By T.J. Buffenbarger
When I think of the 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway the term “star making event” comes to mind. The 4-Crown is a race where a driver can elevate their status from good to great or great to legendary. This unique event is the only time this year all three of USAC’s national divisions compete during the same program. In addition the change of Friday night’s World of Outlaws program brings the best of winged and non-winged sprint car racing together at the same track on a single weekend. It is also the only time to see breathtaking midget cars blast around Eldora’s high banks exchanging slide jobs or the big Silver Crown cars lumber around the half-mile oval as drivers try to keep the big cars under control for 50-laps.
When thinking of 4-Crown performances of the past it easy to remember Jack Hewitt and Kyle Larson’ sweeping of the USAC features in 1998 and 2011. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., had standout performances at the 4-Crown before heading off to the big time. The 4-Crown is also where the best in midget, sprint car, and silver crown racing shine as Dave Darland, Tracy Hines, Rich Vogler, Steve Butler, and Steve Kinser are among the names near the top of the all-time 4-Crown Nationals win list.
This year’s added attraction is the return of Hewitt to Silver Crown racing on Saturday night driving for 6R racing. Hewitt shook down the car last Saturday at Waynesfield Raceway Park and plans on making his return to the cockpit competitively for the first time since 2002. Hewitt’s 4-Crown sweep is still one of the greatest, if not the greatest, single open wheel short track performance I have ever witnessed. Hewitt has nothing left to prove, but still has been chomping at the bit to race. Hewitt would be an Eldora legend without the 4-Crown Nationals, but the nature of the event is the essence of Hewitt’s ability to go between different cars. Especially at Eldora.
I highly recommend the 4-Crown for a fan’s first visit for Eldora. First time visitors can see everything Eldora has to offer and explore the grounds without the immense crowds of the big summer races. It also gives new fans a chance to move around and try different vantage points you may want to try and reserve for one of those major events in the future.
Some fans lament that the format for the 4-Crown today is not as enjoyable as when the heat races were on Friday and the features on Saturday. Now though you can see two full programs instead of a split show, or if you are only interested in half the weekend only have to invest a single day to the 4-Crown. In addition USAC teams only need to purchase one pit pass for the program instead of two, and it saves on the motel bills for running a one day show over the course of two days.
Through all of the changes, not having a 4-Crown for the Mopar Million in 2003, and the infamous 24-hour crown several years ago. My memory though is mostly full of thrilling moments of great racing through multiple divisions at Eldora Speedway’s most unique event of the season.