The Tradition Continues With The 60th Pay Less Little 500 on Saturday, May 24

A record number of drivers are expected to compete for the largest purse ever in the 60th Pay Less Little 500 at Anderson Speedway on Saturday Night, May 24. Over $123,000 will be up for grabs in the richest asphalt Sprint Car race in the country.

Several former winners have pre-entered for the event including Eric Gordon, who has won five of the last six events. Other previous champions that have filed entries include defending race winners Brian Tyler, Dave Steele and three-time Pay Less Little 500 champion Jeff Bloom. Local driver Aaron Pierce is also expected to enter the prestigious event.

The format of the 60th Pay Less Little 500 is unique to Sprint Car racing. The starting grid is comprised of thirty-three cars in 11 rows of three, charging to the green flag. Two mandatory pits stops are required during the challenging 500-lap event. Billed as the most entertaining event in auto racing, fans will be filled with anticipation in the most exciting start to a racing event.

The United States Auto Club has designated this historic event as a special sanctioned race. The format, rules and race control are officiated by Anderson Speedway.

Activities for the 60th Pay Less Little 500 kick off on Wednesday, May 21st, with practice beginning at 11:15 a.m. The USAC National Sprint Car Series will compete in the 9th Annual Glen Niebel Classic – Banjo 100 presented by Sam Pierce Chevrolet on Wednesday evening. The Ed Martin Auto Group SuperTrucks will also be part of the Wednesday night program.

First round qualifications for the 60th Pay Less Little 500 will take place on Thursday, May 22, beginning at 1:30 p.m. On Friday afternoon, May 23, the 33-car field will be set with the second round of qualifications. On Saturday, May 24, the 60th Pay Less Little 500 green flag waves at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available for the legendary 60th Pay Less Little 500 at $27 for reserved seating. For more information, contact the Anderson Speedway Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For additional information, contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206 or visit www.andersonspeedway.com.

The 21st Annual City of Anderson Little 500 Festival will kick off with the Tips for Tots program with Gateway Association that begins on May 1. The Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix Go Kart race is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th with an evening with Kevin Spirtas taking place on Saturday, May 10th.

On Sunday, May 11 Bowling for the Boy Scouts will take place at Coopers Sport Bowl. Thursday, May 15th, the Chickens for Charity will be featured at the Anderson YMCA. The 6th Annual AIMS Little 500 Car Show will be featured in downtown Anderson on May 17 along with the Big Wheel Contest at the Cross Street Pay Less. Also on May 17th, the Anderson White Water Run will begin at the Anderson Town Center, a Children’s Carnival and Anderson Idol Contest will be at the Main Street Pay Less, the Little 500 Pet Stop will be at the Cross Street Market Place and the Wine Tasting and auction will be held at the Military Museum. Amusement rides, games and food will occur daily at Applewood Center from May 16-26.

On Sunday, May 18th, the diaper baby derby and WQME / YMCA Antique Car Show are scheduled at the Applewood Center. On Thursday, May 22nd, the Senior’s Day at the Track and Little 500 Black and White Dinner/Dance will be held at Anderson Speedway. On Saturday, May 24, the 19th Annual Little 500 Hall of 500 Inductions will conclude the Little 500 Festival events.

Over one million dollars have been raised for local charities since the festival’s inception. Pendleton Heights Senior, Lauren Dawson, will reign over all of this year’s festivities as this year’s Little 500 Queen. Christine Kennedy will serve as Little 500 Queen’s Court.

For additional information on the Little 500 Festival, visit www.little500festival.com.