By Mike O’Leary
May 20, 2011 – With more racing action mile-for-mile in the Hoosier state this month than any other state at any time of the year, big events are plentiful. For those who enjoy sprint cars, the headliner this weekend is the King Of Indiana Sprint Series at Lawrenceburg Speedway on Saturday night. Many of the top drivers from the Midwest, and other areas, will be unloading in the pits of the 3/8th mile oval in the Southeast corner of the state.
Hunter Schuerenberg and Tracy Hines have already notched victories at Lawrenceburg this year, and with his win at Bloomington Speedway a couple weeks ago, Brady Short leads the KISS point standings. But there are plenty of other drivers who will be accounted for before the final checkered flag waves. Jon Stanbrough has five KISS championships, and considers Lawrenceburg one of his best tracks. Dave Darland is teamed with Daryl Tate and Dan Roberts for this season and are always in contention for the win. Chris Windom and Casey Shuman have also been strong. And while no one knows exactly who will show up, it always includes top drivers from the local area, as well as the best from around the state. That is the whole premise of the KISS series.
Saturday’s KISS program at Lawrenceburg Speedway is a special event, Youth Sports Night at the Races. Any youngster who is a youth sports player and wears their uniform will receive free admission. The action begins with hot laps at 6 pm. The pit gate opens at 4 o’clock, and general admission at 5. Admission tickets are $15, youngsters 7 – 12 are just $7, while those 6 and younger are admitted free. Pit passes are $30. The program will include UMP modifieds and AMSA mini-sprints. Information and directions can be found on the web at www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com.
KISS events pay $2,500 to win, $250 to start the feature and the B-Main pays $100 to the first six drivers who do not transfer to the feature and $50 to all remaining B-Main starters. Drivers draw for heat race starting positions, and features will be 30 laps. Under KISS guidelines, each track is responsible for conducting the event in accordance with their track rules. The $3,600 point fund awards the top five point finishers, with $1,000 going to the 2011 King of Indiana Sprints. For the fifth year, Sprint Car & Midget Magazine is sponsoring the KISS Champion’s helmet, with original artwork by Van Horn Tint & Accessories.
2011 KISS SCHEDULE
May 6 Bloomington Speedway Brady Short
May 13 Gas City I-69 Speedway Rain
May 21 Lawrenceburg Speedway
June 19 Tri-State Speedway
June 25 Paragon Speedway
June 26 Kokomo Speedway
Current KISS Points: 1. Brady Short 230, 2. Bobby East 225, 3. Jon Stanbrough 220, 4. Dave Darland 206, 5. Shane Cottle 202, 6. Jerry Coons Jr. 194, 7. Casey Shuman 190, 8. Bryan Clauson 187, 9. Chris Windom 184, 10. Robert Ballou 181