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TRACKS: Bloomington Speedway Open Practice Has Big Turnout

30 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
BLOOMINGTON, IN--More than 100 race cars tested the red clay oval of Bloomington Speedway this evening. Mike Miles had the track very well prepared; and all of the competitors had several opportunities to test their cars under typical racing conditions. While the event paid no points, the practice should give those participating in the practice an edge in getting their season started.

Any car scheduled to compete at Bloomington Speedway during the season was eligible to participate in this open practice; and several bombers and mini sprints showed up to practice even though they will only make limited appearances at Bloomington Speedway this season. As you might expect the bulk of the participants in the practice came from the three classes running regularly at Bloomington Speedway - Non Winged Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, and Indiana Super Stocks.

One family showed up in force for the practice. Bud Cunningham showed up with two sprinters and three drivers. The family patriarch, Bud Cunningham, won the 1996 UMP Modified championship and was the Sprint Car Rookie of the Year in 1997. He plans an all out assault on the Sprint Car Championship this season. And, as if that werent enough for him to attempt, he will be fielding a car for his son, Josh, to make a run for the Sprint Car Rookie of the Year title. His other son, Mitch, will be running his first season in a Sprint Car in yet another machine. The cars are red and are numbered 43, 53, and 63. Watch this family effort during the coming season.

Text provided by Tim McKinney

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.