All photos credit: Dominick Damato

The Illinois Midwest Street Machines, a staple in the Midwest for index racing over the past nine years, regretfully closed its doors this week. Founded as a way for some local car clubs to get together and race their street cars against other clubs, it developed into a full blown series that visited three local tracks: Cordova Dragway, Great Lakes Dragaway, and Byron Dragway. Hosting classes from 13.50 to 7.80 index, and between 7-9 points races a year, the series made it feasible for many people to race. Limited rules made it virtually wide open to racers to produce some tight competition in nearly every class at every race for the 90-plus members that primarily traveled from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. It was said that the series could not have lasted as long as it had without the complete support from the racers. Because the series was founded by racers and for racers, it strived to create a home where everyone could enjoy a day of competitive racing and hanging out with friends. But after a few splits within the group forced responsibility more on the remaining organizers, it just became too much of a personal burden to continue.

IMSM organizers released this statement via Facebook this week, officially announcing that the series would not continue on into the 2012 season.

“So there is no easy way to say this so I am just going to say it. The IMSM Racing Series will not be in operation for 2012. This is a very hard decision for all of us to make, but when it comes down to it we no longer have the time to spare to put the effort needed into the racing series. Personal and business responsibilities have taken precedent over the past years and with this in mind the series will suffer because we just don’t have the time anymore.

From myself and on the behalf of Kuch, Johnny and Gary, I would like to say thanks to all of the friendships I have made over the years. It has been a pleasure to organize and once in a while race alongside you. It has been a great experience seeing the program grow from a small car club to the program it had become. We fought the good fight over the years making index heads-up racing popular in the Midwest. I feel we won that fight and proud to say the IMSM series was the first in the area to make a successful multi-class heads-up, points oriented racing program out of it. To all past and present members that contributed to the program I would like to say thanks. If it was not for you we would not have ever made it so once again thanks for all your help.

To Kuch, Johnny, and Gary great job in 2011. You guys made a great effort and stepped up in ways I always wanted someone to. I could not have asked for more from any of you. Congrats to all of you for a job well done. And I do mean job, because what people think they might know about the organization and general operations of a racing series does not even come close to what really happens behind the scenes. So I tip my hat to you for everything that you have done. Paterimos you are included in this as well.

To all of our past sponsors. What can I say but thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have all been the true life blood of the series. With your help you have made this program a top notch racing series with competition so tough it would make a professional racer craDragziney. You have been so important to us so thank you for putting your support and trust into this program. Thanks again to all of you.