Bloomington, Indiana -- Friday night’s racing program at Bloomington Speedway pays tribute to a long time sprint car veteran, perhaps the epitome of the underfunded racer. At the same time, the Leon Gentry Classic also recognizes one of the most prolific area racing families in the last half century. Four classes will be in action on the oval, featuring the 410 non-wing sprint cars, the winged 305 RaceSaver IMCA sprint cars, Bloomington’s modifieds and UMRA TQs.
Leon Gentry began a 48-year career with a win in his very first event, a heat race at Twilight Speedway in Hopkins, KY, in 1962. Racing out of his hometown Henderson, KY, he frequently drove cars owned by his brother, Gene, while racing regularly at local ovals in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. He competed frequently with USAC when they were in the area, until his retirement in 2011.
Leon is no stranger to Bloomington Speedway, having taken the green flag here many times, and as many fans know, his family has been just as involved. Racing on limited budgets, they seldom had top equipment, or truckloads of spare parts and new tires. Still, racing is in their blood and there have been as many as six Gentry’s campaigning sprint cars in recent years, including Leon, Donnie, Aric, Kenny, Tracy and Tim.
With the thought of the little guy, the underfunded racers who trailer to dirt tracks every weekend, there will be a number of extra awards presented at the end of the night. This includes both products and cash, including several tires, as well as a front axle contributed by DRC.
It promises to be a special night of racing action. One of the most affordable venues in southern Indiana, Friday’s ticket prices are just $15 for General Admission and kids 12 and under are admitted free with an adult general admission. Pit passes are $30. The General Admission gate opens at 5:30, pit gate at 4:30, hot laps start at 6:30 and racing at 7:30.
Bloomington Speedway is located south of Bloomington, Indiana, at 5185 S. Fairfax Rd. We can be contacted by phone 812-824-7400, email at bloomingtonspeed@bluemarble.net, and the Bloomington Speedway page on Facebook.
- Mike O'Leary on Aug 14, 2017
- Article Date: 8/13/2017