16TH FUN AT FASTIMES MARCH 9 IN INDY

usac United States Auto Club 2012 logo

usac United States Auto Club 2012 logoFrom Dick Jordan

USAC’s annual “Fun at Fastimes” three-hour karting enduro in Indianapolis, Ind. is scheduled for Saturday, March 9. Teams are being formulated, with USAC veteran drivers again scheduled to anchor the teams participating for prizes in the event which is organized by the USAC Benevolent Foundation and benefits injured or needy participants and their families with ties to USAC and the Indy Racing League.

Changes in the format have been executed to provide for a more competitive atmosphere, with 10 teams again facing the green flag. Unlike in the past, however, a maximum of eight team members are required, with no less than five serving as drivers. A total of $800 is the mandatory donation for inclusion as a participating team, with additional donations encouraged and appreciated.

“This is our 16th year for this worthwhile event,” says USAC Benevolent Foundation Executive Director Bill Marvel. “It’s helped the foundation generate over $700,000 in total grants since its inception.”

Former team captain or co-captain champions of this event include: Tracy Hines (1997, 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2008), Ted Hines (1998, 2001, 2003 and 2004), Kent Christian (2004 and 2007), Kevin Besecker (1997), Tony Elliott (1998), Johnny Parsons III and Stevie Reeves (1999), Dave Darland (2000), Dickie Gaines and Bobby East (2002), J.T. Stapp (2005), Levi Jones (2006), and Billy Puterbaugh Jr. (2007). Jerry Coons Jr. and Shannon McIntosh (2010), Bobby Santos III (2011) and Nick Richards (2012). The event was not held in 2009. Last year’s championship team also included USAC drivers Mario Clouser, Billy Wease and Donnie Adams.

Individual and team entries are available by contacting Bill Marvel, event coordinator, at 606-787-0243 or 859-749-0646 or billmarvel@gmail.com. Individual entry fees are $100 per driver, with the entrant being assigned to a team of his/her choice.

Entries will be available at the USAC offices in Speedway, Ind. and brochures are being mailed to over 200 potential participants. Entries must be mailed to Fun at Fastimes, c/o Bill Marvel, 4966 KY 49, Liberty, KY 42539.

A drivers meeting and team pictures precede the 12:30 pm green flag on March 9. Registration is scheduled from 11 to 11:45 am and the mandatory drivers meeting is at 12 noon. The minimum age for competitors is 16 and drivers 16 and 17 must have liability waivers signed by parents to compete.

Medals will be awarded for championship performances and a special team award is also planned for the winning team. Entries officially close at noon on Wednesday, March 6, so those wishing to participate are urged to call the numbers listed here.

Fun at Fastimes is located on the southeast corner of 96th Street and North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis, Ind., one block north of the North Keystone exit from I-465, next to Woodland Bowl.