Record Purse Up for Grabs in 58th Pay Less Little 500 on Saturday, May 27

By Kyle Larson
Public Relations Director

A record number of drivers are expected to compete for the largest purse ever in the 58th Pay Less Little 500 at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, May 27. Over $122,000 will be up for grabs in the richest asphalt Sprint Car race in the country. 2005 winner Eric Gordon bagged over $28,000 for the prestigious victory last May.

Several former winners have pre-entered for the event including Eric Gordon, who has won the previous five events. Other notables that will be part of the 2006 running of the Pay Less Little 500 include defending pole winner Tom Fedewa, former Anderson resident Brian Tyler and 2004 runner-up Aaron Pierce. California’s Tony Hunt, who has finished in the top five in three of the last four events will also be involved in the event.

The format of the 58th 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 58th Pay Less Little 500 kick off on Wednesday, May 24, with practice beginning at 11:15 a.m. The USAC National Sprint Car Series will compete in the Sam Pierce Chevrolet 50 on Wednesday evening.

The 58th Pay Less Little 500 round one pole qualifying will take place on Thursday, May 25, beginning at 1:30 p.m. On Friday, May 26, the 33-car field will be set with the second round of qualifications. On Saturday, May 27, the 58th Pay Less Little 500 green flag waves at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available for the legendary 58th 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.

The 19th Annual Little 500 Festival will kick off with Anderson Mayor’s Cup Bicycle Race, set for April 29 and 30. The Tips for Tots program with Gateway Association begins on May 1. The Joey Martin Concert will take place on Friday, May 5 with the Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix Go Kart race scheduled for Saturday, May 6.

On Saturday, May 13, a brand new event to this year’s festival will include the Ice Cream Social, taking place at Nichol Ave. Pay Less. The 500 Laughs - A night of Good, Clean fun is also set for May 13.

On Thursday, May 18, the Chickens for Charity will be featured at the Anderson YMCA with the Paramount Theatre presenting Racing Through Time Luncheon on Friday. May 19. A large number of events are planned for Saturday, May 20 including the Pay Less Big Wheel Races, Anderson Idol at Pay Less on 29th Street, Mini Mini Marathon, Little 500 Pet Stop at Speck’s Pet Supply, Little 500 Car Show and Grunewald Wine Gala.

On Sunday, 21, the Pay Less Diaper Baby Derby and Riley and Son’s / WQME Antique Car Show will take place. Additional Little 500 Festival events include the Senior Citizen’s day at the Track and the Little 500 Black and White Bar-be-que & Dance on Thursday, May 25.

For a complete listing of events for the 19th Annual Little 500 Festival, visit www.little500festival.com.