Big Weekend of Racing Set For Anderson

By Kyle Larson
Public Relations

Anderson Speedway has a big weekend of racing activities planned for Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18. The Sunoco Super Series Late Models begin their 2004 season on Saturday night along with the Boss Hogg Pitt BBQ Figure 8's and the McCrocklin Ford & Mobility Legends. On Sunday, the 5th Annual Glen Niebel Classic takes center stage, featuring USAC Valvoline National Sprint Cars, Ford Focus Midgets and INSIGHT ThunderCars on the Figure 8.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Sunoco Super Series begins its season at the Anderson Speedway. The stock car tour came to life at Anderson with the series' first event taking place at the quarter-mile oval in April of 1997. The Late Models have made 33 appearances at the Central Indiana track, with two-time series champion Brian Ross winning nine races. Other multiple event winners include Kenny Tweedy, Junior Hanley, Bobby Parsley and Jim Cooper.

Eighteen drivers have scored at least one victory at Anderson. Eventual champion Bobby Parsley scored his first win at the 2003 season opener en route to his title-winning season. Several local drivers are entered for the Anderson 150 presented by Great Deals including Bull Baker and Brian Rievley of Daleville, Joe Beaver of Noblesville, Jim Crabtree Jr. of Muncie, Jeff Lane of Knightstown, Alan Troxell of Middletown and Rick Turner of Yorktown.

Joining the Sunoco Super Series Late Models on Saturday include the Boss Hogg Pitt BBQ & Catering Figure 8's. Former track champion Mike Riddle Jr. has began his 2004 season on a stellar note, winning the opening two events.

Other early season Boss Hogg Pitt BBQ & Catering Figure 8's strong performances include Mike Perry, who finished runner-up to Riddle in the opener on April 3, and placed sixth in last Saturday's event. Jeff Swinford has recorded two consecutive top-three finishes with Rich Boyer, Shawn Cullen, Larry Swinford and Bobby Long also notching top-five finishes.

The McCrocklin Ford & Mobility Legends season begins with a 25-lap feature. Eric Black captured the 2003 Legends title by a slim margin of 14 points over Rookie of the Year James Robertson. Other top-five performers in the championship standings were Scott McGinley, Mark Sullivan and Daniel Russell.

Aaron Pierce, Tracy Hines and Eric Gordon will try to become the first two-time winner of the Glen Niebel Classic Sunday as the 2004 USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series debuts with a 50-lap race.

Pierce, of Muncie, Hines of New Castle and Gordon, of Indianapolis, are all entered for Sunday's race at the quarter-mile paved oval.

Pierce won last year's Glen Niebel Classic, his initial USAC victory and returns this year in his father's Beast/Chevy. Hines, the 2002 winner, drives for the team who has scored the most victories in USAC Sprint Car history.

Qualifying track record holder Dave Darland is among top challengers hoping for their initial Niebel Classic victory on Sunday. Others include Boston Reid, Jason McCord, Bobby East, Brian Tyler, Dave Steele, Jay Drake, Cory Kruseman, Bud Kaeding, Marc Jessup and Mat Neely.

Honoring one of USAC's most talented car owners and mechanics, Sunday's racing program also features the opening race in the 2004 USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midget Car Series, with a 30-lapper on tap.

On Saturday, April 17, practice begins at 5 p.m. for the Sunoco Super Series Late Models, Boss Hogg Pit BBQ & Catering Figure 8's and the McCrocklin Ford & Mobility Legends. Qualifying is set for 6:30 with the racing program beginning at 8.

On Sunday, the rescheduled Glen Niebel Classic will take place featuring the USAC National Sprints, Ford Focus Midgets and the INSIGHT ThunderCar Figure 8's. Practice is slated to start at 10:30 a.m. with qualifying at 1:15 p.m. and the racing show starting at 2.

Single-day tickets for both Saturday and Sunday are priced $12 for adult admission, $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids five and under.

Advance tickets can be purchased for both the April 17 and 18, with two-day admission priced at $20 for adults. To purchase advance tickets, 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.