By Dick Jordan
Kevin Thomas Jr. of Cullman, Ala. was one of three drivers to record seven AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car victories last year. But there’s another 2013 victory he’ll try to repeat March 15 when the 17th “Fun at Fastimes” three-hour indoor karting enduro unfolds in Indianapolis, Ind.
Thomas took fifth in the 2013 AMSOIL standings after stringing together three consecutive wins on two separate occasions, one during the popular “Indiana Sprint Week.” On March 15 he’ll be among 10 USAC drivers who will anchor teams competing on the spectacular two-level “Fastimes” road course located at 3455 Harper Road in northeastern Indianapolis.
Thomas will be joined as team captains by Jon Stanbrough, Jimmy Parsons, Patrick Bruns, Chase Barber, Billy Wease, Dave Darland, Hunter Schuerenberg, Dillon Welch and J.T. Stapp. Darland (2000), Stapp (2005) and Wease (2012) are also former “Fun at Fastimes” champions.
Teams are being finalized, the teams participating for prizes in the event which is organized by the USAC Benevolent Foundation and sponsored by the Tony Stewart Foundation and benefits injured or needy participants and their families with ties to USAC and the Indy Racing League. 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 17th year for this worthwhile event,” says USAC Benevolent Foundation Executive Director Bill Marvel. “This event and the Annual Womens Charity Golf Tournament held each May have raised nearly a half million dollars.”
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 Billy Wease (2012).
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, 7921 Pineywood Ct., Indianapolis, IN 46214.
A drivers meeting and team pictures precede the 12:30 pm green flag on March 15. 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 Friday, March 7, so those wishing to participate are urged to call the numbers listed here.
Fun at Fastimes is located near 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.