From Dick Jordan
Crowds are expected to climb in 2013 for one of America’s most prestigious dirt-track motorsports events – the “Hoosier Hundred,” scheduled for May 23.
Race organizer Bob Sargent, who also organizes Traxxas USAC Silver Crown races at Terre Haute, Ind. plus Springfield and DuQuoin, Ill., is making the major change for the 100-mile race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The change from the previous Friday schedule should allow more race fans to attend the race, minimizing conflicts with May-time activities surrounding the Indianapolis 500, which include numerous Midwestern Sprint car events.
One conflict which will be avoided is the traditional Friday “carburetion day” activity at IMS, which also involves the Freedom 100 for the Indy Lights.
“We’ve thought about this for several years,” says Sargent. “The schedule now dictates that a Thursday night Hoosier Hundred will best serve the participants and race fans and we look forward to augmenting the tradition of this spectacular event.”
The Hoosier Hundred dates back to 1953 and began in September. It moved to May and has been a Friday fixture for many years. This year it’s part of the 11-race Traxxas Silver Crown Championship Series which starts in May and ends in September.
“The 2013 Traxxas Silver Crown Series will include a number of new innovations and events,” adds series director James Spink. “The move to the Thursday slot for the Hoosier Hundred make perfect sense and we welcome it as we continue the great tradition this series has built. The Hoosier Hundred has a rich history and its place in the week prior to the Indianapolis 500 gives it the chance to attract an international audience.”
Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. is the defending winner of the Hoosier Hundred and hopes to be the third driver to win three in a row. Coons won in 2011 and 2012, while Al Unser won four straight from 1970-1973 and Jimmy Brywn won from 1954-1956.