Mini-Cup Racers

Mini-Cup Racers

Driver Finds Winning Races Easier Than Getting Sponsors

story and photographs by Bob & Cindy Savage

Publication Date: October 1997

During the week, Yetta Searles, of Columbia, Maryland, works as a secretary for a medical supply distributor. To talk with her, you would never think that you were talking with the hottest Mini-Cup Racecar Driver to hit the Mid-Atlantic States. A lady who in just her first year of racing has placed in the top three cars in over two-thirds of all the races she has competed in. Racing for the first time in March 1997, Yetta has driven in thirty races, winning fifteen, and taking four second and three third place finishes.

Mini-Cup race cars are relatively new to the motor sports circuit, but are rapidly gaining popularity across the United States. For those who have never seen a mini-cup, just think of a NASCAR-style car, then shrink it down. The fully suspended, one-half scale, race car has a wheelbase of 60 inches, a length of 110 inches and width of 45 inches. Weighing just over 400 pounds, this car will hold a person over 6 feet tall and 200 pounds. Powered by a Honda GX390 4 stroke, OHV single cylinder that provides thirteen horsepower at 3600 rpm. Installed on a MIG welded mils steel frame with a full roll cage, this car has a five-point safety harness and hinged roof opening for entry and exit, and features hydraulic disc brakes. There are two classes for these cars; one with suspension included, and the other without suspension. These cars have reached an excess of over 100 miles per hour. Because of its growing popularity, the Miniature Motorsports Racing Association (MMRA) was formed to develop sanctioning of regional and national racing series.

Last year, we were only able to observe these cars during small exhibitions at local Street Speedways. Even with the suspension in their cars, the drivers weren't able to push their cars to their maximum because of the curves of the tracks. This year, we began attending the Saturday night races at the Monrovia Speedway near Frederick, Maryland. Monrovia is a 1/4 mile asphalt oval with an additional street course winding through the infield. Sitting on a hill overlooking the 75/80 Dragway, race fans can sit and watch both the go-kart and Mini-Cups on one side, and the dragraces below.

Competing in the Mini-Cup cars with suspension class, Yetta races both at Monrovia and at the State Line Speedway in Eastern Virginia. Her interest in the Mini-Cups was sparked by her boyfriend, Bob Chamberlin, who also races in her class. Yetta indicated that she wanted to continue with their kids, who race go-karts, however, she felt the Mini-Cups were safer and more economical.

Yetta has flipped her car once this year, but with a little help and a roll of duct tape, she came right out to finish the feature race. Because there are very few female Mini-Cup drivers, Yetta has faced problems both on and off the track. Due to her tendency to win races, a few male egos have been bruised and other drivers have failed to recognize her for her abilities. When asked how he feels about Yetta's track record, Chamberlin stated "This isn't something you give to her, she works for it!"

So far this year, Yetta hasn't picked up any sponsors. However, with the proven track record she has established, Yetta hopes to pick up one before next spring. Whoever it is, they can be sure they are signing up with a winning team.