wing completely this year. It would be fun to do the Little 500. But sponsor wise, and money wise, we can’t get to it now at this stage, it’s too late. We’ll just stick with Must See this year.”
Due to his years of experience in winged racing, Saayamn is confident he’ll find success in North America in 2023.”It would be nice to get in the top three at the end of the year and get a win or more along the way. I’m looking forward to racing at Berlin again. It’s a real nice track. There are a few guys I think will help me again. George Gustafson and John Boy Hotchkiss. It will be good to get the guys back together. It will be a fun season” concluded Saayman.
With the addition of Saayman as a full-time competitor, it gives Must See Racing a true international flavor. The series already features London, Ontario, Canada driver Ryan Litt. The series can now boast claim to featuring drivers from three different countries in 2023.
For more info on MSR please visit www.mustseeracing.com.
MUST SEE RACING TO OFFER NEW AND OLD IN 2023
When the 2023 Must See Racing Sprint Series presented by Engine Pro schedule kicks off this Spring, it will mark Must See Racing’s 14th consecutive season of sanctioning winged asphalt 410 sprint car racing in the Midwest and Southeast.
A new season brings new wrinkles. But in MSR’s case, the series will still offer edge of your seat racing and high-speed action. Whenever MSR comes to town, track records usually fall. The series bills itself as having “The fastest Short Track Cars in the World”.
The series will feature many of the same tracks that have been a regular staple on the series schedule, but will do so with new drivers, teams, and event formats.
One of the biggest changes in 2023 will be the new venue for the 3rd annual American Speed U.S. Nationals to Birch Run Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan. The popular Memorial Day event is quickly becoming one of the premier open wheel events in the state of Michigan and this year’s event appears to be much the same. This year’s event will include the Maxima Racing Oils MSR Midwest Lights Series in a two-day format May 26-27.
Network television has played an important part of MSR’s popularity over the years and will continue to do so in 2023. No less than 7 events will be be taped delayed for broadcast on MAVTV including the two-day PINK LADY CLASSIC from Meridian Speedway, Idaho. The full television and live stream schedules will be announced later.
The third-year Maxima Racing Oils MSR Midwest Lights Series has become the official feeder system for the national series and currently features several talented teenage drivers. The young drivers are honing their skills and biding time to eventually compete in the national series. This year’s lineup will see a handful of new drivers, and new teams, as the affordable 602 crate series shows steady growth and fan popularity.
Five-time MSR champion Jimmy McCune returns to the series fulltime in 2023. McCune suffered serious burns in an accident and was sidelined most of the year. The all-time MSR feature wins leader will look to add a sixth title in 2023.
An increased year-end cash point fund will be up for grabs in 2023 for both series. In addition, the ‘Engine Pro Fast Car Dash’ mini-series will award points accumulated at all three Berlin Raceway days. This points fund will also pay out cash incentives.
It was recently announced that MSR and the new non-winged 500 Sprint Car Tour will share the racing card at Berlin Raceway on June 22. This unique event will offer fans the chance to see a 410 winged and non-winged event in the same night. This concept hasn’t been done since 2010.
“We were able to put the 2023 schedule in place taking us to some of the best pavement tracks anywhere while minimizing the excessive and unpredictable travel costs for our race teams. With several new teams from around the country committing the car count looks strong and competition intensity for the championships is definitely stacking up to be one of, if not our best and most exciting season yet.” said MSR’s Jim Hanks. “There is a renewed energy and positive buzz of anticipation and excitement for the coming year by the tracks, race teams and the race fans everywhere.”
Schultz & Gallogly Honored During MSR Night Of Champions
PERRYSBURG, Ohio (Jan. 15, 2023) – Must See Racing recognized its top drivers and teams from the 2022 season during the sanctioning body’s Night of Champions celebration Saturday at Quality Inn Perrysburg.
Charlie Schultz (right) was recognized at the Must See Racing national champion Saturday night in Perrysburg, Ohio. (Kelly Poole photo)
Chief among the banquet’s honored guests were Must See Racing National Sprint Car Series champion Charlie Schultz and Must See Racing Midwest Lights titlist Cody Gallogly.
Both drivers earned their first Must See Racing championships last year.
Schultz’s title run was one for the ages, as he rallied back on the final night of the season to upset point leader Joe Liguori for the crown. A podium finish was enough for Schultz to supplant Liguori, who battled drive line issues during the finale at Pennsylvania’s Jennerstown Speedway.
The Ohio veteran used his championship speech to honor his father Al, who suffered a stroke two days prior to the banquet but was “recovering well” as of Saturday night.
“My mom and dad wanted to be here tonight, but with my dad’s health that wasn’t possible,” Schultz noted. “I want us all to raise our glasses to all our dads, both with us and no longer with us, for making us all who we are today. Racing is a family sport, and without them, none of us would be in this room.
Charlie Schultz and fiance Debbie Walker pose with the championship hardware following Saturday night’s Must See Racing banquet. (Kelly Poole photo)
“Sportsmanship goes a long way, and this year’s battle with Joe and his team was one I’ll always remember,” Schultz continued. “He helped me out a lot, I helped him a lot, and at the end of the day we went out and battled each other as hard as we could on the race track. That’s what it’s all about. The goal since we came back to sprint cars was to win a championship, and realizing that this year means so much to us as a family and to John Reiser and everyone involved with our No. 9s team.
“Now we’ve got a new goal, and that’s to go out and try to win the whole thing again this year.”
Gallogly dominated the Midwest Lights season, leading the crate sprint car tour in wins and fast times over the course of the year.
A sense of family was also evident in Gallogly’s speech, as his father is battling valiantly against brain cancer.
“My wife wrote me a speech, but we’ll see how this goes,” Gallogly joked.
“After I went dirt racing and got my teeth knocked in, going back pavement racing was the right decision for my family and my wallet,” he added. “In all seriousness, we have a great series and a great field with Must See Racing and this season has been the best decision I’ve made in a long time. … Racing is so much more than driving a race car; it’s about meeting new people and making special memories.
“My parents couldn’t be here, but I thank them for supporting me even though times have been tough. I was able to share this year with my dad, and that means the world to me. If I can be half the man he is some day, then I’ll be grateful.”
Among the other Must See Racing national honorees Saturday was Brad Ringer, crew chief for Liguori, who received Crew Chief of the Year honors. Liguori and Schultz were named co-recipients of the Driver of the Year award, while John Reiser secured Car Owner of the Year laurels.
Cody Gallogly received his Must See Racing Midwest Lights championship honors Saturday night in Perrysburg, Ohio. (Kelly Poole photo)
Additional Midwest Lights award recipients included Andrew Bogusz (Rookie of the Year), Terry Bogusz (Crew Chief of the Year), and Jon Henes (Car Owner of the Year).
The night’s highest honor, the Jerry Caryer Ironman Award for commitment to Must See Racing, was presented to Schultz as the driver who both made the most feature starts over the last five seasons and best exemplified loyalty to pavement sprint car racing as a whole.
Schultz joined Tom Jewell (2021) as the second recipient of the perpetual honor, which is housed at Must See Racing’s series headquarters in Holly, Mich.
With the 2022 season officially in the books, Must See Racing will kick off its 2023 campaign with the Midwest Lights opener at Lorain (Ohio) Raceway Park on April 22.
The national series kickoff will be May 20 at Michigan’s Berlin Raceway with the opening round of the Engine Pro Fast Car Dash.
For more news and information on Must See Racing, visit www.mustseeracing.com.
Must See Racing National Awards
Hard Luck Award: Tom Geren
Perseverance Award: Jeff Bloom
Rising Star Award: Joshua Sexton
Sportsmanship Award: Gene Fogle/White Hare Racing
Most Improved Driver: Rick Holley
Best Appearing Car: Charlie Schultz
Fast Qualifier of the Year: Joe Liguori
Hard Charger of the Year: Joe Liguori
Golden Steering Wheel: Tom Jewell
Crew Chief of the Year: Brad Ringer
Car Owner of the Year: John Reiser
Driver of the Year: Charlie Schultz/Joe Liguori (co-recipients)
Jerry Caryer Ironman: Charlie Schultz
Must See Racing Midwest Lights Awards
Hard Luck Award: Lauren DePasquale
Perseverance Award: Tim Henthorne
Spark Plug Award: Junior Gould
Rising Star Award: Charlie Baur
Sportsmanship Award: Steve Sexton/Team 151
Most Improved Driver: Joshua Sexton
Best Appearing Car: Cody Gallogly
Fast Qualifier of the Year: Cody Gallogly
Hard Charger of the Year: J.J. Henes
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Bogusz
Crew Chief of the Year: Terry Bogusz
Car Owner of the Year: Jon Henes
Driver of the Year: Cody Gallogly
BERLIN RACEWAY TO OFFER “410 ASPHALT DOUBLE” IN 2023
January 5, 2023 – The Engine Pro Must See Racing Sprint Series today confirmed that the July 22, 2023, date at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan will include its winged 410 series as well the 500 Sprint Car Tour. This will give fans the rare opportunity to see a complete 410-winged asphalt event as well as a 410 non-winged feature event at the same track on the same date.
Both MSR and the 500SCT are the only 410 asphalt sprint car series in the entire country. Several other series across the country allow 410’s to compete, but are restricted to the equivalent of a 360, with the aid of engine restrictors. Both MSR and the 500SCT are legitimately the only unrestricted 410 series in the country.
Back in 2010 the USAC National Sprint Car Series and the MSR winged sprints competed the same night at Salem Speedway Indiana, however, after a handful of attempts to run winged and non-winged events on the same day, this will be the first 410 twin-bill since then. Fans who plan to attend this event will be in for a treat.
Although the two forms of racing may seem similar, they are vastly different. But both are exciting and will have something to offer every fan in attendance. MSR bills itself as having the “Fastest Short Track Cars in the World”, and for good reason. MSR racing holds the all-time track record at almost every track it competes at.
Fast time for last years (7-30-22) MSR event at Berlin was 13.097 set by Ryan Litt. The 500SCT produced a 15.627 lap on June 11, 2022, by Tyler Roahrig. That is a nearly 2.5 second difference between the two different cars at the same track.
The driving styles of the two types of cars are different as well. With the downforce the wing will provide at Berlin, drivers will be able to push the car to its limits and drive the on the edge. The speeds will be vastly faster than its non-winged counterparts.
The non-winged cars will require a driver to be patient, and smooth, as he will not have the aid of much downforce. The non-winged cars won’t get strung out as quickly and won’t have to worry about “dirty air”, which is common in winged sprint car racing produced by disrupting air off of the lead cars. Oftentimes this can make passing difficult.
MSR President Jim Hanks added “The fast and tricky Berlin Raceway will definitely challenge both series race teams. This will give the fans a great night of open wheel sprint car racing with a rare side by side showcase of the two very different sprint car types, disciplines and racing. This event is also special as round two of the 2023 ENGINE PRO FAST CAR DASH mini-series with its points and purse on the line, our season championship points chase and year end points fund both substantially adding to the nights event purse.
There is a lot on the line making our qualifying, heat races and the feature all really important. You can bet the MSR teams will bring their “A” game. We are really looking forward to being a part of the race fan entertainment, the competition and an event where the on-track results will do the talking. ”
Regardless of if you are a fan of winged sprint car racing, or traditional sprint car racing, both events will feature healthy car counts and plenty of side-by-side action, which Berlin Raceway is famous for. Fans will also get to witness the historic first “410 asphalt double”
Although its early, both Joe Liguori and Bobby Santos confirmed they will be competing in.
MUST SEE RACING ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE ADDITION AND FAST CAR DASH DETAILS
The Must See Racing Sprint Series presented by Engine Pro today announced an additional event to its previously released schedule with details of the three round mini-series Engine Pro Fast Car Dash.
The series has added an additional date at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on August 12. This will be the third and final visit for the MSR National Series to Berlin Raceway in 2023. The series will also be at Berlin Raceway on May 20 and July 22.
All three of the Berlin Raceway dates will be part of the three round Engine Pro Fast Car Dash mini-series. All points awarded at these events will go towards crowning a champion that will pay $1000 from a total purse of $4550. The top twenty positions in the final standings will have the opportunity to earn cash bonuses.
The popular mini-series is annually held at select tracks in the state of Michigan. 2023 will mark the first time all the events have been held at the same track. Joe Liguori won the 2022 Engine Pro Fast Car Dash championship with Charlie Schulz and Jimmy McCune tieing for the top spot in 2021.
“With the support of Engine Pro and their product partners Mahle, ARP and Fel-Pro we have scheduled the Fast Car Dash as a three-event mini-series at the very fast and always exciting Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan. The fans and the race teams love the format. Between the purse, mini-series cash awards and our annual points payout each night offers an $18,650 payout totaling $55,950 for the three nights.” said MSR President Jim Hanks.
The 2023 MSR National Series title chase will kick off with the series opener at Berlin Raceway on May 20. The season opener will be the first of twelve points paying events in 2023. The series will cap the season off with a non-points event at Meridian (Idaho) Speedway September 22-23 with the annual ‘Pink Lady Classic’.
Other events that highlight the 2023 schedule include the 3rd annual ‘American Speed U.S. Nationals’ at Birch Run Speedway May 26-27 and the ‘Bob Frey Classic’ at Lorain Raceway Park August 19. The series will visit six tracks in four states in 2023.
Charlie Schultz is the defending series champion and will attempt to defend his title in 2023.
ENGINE PRO AND MUST SEE RACING CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP FOR 2023
HOLLY, Mich. – Engine Pro and Must See Racing officials today announced a continuation of their 12-year marketing partnership for the upcoming 2023 season supporting grass root racing.
The new agreement includes an extension of both the Engine Pro’s presenting sponsorship of the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series and support of the MSR AMERICAN SPEED U.S NATIONALS at Michigan’s Birch Run Speedway on the 2023 Memorial Day weekend and the BOB FREY CLASSIC on August 19, 2023, at Lorain Raceway Park in Amherst, Ohio.
“We are enthusiastic and excited to go into yet another season with the support of our valued partners at Engine Pro,” said Must See Racing President Jim Hanks.
“Engine Pro, along with their product partners are recognized leaders in the high-performance engine business and are major supporters of our series. We proudly showcase Engine Pro, their product supply companies and their international distribution partners at our race events and in the homes of viewers across the country on our national MAVTV / SPEED SPORT television programming of selected events “concluded Hanks.
Engine Pro’s nationwide distribution centers stock a full line of internal engine components for domestic and import passenger car, light truck, heavy duty, industrial, marine, agricultural and performance applications.
Engine Pro also manufactures its own performance products under the Engine Pro label. This enables performance engine builders to offer quality products at a moderate price to keep racing affordable so the racers can do what they do best – win races.
The 2023 event schedule continues to enhance and grow MSR’s long standing racing entertainment tradition for loyal race fans at many of the most significant, historic and famous short tracks in the country featuring some of the best open wheel winged sprint car drivers from all across the country and Canada.
MICHIGAN’S BIRCH RUN SPEEDWAY TO HOST THE MUST SEE RACING 2023 AMERICAN SPEED U.S. NATIONALS
November 14, 2023 – Today Must See Racing officials announced that Birch Run Speedway and Event Center in Birch Run, Michigan will host the 3rd annual American Speed U.S. Nationals on Memorial Day weekend Friday May 26th and Saturday May 27th, 2023, with full shows slated for each night.
MSR also disclosed Birch Run Speedway will be the home of the American Speed U.S. Nationals featuring the high-speed winged sprint cars in the future for years to come.
“All of us at MSR are ecstatic to have Birch Run Speedway and Event Center host this outstanding event for the upcoming 2023 Memorial Day Weekend and in the future. The major investment, updates and improvements completed at the facility over the last few seasons absolutely makes Birch Run one of the finest and well-run short tracks anywhere in the country.” said MSR founder and President Jim Hanks.
The American Speed U.S. Nationals, featuring the winged sprints, has quickly evolved into one of the most popular Memorial Day weekend Midwest short track events with the Must See Racing National 410 Sprint Series presented by Engine Pro and the Maxima Racing Oils Must See Racing Midwest Lights Series headlining the two days of racing.
The action will kick off on Friday night May 26 with a full night of racing featuring the MSR Midwest Lights, the MCR dwarf cars and pure stocks on the tracks ¼ mile, plus a special hot lap exhibition previewing the high horsepower superfast MSR National Series cars on the big 4/10 mile and a driver meet and greet for the fans.
The Saturday Night May 27 line up has full shows on the 4/10-mile track headlined by the MSR National 410 Sprint Series and the Must See Racing Midwest Lights Series joined by National Compact Touring Series plus an autograph Session with all the cars and stars on the tracks front stretch.
For the third consecutive year Saturday’s spectacular opening ceremonies honoring our country’s past and present veterans will be presented by Steadfast For Veterans, a non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana bringing awareness to their mission providing housing for needy homeless veterans.
“With both of our MSR winged sprint series running, the special opening ceremonies honoring our veterans, the race team meet and greet and the on-track autograph sessions this two-day family friendly event offers everyone a great racing and outstanding entertainment experience. “concluded Hanks.
For more information, news and updates on Must See Racing or the American Speed U.S. Nationals visit www.mustseeracing.com.
MUST SEE RACING ANNOUNCES 2023 SCHEDULE
October 31, 2022 – Holly, Michigan – Must See Racing Sprint Series presented by Engine Pro released its 2023 schedule today and it features several traditional dates and venues, as well as a return to Owosso Speedway, which hasn’t been on the schedule in several seasons.
This year’s schedule features nine point paying events along with a June 16 TBA date. The Meridian (ID) Speedway’s September 22-23 Pink Lady Classic also returns for the third consecutive season as a special promotional sanctioned non-points event.
One interesting aspect of the 2023 schedule is limited travel for the MSR teams. All but two of the points events will be contested in the state of Michigan. This is by design due to the uncertainty of the economy, and escalating gas prices. Historically the series has opened the season or held its finale at a southern venue. This will not be the case in 2023. The season will kick off May 20 at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan and conclude September 2 at Owosso Speedway in Ovid, Michigan.
“Following an ongoing co-operative effort with other open wheel series, all of us at the Engine Pro Must See Racing Series are excited to announce an early release of the 2023 MSR Schedule of Events” explained MSR president Jim Hanks.
“Importantly, it best fits the difficult race team travel challenges, enhances quality car count, and presents first class racing entertainment for the fans at many of the finest, fan friendly, and well managed track facilities in this country.
We will soon announce our growing MSR Midwest Lights Series schedule, our eight-year SPEED SPORT, with popular announcer Ralph Sheheen, national television programming partnership schedule, plus new and exciting event formats, purses, and point fund.”
One noticeable change to the recently announced MSR schedule is the venue for the 3rd annual American Speed U.S. Nationals over Labor Day Weekend. The popular event has been contested at Kalamazoo Speedway the past two seasons but now finds a new home at Birch Run Speedway May 26-27.
Other highlights of the schedule include additional dates at Owosso, Berlin, and Birch Run Speedways. The series will return to Rockford Speedway in Rockford, Illinois over July 4th weekend with a July 1 date. The series was greeted by a huge crowd when it returned to Rockford last season after a short absence.
The second annual Bob Frey Classic will return to the schedule August 19 when the series makes its only appearance at Lorain Raceway Park in S. Amherst, Ohio. The event will also feature the annual Jerry Caryer Memorial as part of the event in honor of MSR racer Jerry Caryer who passed way in 2020.
MSR president Hanks indicated there could be an additional dates announced in the coming months. The series will also announce details of its 2023 Speed Sport / MAVTV television package later.
The series will kick off its thirteenth consecutive season in 2023. Charlie Schultz was crowned the most recent series champion that boasts an impressive list of past champions that include Troy DeCaire, Jo Jo Helberg, Brian Gerster, Jimmy McCune, and Anthony McCune.
COLTON NELSON BANKS 20K WITH SECOND CONSECUTIVE PINK LADY WIN
September 24, 2022 – Meridian, Idaho – Colton Nelson survived a first lap pileup and cruised to his second consecutive Pink Lady Classic victory Saturday night at Meridian Speedway in front of a packed grandstand.
The Speed Tour and NSRA event, with a promotional co-sanction with Must See Racing, has become the premier winged pavement sprint car race in the entire country in recent years. The race has been referred to as the Knoxville Nationals of pavement. This year’s field included drivers from 7 states and Canada.
Polesitter Aaron Willison got the jump at the start and lead the first 38 laps and was the leader at the conclusion of the first of three segments. The first segment featured 2 red flags including a lap one pileup that ended the night for several cars.
Willison would draw a 6 for the inversion of the second segment. Willison, who was the events fast qualifier, would not be one of the 10 cars to advance to the final segment. He spun after contact with Troy DeCaire and was forced to go to the tail. He wouldn’t be able to work his way back into the top 10.
Casey Tillman would win the second segment and the right to start on the ole for the final 24-lap segment alongside Colton Nelson who finished second in the Second segment.
When the green flag waved to start the final segment, Nelson powered into the lead and never looked back as he went on to win the event and collect $20,000 in the process. Nelson methodically worked his way into the lead by the start of the third segment from the 22nd starting position.
“It feels really good” explained Nelson in victory lane. “We earned this the hard way. The last time we locked in and didn’t have to run any of the qualifying races. We came from 22nd, avoided all the cars in the lap one crash. And worked our way to the front and got it done”.
“I made zero contact on that first lap crash. It was just duck and dive. Luckily, I didn’t get hit, nothing. At the start of the final segment, I knew I had to get on the motor and not let Tillman paly any games with me on that restart. Once I got in front of him it was clean sailing from there” concluded Nelson.
Feature (100 Laps): 1. 07-Colton Nelson; 2. 81-Casey Tillman; 3. 12L-Ron Larson; 4. 91-Bryan Warf; 5. 71-Riley Rogers; 6. 41-Tyler Roahrig; 7. 99-Cory Lockwood; 8. 6g-Bryan Gossel; 9. 81t-Mike Murgoitio; 10. 68-Mike Anderson; 11. 9-Troy DeCaire; 12. 14-Aaron Willison; 13. 36-Ryan Burdett; 14. 36d-Austin Luttmer; 15. 14j-Davey Hamilton Jr.; 16. 16-Rob Grice; 17. 63-Brent Collins; 18. 22L-Richie Larson; 19.8-Brad Aumen; 20. 77-Anthony Quintana; 21. 33-Kyle Alberding; 22. 2-Nate Little; 23. 57-Evan Margeson; 24. 24-Matt Elliott; 25. 12-Aaron McPeak; 26. 4-Aiden Spiers; 27. 16g-Austyn Gossel; 28. 4b-Alan Beck