USAC returns to Illiana Wednesday; Hines, Hewitt score historic wins

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 12, 2001

Tracy Hines and Jack Hewitt recorded historic victories in weekend Stoops Freightliner Sprint Car competition but Dave Darland remained atop the series point standings with consistent performances. The series now heads for this Wednesday night's long-awaited return to the refurbished Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Ind.

A 30-lap feature is scheduled at Illiana, following practice at 4:30, qualifying at 5:30 and prelims beginning at 7. The race marks USAC's first Sprint car appearance at the storied oval since Steve Chassey''s 1980 victory.

Hines captured Saturday night's Indystar.com "Spring Sprint Special" at Indianapolis Raceway Park, continuing his dominance of the .686-mile paved oval which has yielded seven wins in nine starts to the New Castle, Ind. veteran. He passed Jonathan Vennard on the 14th lap and led the rest of the way in his Northside Propane Gaerte/Beast. Jay Drake finished second ahead of Vennard, Darland and Robby Rice.

Jack Hewitt of Troy, Ohio scored his 45th career series victory in Sunday night's 30-lap race at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisc., leading every lap in his Hannig Construction Jones/Beaber to beat Darland, series champion Tony Elliott, Cory Kruseman and J.J. Yeley to the checkered flag. The win tied Larry Dickson for second place on the all-time career list of USAC Sprint Car feature winners. Tom Bigelow, who was on hand to witness Jack's win, is the all-time leader with 52.

Turbines, Inc. fast qualifiers in the two races were Hines (IRP) and Elliott (Sun Prairie). Sunday's race was the first non-winged Sprint car race in the storied history of Angell Park Speedway.

Darland nearly claimed Sunday night's $50,000 bonus posted by the race organizers for any driver who could win both the 25-lap Midget Car and 30-lap Sprint Car feature comprising the "Showdown at the Prairie" doubleheader. Darland won the 25-lap Midget car feature but couldn't catch the high-flying Hewitt in the nightcap.

STOOPS FREIGHTLINER USAC SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Dave Darland 460
2. Tony Elliott 418
3. J.J. Yeley 395
4. Jay Drake 377
5. Tracy Hines 360
6. Robbie Rice 296
7. Bud Kaeding 254
8. Bill Rose 249
9. Derek Davidson 233
10. Dickie Gaines 182

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.