LINCOLN, CALIF. (December 1, 2010) – Tony Hunt continued his climb into the USAC record books by wrapping up his sixth career United States Auto Club championship on Thursday at the Turkey Night Grand Prix in Irwindale.
Hunt won the 2010 USAC Western Sprint Car Series championship driving the Metal Works #56.
Hunt qualified the Mike Phulps owned, eBay Motors, Schwanke spec engine powered car to a time of 16.392 seconds on the half-mile pavement oval. The time was good enough for fourth quick.
Racing against a field of 26 cars in the prestigious 70th running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix, Hunt only needed a respectable finish to seal the series championship over rookie Luis Ramos III.
But Hunt was not one to settle and he ran a very aggressive race, chasing down brothers (and former series champions) Tanner and Kody Swanson and engaging in a strong challenge for the race win.
Passing teammate Bobby East on the final lap, Hunt crossed the line second in the 40 lap contest to win the championship by 58 points over Ramos.
At this point in Hunt’s storied career, he has accumulated 51 feature victories to go along with six championships.
“I have to thank all of my marketing partners for making this championship possible but especially Mike Phulps and Metal Works,” Hunt said. “I’m very proud to have won this championship with the Schwanke Spec Engine and also to have had eBay Motors on board for the final race of the campaign.”
Hunt will turn his attention in 2011 to the new USAC Western Classic Racing Series. The series is slated to include both dirt and asphalt races in Northern California.
The USAC Western Pavement Sprint Car Series will also continue in 2011 and Hunt will be looking to defend his title against a strong contingent of both Northern California and Idaho-based entrants.
Race fans can learn more about Tony Hunt by logging onto www.tonyhunt.com
Tony Hunt Motorsports Marketing partners include the following: MW Metal Works, Thompson’s Toyota, eBay Motors, Paul Oil, Redline Oil, Earl's, Intercomp, GoPro, Hoosier, MPD, Justice Brothers, Racing Electronics, Eibach Springs, Wilwood, Simpson, JB Racing Products, Mr. Espresso, Lajoie of Seating, K&N Filters, Hunt's Race World, Carmichael Auto Service, Mettec, Outlaw Graphics, Permatex, Gold's Gym of Lincoln, Meguiar's, Oakley, Scribner Plastics., Fuel Safe, and Blakesley Sports Media.
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- Steven Blakesley on Dec 01, 2010
- Article Date: 12/1/2010