USAC: Hines adds 'Tony Hulman Classic' trophy to his collection

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 22, 2001

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. added the "Tony Hulman Classic" trophy to his impressive mantle Saturday night, winning the 31st annual Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car race at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track.

Hines caught early leader Eric Burns on the 16th lap and led the rest of the way in his Hannig Construction machine to beat Tony Elliott, Kevin Briscoe, Greg Dillion and Terry Pletch in the 30-lapper on the 1/2-mile dirt track. The win boosted Hines to fifth place in the new series standings.

The Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car Series continues this Wednesday night with a 50-lapper at the Anderson (Ind.) Speedway, a prelude to Saturday night's 53rd Annual PayLess/Delco Remy "Little 500," also sanctioned this year (for the first time) by USAC. Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio closes out this week's busy Sprint car activities with a complete program of Stoops Freightliner racing on Sunday night, including a 30-lap feature.

Dave Darland, seventh at Terre Haute, holds a four-point lead over Elliott going into Wednesday night's racing program, which opens with practice at 3:30 pm. Qualifying begins at 5:45 and racing starts at 7. Qualifying for the "Little 500" is slated for Thursday and Friday and Saturday night's 500-lap race starts at 8 pm. Sunday night's Eldora activities begin with practice at 6:30 pm and qualifying at 7. The first race starts at 8 and the feature is 30 laps.

Hines was the Turbines, Inc. fastest qualifier at Terre Haute and trailed Burns for the first 15 laps before making his winning move. Bud Kaeding won the "qualifying race" and Darland, Jason Knoke, Jerry Coons, Jr. and Robbie Rice won heats. Terry Pletch won the semi.

Bill Baker of Indianapolis, Ind. suffered a concussion when he flipped over the turn three guardrail during qualifications.

STOOPS FREIGHTLINER USAC SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Dave Darland 335
2. Tony Elliott 331
3. J.J. Yeley 298
4. Jay Drake 261
5. Tracy Hines 252
6. Bill Rose 222
7. Derek Davidson 191
8. Robbie Rice 190
9. Dickie Gaines 182
10. Bud Kaeding 181

Text provided by Dick Jordan

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