By Dick Jordan
One of the most historic racing events in America is the USAC Hoosier Hundred Silver Crown race , which has been held traditionally the Friday night before the Indy 500 since 1953 at the famed Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Past winners include Indianapolis 500 winners A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Jimmy Bryan, Parnelli Jones and Rodger Ward, as well as J.J. Yeley and Jason Leffler.
This yearโs event will be held Friday, May 28th, and teams will be introduced to a fresh format in the 100 mile endurance race. With closer competition and excitement in mind, this yearโs event will feature a planned mid-race stoppage, the first of its kind in Hoosier Hundred competition. Coming on lap 51 of the 100-lap event, a red flag will re-set the race for the final half of the event. This short halting of the race provides an opportunity for teams to work on their machines to prepare for the final run to the checkers, and sets up an exciting return to green-flag action. Upon re-firing cars, the field will align in double-file formation, supplying a second breath-taking roar into the first corner.
Fans can look forward to more than the restart adding a new flair to the event. Additionally, teams who choose to change tires will be forced to start on the tail of the restart field. Tire wear is always a factor in the โHoosier Hundred,โ and the charge of those who take new rubber in this yearโs race will certainly be worth watching.
Qualifying will again set the field, and this will again take place in โgroup qualifyingโ procedure. Each driverโs fastest lap in the session will count as his official time, with the fastest overall earning pole position.
If a red flag comes out after lap 35, it will serve as the planned pause scheduled for lap 51. Teams can adjust their race strategy to also reduce their fuel loads, which has also been a safety concern in recent years.
Shane Hollingsworth of Indianapolis is the defending champion of the โHoosier Hundredโ after leading all 100 miles in last yearโs race from his starting position on the pole.
Tickets can be purchased at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Ticket Office, Ticket Master Locations, or by calling Track Enterprises at 2217-764-3200. Practice will begin at 5 p.m. with Modified Racing at 7 p.m. and the Hoosier Hundred scheduled to start at 8 p.m. For more information go to www.trackenterprises.com, www.hoosier100.com or www.usacracing.com.