By Dick Jordan
Track Enterprises and USAC officials have announced rescheduling of the “Tony Bettenhausen 100,” which was interrupted by rain Saturday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, for Sunday afternoon, September 7.
Rains began to fall as the cars were approaching the “one-to-go” signal is preparation for the 100-mile race on the one-mile dirt oval. Tracy Hines posted the fastest qualifying time to win the pole position, while Kody Swanson, the series point leader who has won all three dirt-track outings this season, had lined up on the outside of the front row in the 24-car starting field.
A complete new program will face competitors at Springfield September 7, with practice at 10 am, qualifying and the 100-mile race on tap at 1:30 pm. Grandstand spectator gates open at 9 am. Tickets and pit passes from August 16 will be honored on September 7. Race fans wishing to secure tickets for the September 7 race can contact Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200 or at trackenterprises.com.
“The Silver Crown Series is going in a positive direction,” says series coordinator Andy Hillenburg. “With race organizer Bob Sargent’s support we are delighted to be able to retain this marquee event for our fans and participants as we continue to strive for the prominence this series deserves.”
The “Ted Horn 100,” round eight of the 2014 USAC Silver Crown Championship series, is slated August 31 at the DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds. The race continues a tradition dating back to 1948.
Kody Swanson will take a 42-point lead over Tracy Hines into the DuQuoin event. Defending series champion Bobby East trails Hines by just 12 points in third.
2014 USAC Silver Crown Standings:1-Kody Swanson-390, 2-Tracy Hines-348, 3-Bobby East-336, 4-Chris Windom-288, 5-Jacob Wilson-240, 6-Jerry Coons Jr.-222, 7-Caleb Armstrong-200, 8-Dave Darland-173, 9-Tanner Swanson-165, 10-Christopher Bell-165.