Record Purse Up for Grabs in 57th Pay
Less / Remy International Little 500

By Kyle Larson
Public Relations

Anderson Speedway and Little 500 Festival officials cancelled the Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 Race and Festival press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon due to the forecast of heavy rain.

A record number of drivers are expected to compete for the largest purse ever in the 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, May 28. A record purse of nearly $123,000 is scheduled to be awarded in the richest asphalt Sprint Car race in the country. 2004 winner Eric Gordon bagged over $27,000 for the prestigious victory last May.

Several former winners have pre-entered for the event including Eric Gordon, who has won the previous four events. Other former winners that will compete in the 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 include three-time champion Jeff Bloom and all-time pole leader Dave Steele.

California’s Tony Hunt, who finished in the top five the previous three events and was the 2002 Rookie of the Year will also be involved in the 2005 event. Last year’s runner-up Aaron Pierce, Texas’ Paul White, Levi Jones of Illinois and Indiana racers Jason McCord, Brian Tyler, Tracy Hines and Tony Elliott have also pre-entered for the 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500

The format of the 57th Pay Less / Remy International 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 designed this historic event as a special sanctioned race. The format, rules and race control are officiated by Anderson Speedway.

Activities for the 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 kick off on Wednesday, May 25, with practice beginning at 11:15 a.m. The USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series will compete in its Central Indiana Chevy Dealers 50 on Wednesday evening.

The 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 round one pole qualifying is set for Thursday, beginning at 1:30 p.m. On Friday, the 33-car field will be set with the second round of qualifications. On Saturday, May 28, the 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 green flag waves at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available for legendary 57th Pay Less / Remy International Little 500 at $25 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 Little 500 Festival includes activities such as the Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix go-cart race in downtown Anderson on the first Saturday in May, a comedy night, children and family activities, a 5K Fun Run/walk, a '50s street party/dance and much more.

Tips for Tots at all Anderson Pay Less Stores begins on May 1, kicking off the Little 500 Festival in May. Other events include 500 Laughs, a good clean fun at Millcreek Center in Chesterfield, Madison County Shriners Parade and a night at Anderson Fine Arts Center on May 14, events at Paramount Theatre and Bowl’s For Kids Safety on May 20.

The final week of the Little 500 is full of activates with May 21 events including 5K Run/Walk scheduled at Shadyside Park, Big Wheel Race at Cross Street Pay Less, Bicycle Safety Fair at Main Street Pay Less and the Little 500 dance and classic cruise-in at Anderson’s new Town Center located downtown.

On Sunday, May 22, a pair of events are scheduled with the Antique Car Show and Model Airplane Fly-In at the Payless on Scatterfield Road and the Baby Derby Race. On Thursday, May 26, Chickens for Charity is set for the YMCA and the Free Senior Lunch will take place at Anderson Speedway sponsored by Community Hospital, Key Bank and Pay Less.

For more information on the Little 500 Festival, visit www.little500.org.