Airborne Speedway has merged its two 4-cylinder racing divisions into one for the 2012 season and is counting on a highly competitive season that produces a new, first-time, Busch Mini Modified track champion.

The Mini Modified throne has been vacated by 2011 champion Speedy Bresette of Plattsburgh, who is moving up to the Adirondack Water Sportsman Modified division.

This year, the Mini Modified car count is on the rise because of new teams forming and the inclusion of the former Bomber class. Johnmichael Bresette of Ausable Forks, the 2011 Bomber champion, will also compete as a Sportsman Modified this season.

“How things are going in your most affordable division is an indicator of how you’re doing overall,” promoter Mike Perrotte said. “The four-cylinder teams have a passion for the sport and put people in the stands. Many of our top drivers started out in an entry-level division. It will be a real accomplishment for whoever comes out on top this year.”

The Mini Modified weekly car count averaged 23 cars last season. With the addition of the former Bombers and new teams, that number will likely surpass 35 cars on opening day Sunday, April 29.

“We’ve had a long and valuable association with Airborne and we’re glad to support the Busch Mini Modifieds,” Plattsburgh Distributing President Jack Fisher said. “It should be quite a year for them.”

Erick Sayles of Lake Placid, the 2011 Mini Modified runner-up, has his eye on the 2012 title. “I know Kris Clark, Josh LeClaire and others are thinking the same thing,” he said. “But I’ve put a lot of time and money into the car and I hope to be the one.”

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