From Eldora Speedway
ROSSBURG, OH (July 6) – Tradition is the key word when it comes to the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, and it is that respect for tradition that flocks Sprint Car teams and their following to the hallowed hills of Eldora for the annual July ritual. As clichéd as the crowning of the King has become, it is still a revered moment for that person advancing to the throne and this year’s chase over the weekend of July 15 & 16 has the makings of being one of the most competitive to date.
No one is clearly ruling the roost in Sprint Car racing this year – not even in the World of Outlaw (WoO) ranks, which is the sanctioning body for the Kings Royal.
Established in 1984, with an unheard of $50,000 offer to the winning driver, the Kings Royal features a post race ceremony unlike any other. An oversized throne, a cast of celebrants, a sovereign ruler and the prized crown await the winner of the 40 lap affair around the track known simply as Eldora.
Drivers have been known to downplay the pomp and circumstance, but when they actually accomplish the fete, it is all they can do to contain themselves. Many a grown man has been known to shed tears of joy and excitement.
To date, 147 different drivers have made it into the Kings Royal starting grid, with only 14 drivers actually making it atop the throne.
Clearly recognized as the King of Kings is the defending Kings Royal champion, Steve Kinser. The Bloomington, IN veteran has amassed an incredible seven triuimphs and is the only driver to have started in each of the 27 contests held.
Other drivers with multiple wins include Jac Haudenschild (3), Dave Blaney (2), Joey Saldana (2), Donny Schatz (2), Sammy Swindell (2) and Doug Wolfgang (2), while single event winners include Dale Blaney, Bobby Davis, Jr., Johnny Herrera, Mark Kinser, Don Kreitz, Jr., Daryn Pittman and Jason Sides.
No driver has won back to back Kings Royal.
The celebrated weekend of Spring Car racing kicks off on Friday evening, July 15 with the annual Knight Before the Kings Royal and a doubleheader program featuring the WoO series as well as the NRA (National Racing Alliance) Sprint Invaders. Both series return Saturday evening for another complete program and another chance to visit Eldora’s time honored stage.
Complete information, along with the option to purchase advance tickets, may be found on the track’s website www.eldoraspeedway.com