From Eldora Speedway
ROSSBURG, OH (March 17) – When Eldora Speedway kicks into action over Easter Weekend (April 2 & 3) with the Coca Cola Spring Classic, it only seems fitting that the non-winged Sprint Cars of the United States Auto Club (USAC) will be the feature attraction. Honoring the memories of legendary Jud Larson and Don Branson, the 2010 lid lifter will mark the 49th consecutive season of USAC Sprint racing at Eldora.
Since their initial appearance on April 22, 1962 when Stan Bowman etched his name into the record books, the Indianapolis based sanctioning group has staged 177 Sprint races on the notorious high banks of Eldora, with 69 different drivers making their way into victory lane.
While winged Sprint groups continue to prosper in growth, USAC has steadfastly opted to stick with the traditional concept of wingless racing. And at Eldora this concept has provided more chill, spills and thrills than a scrapbook can contain.
Says USAC Director of Competition, and former driver, Jason McCord “you know what they say, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Non-winged Sprint Car racing remains as one of the purest forms of grassroots racing and we are forever grateful that Earl Baltes (founder of Eldora) had the vision to test the USAC waters back in 1962. From that day forward, it has been memory after memory, with some of most legendary names in open wheel racing chasing for a USAC win at Eldora.”
Jack Hewitt, who practically grew up at Eldora, heads up the win list with 13 triumphs, while multi-time USAC champion Larry Dickson sits in second place with 9 wins. Tracy Hines, who remains active on the USAC trail, joins Duane Carter in a tie for third place with 7 victories.
The balance of the win list reads like a who’s who in racing, with renowned names like Mario Andretti, Roger McCluskey, Jan Opperman, Steve Kinser, Johnny Rutherford and of course, current Eldora Speedway owner and two-time NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart.
It’s a combination of that rich history and the desire to conquer Eldora that attracts not only the veterans but the ‘young lions’ in the sport.
Continues McCord, “it’s always a thrill when the young ‘show no fear’ drivers hit Eldora for the first time. They talk strong during the driver’s meeting, but when it comes to track time, the name Eldora sticks in their mind and they show instant respect. Eldora has a reputation of reaching out and biting even the most experienced drivers and the young guys feed off of that respect. But when they turn that respect into conquer, it’s amazing to watch the celebration”.
Jerry Coons, Jr., who currently sits second in the 2010 cumulative points chase for USAC is anxious to hit the famed Darke Co. clay oval one more time. He is coming off of two Eldora wins in 2009 and is hoping that the momentum will carry into this season and help him close the gap between current points leader Damion Gardner.
As USAC and Eldora draw nearer to their Golden Anniversary, the history books will gain yet another chapter with the April 2 and 3 Coca-Cola Spring Classic.
The doubleheader weekend will feature the UMP (United Midwestern Promoters) Modifieds on Friday night and the Stock Cars on Saturday night.
Complete event information may be obtained by visiting the track’s website www.eldoraspeedway.com.