59th Bettenhausen 100 USAC Silver Crown Sun, Oct 18 @ IL State Fairgrounds

The USAC Silver Crown Series is set for the Bettenhausen 100 at the Springfield Mile on Sunday, October 18, 2020. More details below...

Date:
Sunday, October 18, 2020

Divisions:
USAC Silver Crown Series

Times:
8:00am Pit gates open
11:00am Grandstands/ticket office open
12:00pm USAC Silver Crown Practice
1:15pm USAC Silver Crown Qualifying
2:15pm Last Chance Race
3:00pm USAC Bettenhausen 100 Feature

Pricing:
Advance Sale Grandstand Tickets $25
Day Of Grandstand Tickets $30
Kids 11 & Under Grandstand $10

Tickets available at https://market.myracepass.com/store/?store=17617

Pits:
$40

For more information, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ee&oe=5F90ECBE

Here is the Facebook event for the race https://www.facebook.com/events/602831307078715

Tickets are still available for both events at the Springfield Mile in October. It is highly recommended that you order tickets in advance to help save a couple bucks as well as time at the gate on raceday.

We have received official word from state health officials that events will be pits and grandstands only, as the infield will not be used for viewing, much like the flat track motorcycle races. Sorry for the inconvenience. We definitely tried!

To purchase your tickets, go to: https://market.myracepass.com/store/?store=17617

For detailed info on events, visit www.trackenterprises.com

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...0d&oe=5F9DAC39

https://www.facebook.com/TrackEnterp...61488961471470

https://www.facebook.com/usacracing/...72601877448130

KYLE LARSON RETURNS FOR SUNDAY’S BETTENHAUSEN 100 AT SPRINGFIELD

Springfield, Illinois (October 12, 2020)………Kyle Larson will return to USAC Silver Crown competition this Sunday afternoon, October 18, aboard the Sean Michael Motorsports No. 19 for the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear on the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Larson (Elk Grove, Calif.) has been the toast of the dirt track world in 2020, posting 41 feature event wins across several platforms this season in midgets, sprint cars, late models and in the USAC Silver Crown Champ Car Series where he was victorious in the Hoosier Hundred on August 23 on the one-mile dirt oval at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

In that race, which marked Larson’s first USAC Silver Crown appearance in eight seasons, it’s not often that a driver can win the pole and also start from the back, charge to the front and win all in the same race. Yet, Larson was able to pull off the remarkable feat after he and his team opted to change the right rear tire following qualifying on his JVI Group – Heffner Racing Enterprises – Blazer’s Body Shop/Maxim/Kistler Chevy, accepting the penalty that came along with it, which sent him all the way back to the 22nd starting spot for the 100-lap main event.

Larson led a total of 37 laps in the Hoosier Hundred, including the final 32, to win the event in his only Silver Crown start of the 2020 season thus far. In total, Larson’s seven USAC starts in 2020 have produced five wins and two 2nd place finishes, with four of those victories coming with the NOS Energy Drink National Midgets during Indiana Midget Week, of which he was also the champion of this year.

Larson’s lone previous Bettenhausen 100 start came during the 2011 season at Springfield where he started 6th and finished 4th, piloting the Keith Kunz Motorsports #71. In 10 career Silver Crown starts, Larson has won three and been the fastest qualifier on four occasions.

The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will feature the USAC Silver Crown Series in the 59th edition of the event. Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.

STAT BOOK: USAC SILVER CROWN – SPRINGFIELD EDITION

By: Richie Murray – USAC Media

Springfield, Illinois (October 12, 2020)………One last shot for USAC Silver Crown Champ Car Series glory lies ahead for competitors this Sunday afternoon, October 18, for the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear at the Illinois State Fairgrounds’ one-mile dirt oval.

Four races are in the books and just one remains for the series. It has been awhile since the series has last seen action, back on Aug. 23. So, here, we’re keeping you updated in the loop on who have been some of the forces throughout the series’ 50th season thus far.

Four different winners in four races have emerged with Shane Cottle (Kansas, Ill.), Kyle Larson (Elk Grove, Calif.), Kody Swanson (Kingsburg, Calif.) and Tanner Swanson (Kingsburg, Calif.) each capturing victories this season.

Justin Grant (Ione, Calif.) is the only driver to finish inside the top-ten in three of the four races, and by virtue, leads the standings by 22 points entering Sunday’s 100-lap race at Springfield. His Hemelgarn Racing team also leads the entrant standings by the same margin as both seek their first USAC championships.

Grant is also one of just four drivers to have multiple top-five finishes through four starts along with C.J. Leary (Greenfield, Ind.), Aaron Pierce (Muncie, Ind.) and Bobby Santos (Franklin, Mass.).

Leary (Greenfield, Ind.) has led a whopping 120 laps in two appearances, both on the dirt, where he finished second at both Pennsylvania’s Selinsgrove Speedway and the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Kody Swanson leads all drivers with two poles and is one of seven to start all four Silver Crown main events in 2020, as has Matt Goodnight (Winchester, Ind.), leading series Rookie Bryan Gossel (Fort Collins, Colo.), Grant, Mike Haggenbottom (Levittown, Pa.), Kyle Robbins (New Castle, Ind.) and Chris Windom (Canton, Ill.).

Speaking of starts, Russ Gamester (Peru, Ind.) and Pierce are each on the brink of a Silver Crown milestone. At August’s Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Gamester made his 199th career start (2nd all-time) while Pierce made his 99th (20th all-time).

The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will feature the USAC Silver Crown Series in the 59th edition of the event. Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.



2020 USAC SILVER CROWN STAT LEADERS:

Most Wins: 1-Shane Cottle, Kyle Larson, Kody Swanson & Tanner Swanson

Driver Point Leader: Justin Grant

Owner Point Leader: Hemelgarn Racing #91

Top Rookie in Points: Bryan Gossel

Most Laps Led: 120-C.J. Leary

Most Top-Fives: 2-Justin Grant, C.J. Leary, Aaron Pierce & Bobby Santos

Most Top-Tens: 3-Justin Grant

Most Fast Qualifying Times: 2-Kody Swanson

Most Feature Starts: 4-Matt Goodnight, Bryan Gossel, Justin Grant, Mike Haggenbottom, Kyle Robbins, Kody Swanson & Chris Windom

Biggest Charger of the Year: Shane Cottle (23rd to 1st) on Aug 9 at Selinsgrove Speedway



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USAC STAT BOOK: SILVER CROWN

2020 USAC SILVER CROWN SCHEDULE & RESULTS

Aug 9: (D) Selinsgrove, PA – Selinsgrove Speedway

WINNER: Shane Cottle (Curtis Williams #81)

Aug 15: (P) Salem, IN - Salem Speedway

WINNER: Kody Swanson (Nolen Racing #20)

Aug 21: (P) Brownsburg, IN – Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis

WINNER: Tanner Swanson (Bowman Racing #02)

Aug 23: (D) Indianapolis, IN – Indiana State Fairgrounds

WINNER: Kyle Larson (Sean Michael #19)

Oct 18: (D#) Springfield, IL – Illinois State Fairgrounds

------------------------ KEY DEFINITIONS -------------------------

(D) represents a dirt event

(P) represents a pavement event

# represents a daytime event

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2020 USAC SILVER CROWN DRIVER POINT STANDINGS (TOP-10)

1. 199-Justin Grant (Ione, CA)

2. 177-Kody Swanson (Kingsburg, CA)

3. 167-Kyle Robbins (New Castle, IN)

4. 167-Matt Goodnight (Winchester, IN)

5. 166-Chris Windom (Canton, IL)

6. 163-Shane Cottle (Kansas, IL)

7. 151-Aaron Pierce (Muncie, IN)

8. 149-Mike Haggenbottom (Levittown, PA)

9. 143-C.J. Leary (Greenfield, IN)

10. 136-®Bryan Gossel (Fort Collins, CO)

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2020 USAC SILVER CROWN OWNER POINT STANDINGS (TOP-10)

1. 199-Hemelgarn Racing #91 (LaSalle, MI)

2. 177-Nolen Racing #20 (Greenwood, IN)

3. 171-Klatt Enterprises #6 (Hastings, NE)

4. 167-Goodnight Racing #39 (Hartford City, IN)

5. 167-KR Racing #7 (Greenfield, IN)

6. 166-Goodnight Racing #39 (Hartford City, IN)

7. 163-Curtis Williams #81 (Springfield, OH)

8. 151-Sam Pierce #26 (Daleville, IN)

9. 149-John Haggenbottom #24 (Bristol, PA)

10. 143-Leary Racing #30 (Greenfield, IN)

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2020 USAC SILVER CROWN ROOKIE DRIVER POINT STANDINGS (TOP-10)

1. 136-Bryan Gossel (Fort Collins, CO)

2. 107-Logan Seavey (Sutter, CA)

3. 101-Kyle Cummins (Princeton, IN)

4. 84-Jake Swanson (Anaheim, CA)

5. 77-Kyle O’Gara (Beech Grove, IN)

6. 74-Ronnie Wuerdeman (Cincinnati, OH)

7. 71-Carmen Perigo (Stoystown, PA)

8. 60-Casey Buckman (Chandler, AZ)

9. 56-Chad Kemenah (Alvada, OH)

10. 21-Jake Simmons (New Palestine, IN)

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RACE WINS:

1-Shane Cottle (Aug 9 at Selinsgrove Speedway)

1-Kyle Larson (Aug 23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds)

1-Kody Swanson (Aug 15 at Salem Speedway)

1-Tanner Swanson (Aug 23 at Lucas Oil Raceway)

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LAPS LED:

120-C.J. Leary

66-Kody Swanson

60-Tanner Swanson

49-Bobby Santos

37-Kyle Larson

15-Tyler Courtney

2-Shane Cottle

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TOP-FIVE FINISHES:

2-Justin Grant, C.J. Leary, Aaron Pierce & Bobby Santos

1-Derek Bischak, Shane (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)rum Shane Cottle, Bryan Gossel, Kyle Hamilton, Kyle Larson, Carmen Perigo, Kyle Robbins, Logan Seavey, Kody Swanson, Tanner Swanson & Chris Windom

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TOP-TEN FINISHES:

3-Justin Grant

2-Shane (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)rum, Shane Cottle, Kyle Cummins, Matt Goodnight, C.J. Leary, Aaron Pierce, Kyle Robbins, Bobby Santos, Logan Seavey, Kody Swanson & Chris Windom

1-Brady Bacon, Derek Bischak, Russ Gamester, Eric Gordon, Bryan Gossel, Mike Haggenbottom, Kyle Hamilton, Kyle Larson, Patrick Lawson, Joe Liguori, Austin Nemire, Kyle O’Gara, Carmen Perigo, Jake Swanson & Tanner Swanson

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FEATURE STARTS:

4-Matt Goodnight, Bryan Gossel, Justin Grant, Mike Haggenbottom, Kyle Robbins, Kody Swanson & Chris Windom

3-Dave Berkheimer, David Byrne, Shane Cottle, John Heydenreich, Patrick Lawson, Austin Nemire, Aaron Pierce & Travis Welpott

2-Brady Bacon, Derek Bischak, Casey Buckman, Shane (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)rum, Kyle Cummins, Russ Gamester, Eric Gordon, Kyle Hamilton, Chad Kemenah, C.J. Leary, Kyle O’Gara, Carmen Perigo, Bobby Santos, Logan Seavey, Jake Swanson, Kevin Thomas Jr., Matt Westfall & Ronnie Wuerdeman

1-Jim Anderson, Terry Babb, Toni Breidinger, Tyler Courtney, Brian Gerster, Kyle Larson, Jimmy Light, Joe Liguori, Austin Mundie, Jake Simmons, Tanner Swanson, Chris Urish & Brent Yarnal

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FATHEADZ EYEWEAR FAST QUALIFYING TIMES:

2-Kody Swanson

1-Kyle Larson & C.J. Leary

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TOP “ROOKIE” FINISHER OF THE RACE:

Aug 9: Selinsgrove Speedway – Bryan Gossel (4th)

Aug 15: Salem Speedway – Kyle O’Gara (7th)

Aug 21: Lucas Oil Raceway – Kyle O’Gara (19th)

Aug 23: Indiana State Fairgrounds – Logan Seavey (3rd)

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KSE RACING PRODUCTS “HARD CHARGER” OF THE RACE:

Aug 9: Shane Cottle – Selinsgrove Speedway (23rd to 1st)

Aug 15: Austin Nemire – Salem Speedway (15th to 6th)

Aug 21: Lucas Oil Raceway – Patrick Lawson (21st to 7th)

Aug 23: Indiana State Fairgrounds – Kyle Larson (22nd to 1st)

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WILWOOD BRAKES 13TH PLACE FINISHER:

Aug 9: Ronnie Wuerdeman – Selinsgrove Speedway

Aug 15: Kyle Hamilton – Salem Speedway

Aug 21: Lucas Oil Raceway – Matt Goodnight

Aug 23: Indiana State Fairgrounds – Ronnie Wuerdeman

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QUALIFYING RACE WINS:

1-Aaron Pierce

ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN STATS



ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE WINS:

1. [30 wins] Kody Swanson

2. [23 wins] Jack Hewitt

3. [17 wins] Brian Tyler

4. [16 wins] Dave Steele

5. [15 wins] J.J. Yeley

6. [14 wins] Dave Darland & Chuck Gurney

8. [12 wins] Jimmy Sills

9. [11 wins] Bobby East

10. [10 wins] Gary Bettenhausen, Mike Bliss & Bobby Santos

13. [9 wins] Tracy Hines

14. [8 wins] Tanner Swanson & Chris Windom

16. [7 wins] Jerry Coons Jr., Rick Hood & George Snider

19. [6 wins] Tom Bigelow, Russ Gamester, Kenny Irwin Jr., Jason Leffler, Ken Schrader & Al Unser

25. [5 wins] Mario Andretti, Donnie Beechler, Pancho Carter, Jay Drake, Tony Elliott, Bud Kaeding, Sheldon Kinser & Larry Rice

33. [4 wins] Jeff Swindell & Rich Vogler

35. [3 wins] Steve Butler, Shane (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)rum, Cameron Dodson, A.J. Fike, Levi Jones, Kasey Kahne, Jim Keeker, Steve Kinser, Kyle Larson, Bobby Olivero, Johnny Parsons, Aaron Pierce, Ron Shuman, Tony Stewart, Tyler Walker & Paul White

51. [2 wins] Pat Abold, Brady Bacon, Steve Chassey, Bryan Clauson, Shane Cottle, Tyler Courtney, Larry (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)son, Billy Engelhart, A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, Justin Grant, C.J. Leary, Ryan Newman, Joe Saldana, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Cole Whitt, Josh Wise & Doug Wolfgang

69. [1 win] Teddy Beach, Christopher Bell, Jeff Bloom, David Byrne, Marvin Carman, Shane Carson, Bob Cicconi, Herb Copeland, Bruce Field, Aaron Fike, Chet Fillip, Bob Frey, Eric Gordon, Kyle Hamilton, John Heydenreich, Gary Hieber, Shane Hmiel, Shane Hollingsworth, Jimmy Horton, Jackie Howerton, Kevin Huntley, Kenny Jacobs, Bubby Jones, Keith Kauffman, Jimmy Kite, Chuck Leary, Eddie Leavitt, Jason McCord, Jim McElreath, Lealand McSpadden, Mat Neely, Brad Noffsinger, Stevie Reeves, Wayne Reutimann Jr., Danny Smith, Kevin Thomas, Rich Tobias Jr., Chris Urish, Billy Vukovich & Jacob Wilson

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ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN DRIVER CHAMPIONS:

1971: George Snider, 1972: A.J. Foyt, 1973: Al Unser, 1974: Mario Andretti, 1975: Jimmy Caruthers, 1976: Billy Cassella, 1977: Larry Rice, 1978: Pancho Carter, 1979: Bobby Olivero, 1980: Gary Bettenhausen, 1981: Larry Rice, 1982: Ken Schrader, 1983: Gary Bettenhausen, 1984: Dave Blaney, 1985: Rick Hood, 1986: Jack Hewitt, 1987: Jack Hewitt, 1988: Steve Butler, 1989: Chuck Gurney, 1990: Jimmy Sills, 1991: Jeff Gordon, 1992: Steve Butler, 1993: Mike Bliss, 1994: Jimmy Sills, 1995: Tony Stewart, 1996: Jimmy Sills, 1997: Dave Darland, 1998: Jason Leffler, 1999: Ryan Newman, 2000: Tracy Hines, 2001: Paul White, 2002: J.J. Yeley, 2003: J.J. Yeley, 2004: Dave Steele, 2005: Dave Steele, 2006: Bud Kaeding, 2007: Bud Kaeding, 2008: Jerry Coons Jr., 2009: Bud Kaeding, 2010: Levi Jones, 2011: Levi Jones, 2012: Bobby East, 2013: Bobby East, 2014: Kody Swanson, 2015: Kody Swanson, 2016: Chris Windom, 2017: Kody Swanson, 2018: Kody Swanson, 2019: Kody Swanson

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ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN OWNER CHAMPIONS:

1971: Leader Card, 1972: A.J. Foyt Enterprises, 1973: Vel’s Parnelli Jones, 1974: Vel’s Parnelli Jones, 1975: Pizza Hut of St. Louis, 1976: Louis Seymour & Sons, 1977: David LeFevre, 1978: Johnny Capels, 1979: Leader Cards, 1980: Delrose-Holt Racing, 1981: Aristocrat Products, 1982: Steve Enslow, 1983: Delrose-Holt Racing, 1984: Radio Hospital, 1985: Damon Fortune, 1986: Bob Hampshire, 1987: Bob Hampshire, 1988: Kenneth Jarrett Farms, 1989: Transportation Computer Systems, 1990: Bob Consani, 1991: M & L Plumbing, 1992: Kenneth Jarrett Farms, 1993: Del McClure, 1994: Gary Stanton, 1995: Niebel Engines, 1996: Stanton Racing, 1997: Foxco, Inc., 1998: Goetz Racing, 1999: Snider/Foyt Racing, 2000: Indiana Underground Construction, 2001: Paul Cook Racing, 2002: East/Stewart Racing, 2003: East/Stewart Racing, 2004: East/Stewart Racing, 2005: East/Stewart Racing, 2006: Leffler/BK Racing, 2007: BK Racing, 2008: RW Motorsports, 2009: BK Motorsports, 2010: Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, 2011: Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, 2012: RW Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian Racing, 2013: Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, 2014: DePalma Motorsports, 2015: DePalma Motorsports, 2016: DePalma Motorsports, 2017: DePalma Motorsports, 2018: DePalma Motorsports, 2019: Klatt Enterprises

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ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN ROOKIES OF THE YEAR:

1981: Jack Hewitt, 1982: Keith Kauffman, 1983: Rick Hood, 1984: Dave Blaney, 1985: Steve Butler, 1986: Kenny Jacobs, 1987: Jeff Swindell, 1988: Gene Lee Gibson, 1989: Jimmy Sills, 1990: Eric Gordon, 1991: Stevie Reeves, 1992: Jim Keeker, 1993: Randy Tolsma, 1994: Kenny Irwin Jr., 1995: Chuck Leary: 1996: Ryan Newman, 1997: Jimmy Kite, 1998: Todd Kane, 1999: Paul White, 2000: Kasey Kahne, 2001: Aaron Fike, 2002: Matt Westfall, 2003: Ron Gregory, 2004: Aaron Pierce, 2005: Josh Wise, 2006: Mat Neely, 2007: Cameron Dodson, 2008: Steve Arpin, 2009: Kody Swanson, 2010: Bryan Clauson, 2011: Kyle Larson, 2012: Kyle Hamilton, 2013: Chris Windom, 2014: Caleb Armstrong, 2015: C.J. Leary, 2016: Casey Shuman, 2017: Joss Moffatt, 2018: Kyle Robbins, 2019: Derek Bischak

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ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN FAST QUALIFYING TIMES:

1. (31) Kody Swanson

2. (21) Jimmy Sills

3. (19) Dave Steele

4. (17) Tracy Hines

5. (14) Jerry Coons Jr.

6. (13) J.J. Yeley

7. (10) Bobby East

8. (9) Chuck Gurney, Jason Leffler & Rich Vogler

11. (8) Dave Darland, Russ Gamester, Levi Jones & Johnny Parsons

15. (7) Jack Hewitt, Tanner Swanson & Josh Wise

18. (6) Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Bigelow & Steve Chassey

21. (5) Larry (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)son, Justin Grant, Kenny Irwin Jr., Aaron Pierce, Larry Rice, Jeff Swindell & Al Unser

28. (4) Donnie Beechler, Steve Butler, Bryan Clauson, Jay Drake, Tony Elliott, Rick Hood, Jim Keeker, Kyle Larson, Brad Noffsinger, Joe Saldana, Ron Shuman, George Snider, Brian Tyler & Greg Weld

42. (3) Mario Andretti, Mike Bliss, Pancho Carter, Shane Cottle, Tyler Courtney, Robby Flock, Shane Hmiel, Sheldon Kinser, Ryan Newman, Bobby Santos & Ken Schrader

53. (2) Dave Blaney, Ed Carpenter, Dane Carter, A.J. Fike, Shane Hollingsworth, Bud Kaeding, Lee Kunzman, C.J. Leary, Chuck Leary, Jon Stanbrough, Brad Sweet, Kevin Thomas Jr., Tyler Walker, Jacob Wilson & Chris Windom

68. (1) Mark Alderson, Brady, Bacon, Teddy Beach, Christopher Bell, Bob Cicconi, Derek Davidson, Cameron Dodson, Pablo Donoso, Thad Dosher, Paul Durant, Billy Engelhart, Bob Ewell, Chet Fillip, Stan Fox, Damion Gardner, GeneJ Lee Gibson, Eric Gordon, Jeff Gordon, Davey Hamilton, Jac Haudenschild, John Heydenreich, Gary Hieber, Tray House, Jackie Howerton, Kenny Jacobs, Jon Johnson, Bubby Jones, P.J. Jones, Kasey Kahne, Keith Kauffman, Steve Kent, Steve Kinser, Arnie Knepper, Michael Lewis, Lealand McSpadden, Warren Mockler, Mat Neely, Paul Pitzer, Roger Rager, Wayne Reutimann Jr., Bill Rose, Randy Tolsma, Billy Vukovich, Bruce Walkup & Doug Wolfgang

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ALL-TIME USAC SILVER CROWN STARTS:

201-Dave Darland

199-Russ Gamester

198-Brian Tyler

176-Jerry Coons Jr.

172-Tracy Hines

163-Jack Hewitt

151-Johnny Parsons

147-Tony Elliott

141-Eric Gordon

128-George Snider

125-Gary Hieber

114-Chuck Gurney

113-Bud Kaeding & Jimmy Sills

111-Dave Steele

110-John Heydenreich

107-Kody Swanson

103-A.J. Fike

100-Larry Rice

99-Aaron Pierce

94-Jay Drake & Paul White

91-J.J. Yeley

90-Tom Bigelow

88-Mark Alderson

84-Jason McCord

83-Gary Bettenhausen

79-Donnie Beechler & Levi Jones

77-Rich Vogler

76-Larry (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)son

74-Steve Chassey

73-Ryan Newman, Rich Tobias Jr. & Chris Windom

72-Bobby East

71-Robby Flock, Sheldon Kinser

70-Steve Butler

68-Billy Engelhart

67-Joe Saldana

66-Brad Noffsinger

65-Jerry Nemire

62-David Byrne & Ron Shuman

60-Randy Bateman & Wally Pankratz

59-Bill Rose

58-Rick Hood

57-Bobby Santos

56-Shane Cottle

55-Gary Irvin

54-Tom Capie, & Shane Hollingsworth

53-Chet Fillip, Jason Leffler & Jacob Wilson

52-Justin Grant & Wayne Reutimann Jr.

49-Tony Stewart

48-Mike Bliss

47-Bob Cicconi & Ken Schrader

46-Jim Keeker & Bentley Warren

45-Derek Davidson, Austin Nemire, Jeff Swindell & Billy Vukovich

43-Kenny Irwin Jr. & Tyler Walker

42-Jon Stanbrough

41-Dane Carter, Patrick Lawson, Danny Milburn & Tanner Swanson

40-Shane (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)rum, Aaron Fike, Andy Hillenburg, Warren Mockler & Chip Thomas

39-Tray House & Jim McElreath

38-Bobby Olivero

37-Pancho Carter, Duke Cook, Todd Kane, Chuck Leary, Rusty McClure, Billy Puterbaugh Jr., Roger Rager & Chris Urish

36-Ed Carpenter, Ron Dunstan, C.J. Leary

34-Ronnie Burke, Davey Hamilton, Kevin Huntley, Greg Staab & Kevin Thomas

33-Cary Faas, Jimmy Kite & Josh Wise

32-Brent Kaeding

31-Steve Cannon, Matt Goodnight, Ron Gregory, Arnie Knepper, Jim Mahoney, Mat Neely & Stevie Reeves

30-Tim Barber, Teddy Beach, Jeff Bloom, Zach Daum, Stan Fox, Manny Rockhold, Jerry Russell & Matt Westfall

29-Rocky Hodges & Michael Lewis

28-Dave Blaney & Bill Puterbaugh

27-Brad Armstrong, Brady Bacon & Bryan Clauson

26-Steve Buckwalter & Dan Drinan

25-Terry Babb, Kasey Kahne, Joe Liguori & Nick Lundgreen

24-Pat Abold, Derek Hagar, Kenny Jacobs, Jerry Miller & Kyle Robbins

23-Cameron Dodson

22-Billy Cassella, Kevin Doty, Bob Frey, Mike Haggenbottom

21-Kyle Hamilton, Walt Kennedy & Davey Ray

20-Bill Baue, Dave Feese, John Starks & Randy Tolsma

19-Bruce Field, Brian Gerster, Gene Lee Gibson, Shane Hmiel, Jimmy McCune & Lealand McSpadden

18-Rollie Beale, Jackie Burke, Mike Murgoitio, Casey Shuman, Al Unser & Jonathan Vennard

17-Jimmy Caruthers, A.J. Foyt, Sammy Sessions & Kramer Williamson

16-Tyler Courtney, Pablo Donoso & Travis Welpott

15-Paul Clark, P.J. Jones, Kevin Thomas Jr. & Bruce Walkup

14-Jarett Andretti, Billy Boat, Carl Edwards, Chris Fetter, Jeff Gordon, Bubby Jones, Keith Kauffman, Ralph Liguori, Boston Reid, Danny Smith, Smokey Snellbaker, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Jerry Weeks

13-Robert Ballou, Patrick Bruns, Tyce Carlson, Dana Carter, Jim Childers, Jac Haudenschild, Jackie Howerton, Jon Johnson, Greg Leffler, Andy Michner, Brian Paulus, Billy Wease, Rodney Weesner & Bud Wilmot

12-Dave Berkheimer, Brad Fox, Mike Gregg, Mike Hess, Billy Pauch, Ricky Shelton & Bill Tyler

11-Mario Andretti, J.C. Bland, Justin Carver, Hud Cone, Craig Dori, Taylor Ferns, (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)ie Gaines, David Gough, Steve Kinser, Cory Kruseman, Lee Kunzman, James McElreath, Bobby McMahan, Joey Moughan, Rex Norris III, Mike Peters, Tad Roach, Greg Weld, Greg Wilson

10-Derek Bischak, Ronnie Day, Gary Gray, Richard Griffin, Coleman Gulick, Bob Harkey, Terry James, Page Jones, Terry Kawell, Kyle Larson, Jim Moughan, Kenneth Nichols, Terry Pletch, Jack Runyon, Robert Smith & Robbie Stanley

9-Bobby Adkins, Chuck Amati, Caleb Armstrong, Toni Breidinger, Karl Busson, Bob Evans, Bryn Gohn, Wayne Hammond, Jim Hurtubise, Rebel Jackson Jr., Chappy Knaack, Eddie Leavitt, Larry Martin, Joss Moffatt, Johnny Petrozelle, Paul Pitzer & Johnny Rutherford

8-Joe Axsom, Christopher Bell, Cole Carter, Mel Cornett, Chris Cumberworth, Doug Didero, Paul Durant, Ray Joe Fager, Larry Gates, Ken Hamilton, Darl Harrison, Roy Hicks, Rod Holshouser, Dakota Jackson, Mike Johnson, Frankie Kerr, Danny Long, Thiago Medeiros, Jan Opperman, Lee Osborne, Junior Parkinson, Greg Peterson, Aaron Pollock, Tracy Potter, Steve Siegel, Ryan Smith, Kyle Steffens, Sammy Swindell, Rick Treadway, Lennie Waldo, Carl Williams & Doug Wolfgang

7-John Andretti, Eric Butze, Rob Chaney, Lou Cicconi Jr., Chris Dyson, Bob East, Perry Ferrell, Nick Fornoro Jr., Joe Gaerte, Cody Gallogly, Damion Gardner, Cody Gerhardt, Brian Hayden, Jesse Hockett, Blake Hollingsworth, Tony Hunt, Paul Huntington, Paul Koch, Joe McCarthy, Austin Mundie, Michael Roselli Jr., Hunter Schuerenberg, Alex Shanks, Pete Shepherd III, Mark Smith, Mike Thomas, Billy Whitaker & Mitch Wissmiller

6-Justin Allgaier, Jim Anderson, Michael Annett, Mike Brooks, Bill Burks Jr., Kellen Conover, Palmer Crowell, Ryan Durst, Bob Ewell, Spike Gehlhausen, Kenny Gentry, Darren Hagen, Tom Hessert III, Larry Hoppes, John Hubbard, Marc Jessup, Doug Kalitta, Chad Kemenah, Kevin Koch, Bill Kojis, Mike Lichty, Jeff Mitrisin, Don Nordhorn, Brian Seidel, Jimmy Stinson, Jerry Stone & Mike Winblad

5-Sport Allen, Todd Beach, Barry Camp, Larry Cannon, Mark Cassella, Davey Hamilton Jr., Dallas Hewitt, John Hunt, Brad Kuhn, Rich Leavell, Donnie Lehmann, Mario Marietta, Brad Marvel, Mack McClellan, Kevin Olson, Steven Russell, Red Stauffer, Mike Stroehle, Neil Shepherd, Jake Simmons, Sleepy Tripp, Terry Uehling, Cole Whitt & Rip Williams

4-Tony Armstrong, Steve Arpin, John Batts Jr., Mike Brecht, Jimmy Brewer, David Bridges, Ray Bull, Keith Burch, Keith Butler, Shane Carson, Herb Copeland, Casey Diemert, Lee Dunn, Danny Ebberts, Murray Erickson, Ray Evans, Bryan Gossel, Scott Hansen, Don Hawley, Steve Kent, Dereck King, Steve Knepper, Mike Larrison, Jimmy Light, Mike Ling, Bobby Marcum, Von McGee, Wes Miller, David Mirk, Kyle O’Gara, Rodney Ritter Jr., Billy Shuman, Dean Shirley, Donny Schatz, Tim Siner, Billy Vukovich III, Clark Templeman, Kevin Whitesides, Leon Thickstun, Miranda Throckmorton & Ronnie Wuerdeman

3-Steve Adams, Johnny Anderson, Ed Angle, Robin Bank, Justin Barger, John Barrick, Kipp Beard, Doug Berryman, Merle Bettenhausen, Art Bisch Jr., Kevin Bloomstran, Annie Breidinger, Lee Brewer Jr., Rick Brown, Casey Buckman, Dave Burns, Gary Cameron II, Keith Campbell, Marv Carman, Roy Caruthers, Wayne Chinn, Bill Compton, Tim Cox, Erin Crocker, Troy DeCaire, Thad Dosher, Tommie Estes Jr., Dean Franklin, Jeff Gardner, Emmett Hahn, Darryl Haugh, Kelly Kinser, Lance Kobusch, Red Kunstbeck, Ricky Logan, Steve Long, Jim Malloy, Mike Martin, Zach Martini, Jason McDougal, Bob Meli, Larry Moore, Ryan Moore, Aaron Mosley, Mike Ordway, Gary Patterson, Gary Ponzini, Rusty Rasmussen, Wayne Reutimann, Robbie Rice, Travis Rilat, A.J. Russell, Zach Schiff, Frankie Schneider, Ryan Scott, Terry Shepherd, Ron Smoker, Chase Stockon, Kevin Studley, Brad Sweet, Buz Tapply, Cale Thomas, (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word) Tobias, Rick Ungar, Korey Weyant, Tony Weyant, George White, Jim Whiteside & Greg Wooley

2-Michael Adkins, Mike Andreeta, Tommy Astone, Todd Bammer, Randy Bauer, Dave Baumgartner, Dean Billings, Austin Blair, Dan Boorse, Ken Brewer, Shane Butler, Steve Carithers, Tim Clark, Jason Conn, Stan Constant, Johnny Coogan, Kyle Cummins, Frank D’Alonso, Daryl Daugherty, Tom Davies, James Davison, Greg DeCaires, Duke DeRosa, Scott Edmiston, Dean Erfurth, Jay Ervine, Mike Fedorcak, Billy Felts, A.J. Foyt IV, Stewart Friesen, Greg Furlong, Leon Gentry, Mike Gigot, Joe Gosek, Rick Goudy, Chuck Gurney Jr., Randy Hannagan, Scott Hatton, Jon Herb, Jordan Hermansader, Sparky Howard, Bill Hudson, Bruce Jennings, Jerry Karl, Kevin Kierce, Mike Lauterborn, Steve Lotshaw, Ed Lynch, Garry Lee Maier, Troy Matchen, Jay Maupin, Randy Mausteller, Van May, Roger McCluskey, Mike McCreary, Frank McDaniel, Lyn McIntosh, Dustin Morgan, Mike Mosley Jr., Larry Neighbors, John Nervo, Lynn Paxton, Carmen Perigo, Chris Phillips, Scott Pierovich, Troy Regier, Rick Salem, Joey Schmidt, Logan Seavey, Howie Sewell, David Shain, Rick Sipes, Jigger Sirois, Mark Sokola, Randy Standridge, Nelson Stewart, Rodney Stone, Rob Summers, Jake Swanson, Kevin Swindell, Al Thomas, Troy Thompson, Troy Vaccaro, Butch Wilkerson, Charlie Workman, Salt Walther, & Jack Ziegler

1-Bobby Allen, Taylor Andrews, Dakoda Armstrong, Jon Backlund, Tom Ball, Steve Barnett, Steve Barth, Jarid Blondel, Chad Boat, Ray Bragg, Jerry Bruce, Bob Brutto, Will Cagle, Daryl Campbell, Don Carr, Kent Christian, Drew Church, Henry Clarke, Troy Cline, Kevin Conway, Donnie Crawford, Wally Dallenbach, Bobby Davis Jr., Brad Davis, Charles Davis Jr., Bob Davison, Brian DeFord, Terry Doss, Brad Doty, Rodney Duncan, Jesse Dunham, Sondi Eden, Andrew Felker, Elvin Felty, Dan Ford, Michael Ford, Andy Forsberg, Jeff Forshee, Ronnie Franklin, Pete Frazier, Danny Frye Jr., Jeff Galas, Ronnie Gardner, Rickie Gaunt, Cheryl Glass, Gary Griffith, Brett Hearn, JoJo Helberg, Jim Hettinger, Nathan High, Larry Hillerud, Ted Hines, Jimmy Horton, Brian Hosford, Rick Howerton, Steve Irwin, Jim Jackson, Earnest Jennings, Rickey Jennings, Matt Jewell, Kraig Kinser, Dana Laliberte, Harold Leep, Jeff Leka, Ryan Litt, Ed Lynch Jr., Pepi Marchese, David McCreary, Dave McGough, Paul McMahan, Joe Melnick, Thomas Meseraull, Curt Michael, Jim Mills, Mark Monico, Mike Mosley, Jack Moulton Jr., Peter Murphy, Rick Muther, Fred Neighbors, Greg Nelson, Kevin Newton, Kyle Nicholas, Don O’Keefe, Jimmy Parsons, Billy Pauch Jr., Dave Peperak, Stan Ploski, Art Pollard, Jerry Potter, Richard Powell, Patrick Quinn, Ron Rae, Fred Rahmer, Robbie Ray, Byron Reed, David Reutimann, Jim Reynard, Randy Roberts, Joe Roush, John Ryals, Eddie Sachs Jr., Doug Saunier, Bill Schemonia, Shane Scully, Jon Sciscoe, Ron Semelka, Steve Sheppard Jr., Danny Shouse, Grant Simpson, Anthony Simone, Carl Smith, Steve Smith, Mike Spencer, Darren Spiers, Greg Stephens, Robert Stout, Charlie Swartz, Fred Tegarden Jr., Todd Thomas, Tanner Thorson, Bud Tingelstad, Eric Todd, Rick Tomasik, Eric Trousdale, LeRoy Van Conett, Kaylene Verville, Todd Wanless, Curt Waters, Jeff West, Brent Whited, Bryan Whited, Eddie Wirth, Kyle Wissmiller, Kent Wolters, Mike Woodring, Ken Woolley, Tiffany Wyzard & Brent Yarnal

DAVID GRAVEL SET FOR USAC SILVER CROWN DEBUT SUNDAY AT SPRINGFIELD

By: Richie Murray – USAC Media

Springfield, Illinois (October 12, 2020)………David Gravel, the 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner and a veteran of 57 wins and 601 starts with the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, will make his USAC Silver Crown debut this Sunday afternoon, October 18, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear.

Gravel (Watertown, Conn.) will compete in his first Silver Crown event this Sunday aboard the Swanson Encore Team No. 21, which has been a fixture on the Silver Crown dirt tracks over the past half-decade with Jeff Swindell as the driver.

For Gravel, this day was a long way coming, but the schedule worked out in his favor to allow him to jump at the chance to compete in the 100-mile dirt race.

“The team called me up one day and asked if I was interested,” Gravel recalled. “I told them I had to think about it and see what my plans were. They asked me to do a race earlier in the season and I couldn’t do it. I felt like toward the end of the year was a good time to give it a try. I know they have good equipment, and since I’m not committed to World of Outlaws points this year, it was a good opportunity to give it a try.”

What makes his entry for Sunday even more enticing is the fact that Gravel has yet to even sit in the seat of a Silver Crown car. His Silver Crown experience is confined to an appearance as a fan at the Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. But, from his standpoint, he has an impression of the cars and the style of racing that he will carry with him when he first hits the racetrack this Sunday.

“I know all the weight and fuel behind me is going to be a big thing, and having patience in that long of a race, managing your tires and all those things,” Gravel anticipates. “I’ll be curious to see how that all feels. Racing on a mile-long dirt track is going to be a little bit different too. I think I should be fine on the patience side and, obviously, just the feel with that big fuel load, it’s going to be interesting for sure.”

The stats are impressive. Gravel finished in the top-three of the World of Outlaws points in four consecutive seasons between 2016 and 2019. He’s won six times with the series in 2020, with 28 top-fives and 41 top-tens in 47 starts, and his 57 career wins ranks 16th on WoO’s all-time list. But his previous experience has not seen a ton of seat time in long-distance races of the 100-mile or more sort.

With that said, in limited opportunities, Gravel has been impressive in 200-mile paved races. He finished 12th in his ARCA Stock Car debut in February at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway. In his first NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series start at Michigan International Speedway in August, he finished 10th. Once again, he’ll be making his second career truck start this Saturday, October 17, at Kansas Speedway before jumping into a Silver Crown car on Sunday.

Gravel feels the long-distance race experience will only serve to aid him as he takes on a new challenge with the Silver Crown car, and at this point in time, he feels his maturity as a driver and his experience has him game for the Silver Crown challenge.

“I would think so, a little bit,” Gravel estimated when asked if his previous experience applies to Silver Crown racing. “I think 40 or 50 laps in a sprint car is pretty long, so it’s just going to be a little bit longer than that. I think I have the right mentality for it. At my age now, I’m definitely going to be a little bit smarter of a racer than I would’ve been in my early 20s.”

Gravel actually does have dirt track experience without the wing. He made two appearances in Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway’s weekly program in his own car during the 2009 season, and has also made annual appearances at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. His goals for Springfield are simple and straight to the point.

“I’d like to compete, but definitely want to finish the race first,” Gravel said. “Realistically, a top-ten would be good. Hopefully, we’ll be in the hunt for the win. Obviously, there are guys that are really good in a Silver Crown car. I’m just going to see how it all plays out, but I want to be in the mix. That’s what I’m looking for.”

The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will feature the USAC Silver Crown Series in the 59th edition of the event. Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.

REVISITING ENTRY LISTS OF SPRINGFIELD'S PAST

By: Jay Hardin – Track Enterprises Staff

October 12, 2020 (Springfield, Illinois)………The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear is less than a week away at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The staff at Track Enterprises took to the results vault and found a number of unusual entries for championship racing at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Some fans may remember, some may have been long forgotten. Here is a brief look at just a few of the unusual entries at Springfield.

Joel Thorne: Thorne was a wealthy playboy, and an heir to the Chase Manhattan Bank and Pullman railroad car fortunes. Thorne ran twice on the Springfield Mile, in 1936 he started 18th and finished 10th while a car he owned went to victory lane with Wilbur Shaw. In 1937 he missed the show in his own car, qualified another and ran 6th. He may be best known for trying to buy his way into the field at Indianapolis and at one time allegedly threatening to purchase the entire field.

Pietro Alberti: AKA Pete Alberts, he listed St. Louis as a hometown and drove big cars and sprint cars. Reportedly he got into some trouble during prohibition and used an alias. He was friends with Indy driver Jimmy Snyder and at times drove a midget for Cardinals third baseman John “Pepper” Martin. Alberti was fatally injured in 1939 in a Hisso car at the Mt. Vernon, Illinois fairground half mile.

Johnny Mantz: Mantz may be best known as a stock car driver, but he spent some time in championship machinery as well. Mantz made three starts on the Springfield Mile for friend and car owner J.C. Agajanian. All were top ten finishes. In August of 1948 he started 6th and finished 9th, in September of 1948 he finished 9th. Later that fall he would be involved in the fatal accident at Du Quoin that took the life of Ted Horn. Mantz came back in August of 1949 and recorded an 8th place finish. Mantz won the first Southern 500 at Darlington in 1950 and returned to the Midwest to become the first USAC Stock Car champ in 1956.

Ray Knepper: Knepper was part of the famous Knepper family out of Belleville, uncle to Arnie Knepper. Ray was a standout midget driver in the Midwest prior to and after World War II, trying championship machinery at the end of the 1940’s and into the early 50’s. He made two attempts at Springfield, missing the show in August of 1950 in Bill Schoof’s Bardahl Special. Ray came back in the same car for the October still date, qualified 16th and finished 7th in his only Springfield appearance. Ray is a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Potsy Goacher: Goacher ran sprint and midget cars all over the Midwest with a dream of getting to Indianapolis. Goacher picked up a ride in 1953 at Springfield with Lee Glessner and missed the show by 2 spots. In 1955 he came back with the Holyinski Special and missed the show by 1 spot. Goacher never made the 500, in fact he never made the field for a championship race. He continued after retiring as a driver playing music and running an auto repair shop. Members of the Goacher family have owned a sprint car for a number of years.

Curtis Turner: Yes, that Curtis Turner. Turner had many disputes with NASCAR and Bill France during his career. It looked like he might try something else in 1962 when Al Dean became short a driver. Clint Brawner decided to give Turner a shot in the Kuzma-Offy that August. Turner missed the show in the Dean car, never getting comfortable with an open (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)pit. He did get comfortable with the Springfield Mile. Curtis won the first Allen Crowe 100 in August of 1963 while on a NASCAR “vacation”.

Salt Walther: Father George was a long time car owner of roadsters, rear engine cars and dirt track machines. Son David “Salt” Walther was known to attempt racing just about any type of machine. He’d been involved in the Indy disaster of 1973 which led to even more questions about his ability to drive a race car. Salt attempted some dirt track racing as a way to show what he could do. In 1976 he stepped into the (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)pit of the beautiful Jack Rhoades machine and missed the show in his only Springfield attempt.

Steve Smith: the Legendary “Black Bandit” took a turn in the big cars driving a black car! Smith and fellow east coast show Lynn Paxton both missed the show as a huge field showed up for the 1977 Bettenhausen 100. Smith would go on to cement his status as a Pennsylvania sprint car legend and his son Stevie had a fine career as well.

Larry Moore: Moore is a dirt late model Hall of Fame driver. However, he began his racing career in dragsters and moved to cars he loved, sprint cars. Moore would race USAC and ARCA stock cars and a variety of dirt late models where he excelled. He was an excellent pavement racer as well. Larry found an open dirt car ride with Ben Leyba, unfortunately a large field in August of 1977 and a drying race track caused him to miss the show. Later in life Moore became a winning crew chief helping JStin Allgaier to his Allen Crowe 100 win at Springfield in 2006.

Emmett Hahn: The father of the Chili Bowl was an accomplished sprint car and NCRA championship dirt car driver by the time August of 1982 rolled around. Hahn was entered in the 22nd Bettenhausen 100 but struggled in qualifying and had to run the “suitcase” race. He looked to be packing after finishing 6th, however a new “promoters option” got Hahn into the field starting dead last. He managed 18 laps before a piston gave way.

Ron Milton: One of the legends of Springfield Speedway, Milton had laps on the mile during Joe Shaheen’s Super Weekend events. Following the likes of Rex Easton, Allen Crowe and Dean Shirley Milton had a dirt car for the 1983 Bettenhausen 100 courtesy of owner Ron Babb. Unfortunately the car lost the powerplant in practice and Milton never got another chance.

Kevin Whitesides: Whitesides dreamed of Indianapolis running Bill Tempero’s American Indy Car Series, a circuit which used Indy Car chassis with stock block engines. However, an Indy ride had yet to materialize so Whitesides turned to the Silver Crown series as a way to showcase his talents. With sponsorship from Missouri’s tourism bureau Whitesides never got comfortable on the dirt. He missed the Bettenhausen 100 in 1990 and never returned.

Joe Gaerte: Gaerte was an established World of Outlaws sprint car driver by the time he got a shot at the Silver Crown machines. The seat he had was truly a hot one. Jeff Gordon won the Hulman 100 and the 1991 title driving for Fred Ede then left for the Bill David NASCAR Busch operation. Part of the famed engine building Gaerte family, Joe got the ride. He started 25th and finished 27th in his only Bettenhausen 100 appearance.

World of Outlaws “Big 3”: the Dream Event of 1982 just about guaranteed the appearance of Sammy Swindell, Doug Wolfgang and Steve Kinser. However, those three had other shots at the Springfield Mile. Swindell missed the show in 1978 in the Bruce Cogle machine. Wolfgang returned again in August of 1982 to finish the Bettenhausen in 14th. Kinser ran 16th in August of 1983 for Johnny Vance.

And finally, some machines that are noteworthy, such as Rex Mays running the supercharged Winfield 8 (the predecessor of the Novi) on the Springfield dirt and winning. Jerry Miller and Jigger Sirois in the Riley Turbine in 1972 & 1973. Jackie Howerton missing the race in George Bignotti’s Turbo Offy in 1974, then winning the Hoosier Hundred later in the year.

Grandstand ticket sales will be limited to 20% capacity in order to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing. In addition, face coverings will be required, temperatures will be checked upon arrival, and multiple hand washing and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue.

The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will feature the USAC Silver Crown Series in the 59th edition of the event. Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.

TOP-10 REMAIN IN SILVER CROWN TITLE FIGHT ENTERING SPRINGFIELD

By: Richie Murray – USAC Media

Springfield, Illinois (October 13, 2020)………To put into perspective how close the 2020 USAC Silver Crown championship race is, consider this. The last time the entire top-10 of the Silver Crown standings were within 100 points going into the season finale was never.

Never.

This Sunday afternoon’s Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield has a spread of just 63 points between championship leader Justin Grant and 10th place Bryan Gossel. With a maximum 76 points up for grabs on Sunday – 3 for the fastest qualifier, 3 for the most laps led and 70 for the feature winner with a minimum of 13 points available for all feature starters, that means the entire top-10 remains mathematically eligible to win the championship.

The previous closest interval between first and 10th in the standings coming into the final race was 108 points in 1979.

Of course, this season, which has been ravaged by the effects of COVID-19, has seen the shortest Silver Crown schedule since, oddly enough, that same 1979 season, which held three events. Sunday marks the fifth series race of 2020, which has certainly provided less of an opportunity for separation between drivers in the standings.

And, for full disclosure, the point system utilized by the Silver Crown series has varied over the years but has remained practically unchanged for more than two decades, outside of a minor tweak here and there.

Nonetheless, that has created an unprecedented logjam at the top led by Grant (Ione, Calif.), who has a relatively wide 22-point margin for as close as the rest of the field is. Grant, the 2017 Bettenhausen 100 winner, is battling for his first career USAC National championship.

Twenty-two points behind Grant is the all-time Silver Crown king, Kody Swanson (Kingsburg, Calif.), a two-time Bettenhausen 100 winner in 2014-15, who is vying for his sixth series title in the past seven seasons.

Kyle Robbins (New Castle, Ind.), the 2018 Silver Crown Rookie of the Year is 32 points out of the lead in third as is Matt Goodnight (Winchester, Ind.).

Chris Windom (Canton, Ill.), the most recent Bettenhausen 100 winner in 2018, is 33 points out of the lead in fifth. Shane Cottle (Kansas, Ill.), the season opening Silver Crown winner at Selinsgrove, Pa., is sixth, 36 points back.

Seventh in points, Aaron Pierce (Muncie, Ind.) is not expected to compete at Springfield, but Mike Haggenbottom (Levittown, Pa.) is, and is just 50 tallies behind the leader. C.J. Leary (Greenfield, Ind.) is just 56 markers back and has finished 2nd twice this season on the dirt at Selinsgrove, Pa. and at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Bryan Gossel (Fort Collins, Colo.), the top series Rookie in 2020, is 63 points behind the top spot.

Technically speaking, the top-12 are all within the realm of a championship. Bobby Santos (Franklin, Mass.), though he has competed at Springfield once before with an 11th place finish in 2012, will not participate in this Sunday’s race. Patrick Lawson (Edwardsville, Ill.) is 75 points out. However, once a driver is officially signed in at pill draw, regardless of what occurs thereafter, each driver will collect a minimum of 10 “show up” points, thus eliminating Santos and Lawson from championship contention.

For those scoring at home, the feature points system looks like this: 1st-70 points, 2nd-67, 3rd-64, 4th-61, 5th-58, 6th-55, 7th-52, 8th-49, 9th-46, 10th-43, 11th-41, 12th-39, 13th-37, 14th-35, 15th-33, 16th-31, 17th-29, 18th-27, 19th-25, 20th-23, 21st-22, 22nd-21, 23rd-20, 24th-19, 25th-18, 26th-17, 27th-16, 28th-15, 29th-14, 30th on back-13.

In Silver Crown racing on a dirt mile, anything can happen. With the points as tight as they are entering Sunday, every point is valuable in earning the immortal badge of USAC Silver Crown champion for 2020.

Grandstand ticket sales will be limited to 20% capacity on Sunday in order to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing. In addition, face coverings will be required, temperatures will be checked upon arrival, and multiple hand washing and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue.

Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.



USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMP CAR SERIES POINTS: 1-Justin Grant-199, 2-Kody Swanson-177, 3-Kyle Robbins-167, 4-Matt Goodnight-167, 5-Chris Windom-166, 6-Shane Cottle-163, 7-Aaron Pierce-151, 8-Mike Haggenbottom-149, 9-C.J. Leary-143, 10-Bryan Gossel-136.



POINTS DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN 1ST & 10TH ENTERING FINAL RACE OF THE USAC SILVER CROWN SEASON: (1971-2020)

2020: 63 points

2019: 262 points

2018: 297 points

2017: 376 points

2016: 284 points

2015: 295 points

2014: 288 points

2013: 212 points

2012: 128 points

2011: 281 points

2010: 129 points

2009: 142 points

2008: 193 points

2007: 147 points

2006: 332 points

2005: 197 points

2004: 253 points

2003: 311 points

2002: 189 points

2001: 224 points

2000: 187 points

1999: 290 points

1998: 238 points

1997: 226 points

1996: 703 points

1995: 486 points

1994: 564 points

1993: 338 points

1992: 316 points

1991: 294 points

1990: 389 points

1989: 340 points

1988: 389 points

1987: 667 points

1986: 696 points

1985: 478 points

1984: 345 points

1983: 474 points

1982: 249 points

1981: 343 points

1980: 577 points

1979: 108 points

1978: 396 points

1977: 350 points

1976: 180 points

1975: 390 points

1974: 640 points

1973: 350 points

1972: 270 points

1971: 260 points

https://www.facebook.com/TrackEnterp...BATEMAN-SHUMAN COMBINATION PREPARING FOR BETTENHAUSEN RETURN

By Jay Hardin - Track Enterprises Staff

Springfield, Illinois (October 13, 2020)………Fans of the USAC Silver Crown Series know the names Bateman and Shuman very well. Ron Shuman and Randy Bateman were long-time competitors in the big car series and raced against each other numerous times. While both came from different parts of the country both shared a love for the championship dirt cars that has been passed on to family and friends.

Randy passed away in 2017, a victim of ALS while Ron retired a number of years ago. Randy’s wife Patty and brother Mark continue the Bateman Racing legacy while Ron Shuman’s son Casey became the driver of the familiar Bateman number 55. Bateman and Shuman team up again in the rescheduled Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear this Sunday, October 18, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Randy Bateman made his series debut in 1983 and had 60 starts in 27 years as a Silver Crown competitor, mostly on the mile dirt tracks. Randy made his first start at Springfield in 1984 and made the Bettenhausen 100 12 times over the next 30 seasons.

Ron Shuman made his series debut in the late 1970’s and managed to capture the prestigious Hoosier Hundred in 1992. The “Flying Shoe” qualified 3rd in his 1977 Bettenhausen debut and ran 9 times at Springfield with a 2nd place run in 1983. Shuman retired to become the series chief of the California Racing Association, while Bateman continued racing until the effects of ALS forced his retirement after the 2014 campaign.

Casey Shuman made his mile track debut in a second car as a teammate to Shane (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)rum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 2013. He ran near the front until the engine gave way on lap 72. When the Hardy team decided to become a one car team later in the year Shuman was out of a ride, but continued to run sprint cars and midgets.

Patty and Mark Bateman continued the team while Randy battled the effects of ALS. Veteran Brian Tyler took the wheel of the number 55 at the last minute for the 2015 Hoosier Hundred and went from 27th to 3rd at the end of 100 miles. Later that year Bateman racing needed a driver and landed on Casey Shuman who picked up a 7th at Springfield and a 5th at Du Quoin.

It turned out to be a good choice for both parties. Shuman won Rookie of the Year in the Silver Crown division with 4 top ten finished in 9 starts including a 4th at Du Quoin. Shuman and Bateman ran limited schedules in 2017 and 2018. Shuman’s career went in a slightly different direction in 2019 as he took over as series director of the World of Outlaws late model tour. Bateman Racing acquired a new car for 2019 which made its debut at Du Quoin with Jerry Coons, Jr. behind the wheel.

As COVID-19 played havoc with USAC racing schedules this year Bateman Racing planned on taking off the year, however when the reschedule of the Bettenhausen 100 was announced for October 18, Patty and the crew began getting the white, trimmed in red and gold-leaf lettered car ready. She announced Casey Shuman would once again be behind the wheel and feels team and driver have a strong shot at their first victory.

On Sunday, grandstand ticket sales will be limited to 20% capacity in order to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing. In addition, face coverings will be required, temperatures will be checked upon arrival, and multiple handwashing and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue.

The Sunday, October 18 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will feature the USAC Silver Crown Series in the 57th edition of the event. Grandstand capacity is set at 20% and tickets are available online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the Track Enterprises office at 217-764-3200. The advance sale tickets will also save fans a couple of bucks compared to purchasing them at the event.

Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.trackenterprises.com or call 217-764-3200.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...55&oe=5FAE9AB3

SUNDAY’S BETTENHAUSEN 100 THE SEASON FINALE FOR FIRST TIME IN HISTORY

By: Jay Hardin - Track Enterprises Staff

October 14, 2020-(SPRINGFIELD, IL)--Since 1934, the Illinois State Fairgrounds has been host to 100-mile national championship racing. The American Automobile Association and United States Auto Club were the sanctioning bodies for the championship trail, AAA through 1955 and USAC through 1970. USAC continued as sanctioning body for the 100-mile races at the fairgrounds from 1971 through today as part of the Silver Crown Series (Dirt Track Division).

For the first time in history, a championship race at the Springfield Mile is the season finale and will be the scene for crowning a national champion. A 22-point lead for Justin Grant over five-time champ Kody Swanson adds an extra bit of intrigue to the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear.

When Springfield was placed on the 1934 AAA national championship, it was the second of four races to be held. Springfield was third on the schedule in 1935, and second again in 1940. In 1947, the 100-mile race was held in September and 10th of the eleven scheduled events. The latest ever scheduled 100-mile championship race was held in October of 1950, and that event was the ninth of 13 races.

Through the fifties and sixties, championship races at Springfield ranged from around fifth to 19th on the AAA or USAC schedules, but never last. When the Silver Crown Series was formed in 1971, the Bettenhausen 100 was the second event in the new series following the race at Nazareth. In 1973, Springfield would become the season opener for the Silver Crown (Dirt Track) series and would be the season opener on and off until the schedule was expanded in 1980.

Even with Silver Crown Series expansion and the Bettenhausen rescheduled twice to September (1996 & 2014), the 100-miler at Springfield never served as the final event on the schedule. COVID-19 caused a number of twists and turns in the 2020 Silver Crown schedule with Springfield becoming the final event for the big cars. In addition, the October 18 race is the latest date any championship event has been held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Mid-October weather can be most pleasant in central Illinois. The current weather forecast for Sunday afternoon is dry with a high temperature in the upper 50’s. The hottest race day for any championship race came in August of 1983 when the temperature at race time was 103 degrees. The coolest race day actually came during August of 1967 when the weather service at Capitol Airport reported the temperature at 61 degrees.

Tickets are still available for fans wanting the opportunity to watch history in the making at an iconic venue. Pit gates will open at 8am Central, grandstands and ticket office at 11am, practice at Noon, qualifying at 1:15pm, the last chance race at 2:15pm and the 57th running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear will take the green at 3pm. All times listed are central.

To ensure a ticket, fans are encouraged to order online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the office at 217-764-3200. Advance sale grandstand tickets are $25. Grandstand tickets bought on raceday are $30. Grandstand tickets for kids age 11 and under are $10. Pit passes are $35 for USAC members and $40 for non-members. Pit passes can be purchased on raceday or in advance at www.TracPass.com.

The Bettenhausen 100 can also be watched LIVE on FloRacing at https://bit.ly/3frPoW6.

It is RACEDAY at the Springfield Mile. Over 30 entries for today’s running of the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear
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Pits are now open. Stands open at 11. Hotlaps at 12 followed by qualifying at 12:45 and the feature race at 2 PM. TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.
More info at trackenterprises.com.

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