USAC, Anderson Speedway Make Historic Announcement

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

USAC To Sanction 53rd Annual "Little 500" Sprint Car Race

Officials from the United States Auto Club and Anderson Speedway announced today that USAC would be the sanctioning body for Anderson Speedway's Pay Less / Delco Remy Little 500. The world's richest pavement sprint car race will have an affiliation with USAC for the first time in the event's 53-year history.

One of the keys in developing the relationship was that the Little 500 continue with its open-style rules package. According to Anderson Speedway President Rick Dawson, "USAC realized the unique and special nature of the event, and as a result, the event will see no changes in rules or the nature of competition." Dawson further noted, "for the fans, the racers, and the sponsors, USAC sanctioning the Little 500 will bring the best of both groups together."

"This is truly an historic day in sprint car racing," stated USAC President/CEO John Capels. "USAC and the Little 500 have been independently impacting the world of sprint car racing positively for decades, so we are really excited to work together on this prestigious event."

Anderson Speedway officials have expressed equal enthusiasm over this announcement. "We are extremely excited about this new cooperation between Anderson Speedway and USAC," commented Anderson Speedway Co-Owner R. J. Scott. "From the day when we bought the Speedway in 1997, we have been in USAC's corner all the way. Their involvement in the Little 500 is the natural 'next step' in our relationship. They have been a great organization to deal with in all of our events over the years, and this will just further enhance our relationship." The Memorial Day weekend tradition will become a part of the USAC Schedule, listed as a special, non-points event.

Wednesday, May 23rd will kick off the activities surrounding the Pay Less / Delco Remy Little 500 with open practice during the day, and a Stoops Freightliner National Sprint Car series race that night. Thursday, May 24th will see practice and first round qualifying for the Little 500 where the top 15 qualifiers will be locked in from the 4 lap qualifying efforts. Friday, May 25th will see second round qualifying and traditional bumping as the field will be set for Saturday's 53rd annual Pay Less / Delco Remy Little 500 sanctioned by USAC. New to this year's activities will be a non-qualifiers race held on Friday night.

The Little 500 is a "one of a kind" 500-lap sprint car race that features Nascar-style pit action, complete with push-trucks working under green flag conditions. The total purse for racing activities surrounding the Little 500 exceeded $120,000 in 2000, and that figure is expected to be even higher for this year's event. Last year's winner, Jim Childers from Florida, pocketed over $35,000 in cash alone.

Text Provided By Dick Jordan

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