After the pavement car sat for 5 years, in 2014 we dusted off the car and decided to run the Little 500 again. The decision was made after Bryan Clauson asked if we were interested. Using his tremendous talents and the crew working extra hours , while running the entire USAC National Sprint Car Series, we were able to sit on the pole and led the race before being taken out twice by lapped cars. I have always wanted to win this race and when the opportunity presented itself to have Kody Swanson in the car , we decided to give it another go. We look forward to working with Kody and ripping off fast pit stops once again” said Richard Hoffman, President and owner of Hoffman Racing.
Kody Swanson added “ Last May was my first attempt at the Little 500. It was such a great event to compete in, and I’ve been looking forward to going back ever since. Hoffman Auto Racing is one of the most storied teams in open wheel racing, and their reputation for professionalism and preparation is unmatched in our sport. I’m excited to return to the Little 500, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be driving the HAR #69.”
Kody Swanson from Kingsbury California, started his career with the United States Auto Club by winning the USAC Western Sprint Car Championship in 2005. While racing, Kody continued his academic pursuits , graduating as high school Valedictorian in 2006 and graduating Magna Cum laude as a President’s Honors Scholar from California State University Fresno in 2010. Later that year, he was named USAC’s Most Improved Driver after scoring his first win in the Silver Crown Series. Since then, Kody has collected a total of 12 Silver Crown victories , tying him for 7th All-Time and the last two series championships. In addition to racing Kody and his wife Jordan have welcomed their first child, Trevor Michael and continue to work at Alt & Witzig Engineering in Carmel Indiana.
Highlights of the team’s history include: -1929-1960 Gus campaigned Sprint Cars and Midgets, his drivers included Eddie Sachs, and Don Branson – 1964 Gus’s son Richard became co-owner of the Team – 1973-1984 HAR fielded Indy Cars, including 7 Indy 500 starts – 1989 HAR won the first of 10 USAC National Sprint Car Championships with Rob Hoffman as the crew chief (’92,’93,’96,’97,’99,’02,’04,’08,’14)
With 93 USAC National Sprint Car wins and 10 National Championships, HAR has won more National races and championships than any other team in USAC sprint car history. HAR also has 7 Silver Crown wins for a total of 100 USAC National wins. In 2003 HAR was recognized for excellence by the Ohio State Senate and House of Representatives. HAR has finished in the top 3 in USAC National Sprint Car owners points 19 times since 1989.
Drivers from the past 86 years reads like a who’s who of racing: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Tracy Hines, JJ Yeley, Kasey Kahne, Kenny Irwin Jr, Rich Vogler, Dave Darland, Johnny Parsons Jr., Tim Richmond, Jay Drake, Brian Tyler, Robbie Stanley, Eric Gordon, Steve Butler , Jerry Coons Jr. Ryan Newman, Dave Steele, George Snider, Tom Bigelow Shorty Templemen, Don Branson, Eddie Sachs, Bill Puterbaugh, Elmer George, Pancho Carter, Roger Ward, Andy Michener, Kyle Larson and Brady Bacon. In all approximately 131 drivers have competed in the Hoffman cars. Of those there are four father/son combinations , Dick and Dickie Gaines, Jim and Tracy Hines Kerry and Dave Norris, Clark and Shorty Templemen. Two brother combinations, Larry and Steve Cannon, Pancho Carter and Johnny Parsons Jr. HAR also had a stepgrandfather and stepgrandson combination of Elmer George and Ed Carpenter.