Thursday starts what is considered by many to be the most important weekend of the year in USAC racing. The AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series kicks it off with the 42nd "Tony Hulman Classic" at the Terre Haute Action Track.
Bobby East picked up his first Sprint Car win of the year on Friday at Bloomington Speedway in the "Larry Rice Classic," and it also served as his first top-ten on the young season. The veteran has acclimated himself quite well to the dirt Sprint Cars over the past few seasons and was looking at Bloomington to turn around what had been a tough start to the season.
Hoosier Hundred"We made quite a few changes to our program in the last few weeks, and it's really gotten things going. Growing up as a kid watching Larry Rice on television and everything, it's pretty cool to win this race. I've got to thank Scott (Benic) and the guys and all our sponsors for getting things turned around. This is a big win for us," East said after his win.
East will look to make it two in a row on Thursday. Chris Windom of Canton, Illinois will be back to defend his from last year's "Hulman Classic." He and the Baldwin Brothers Racing #5 swept both USAC Sprint Car races at "The Action Track" last season. Jon Stanbrough remains the series point leader after finishing sixth on Friday.
Spectator gates open at 4:00, with cars hitting the track at 6:00. Infield tickets are $15, while grandstand tickets will cost $25. UMP Modifieds are also on the card. For more information, check out TerreHauteActionTrack.net.
On Friday, the Traxxas Silver Crown cars take to the mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the 59th "Hoosier Hundred." Bobby Santos won the series opener on Saturday in the "USAC Hall of Fame Classic" at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
Santos gives RW/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports the early Owner's point lead and now hands the reins to teammate Bryan Clauson, as he plans to wheel the #17 car on Friday, less than two days before he takes to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for his first Indy 500.
This year's race will feature a re-draw for the first six qualifiers to line up the 100-mile race, which will be run without a stop. Qualifiers will also get one lap during Time Trials. The race will also include double-file restarts throughout the race.
Jerry Coons, Jr. will be back to defend his win from last year, as he and Clauson will attempt to make it three wins in a row for RW Motorsports, dating back to Shane Hmiel's win in 2010. Hmiel is expected to be in attendance with his Midget team's driver Levi Jones, who has won back-to-back Silver Crown championships. Jones is still chasing his first win on a mile, however, as he finished second in all four dirt Silver Crown races last season.
Gates open at 3:00 with racing at 7. Tickets are available by calling 217-764-3200 or at the box office on race day. Modifieds are also on the card for the evening, with former Silver Crown champion Ken Schrader in the field.
The weekend ends for USAC National racing with the 67th "Night Before the 500" Mopar Midget event at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. Another stout field is expected for one of the crown jewel events in all of midget racing.
Defending race winner Darren Hagen of Riverside, California comes into this year's event as the point leader, still looking for his first National championship. His lead is just three points over Bobby East, who counts the .686-mile oval as his home track where he has been victorious many times.
The 50-lap Main Event will cap an evening that also includes other "Road to Indy" divisions, the F2000 Series and the Star Mazda Series. Practice for the Midgets starts at 2:00. Racing will begin with Midget Heat Races around 6:00, with the Main Event tentatively slated for 9:30.
- Admin Account on May 23, 2012
- Article Date: 5/23/2012